How to Choose The Right Oil for Your Car
August 30, 2021
The type of oil you pick is dependent on certain factors. Those factors include the age of your vehicle, your driving style, and the climate you’re driving your vehicle in. Read more to find out which specific oil is right for you!
The 4 Car Filters and When to Replace Them
August 12, 2021
Every car has four different filters: air filter, cabin filter, oil filter, and fuel filter. All of these filters enable flow and catch impurities to ensure that your engine is running efficiently and safely. That means you need to know what they do, where they are, and when to replace them if you want your car running smoothly and safely. Continue reading to find out!
What Does Black Exhaust Mean?
August 5, 2021
We’ve all seen it before: a stream of black smoke exiting the exhaust pipe of a car or diesel truck. It’s easy to spot when coming from the vehicle in front of us. Yet, it’s most important to understand what this means to properly maintain our own vehicles. What is black exhaust? Continue reading to find out!
What To Do When Your Car Engine Overheats
July 15, 2021
So, you've noticed steam or smoke coming from beneath your car's hood; the thermostat is in the red; there is a strange smell emanating from the car, or perhaps you're experiencing all three! This means your car engine is overheating. Now, what should you do first? Read below to find out!
Gas Myth: Gas Mileage Drops As a Vehicle Ages
June 24, 2021
Have you found yourself fueling up at the gas station more often than ever before? There’s a good chance that your vehicle’s fuel economy just isn’t what it once was. It’s possible you’ve heard that gas mileage drops as a vehicle ages, but is that nothing but a myth? Continue on for a detailed answer from HSO!
The 8 Most Common Leaks That Come From Your Car
June 10, 2021
It happens at the most unexpected times. There you are, running your errands without a care in the world, when you suddenly notice some type of liquid emanating from beneath your vehicle. The mysterious puddle of fluid that stains the ground sends a bolt of panic through your heart. What’s leaking from your car – and where? HSO has your back. Keep reading to learn about the 8 most common types of leaks, how you can identify that mystifying liquid, and what you should do about it:
Gas Myth: All Brands of Gas Are the Same
May 24, 2021
Everyone chooses their go-to gas station for several different reasons. It could be close by, have an amazing selection of snacks and drinks, or even offer the cheapest gas around. Let’s take a look at that last one for a second. Why is it that your gas station is always cheaper than the one down the street? Isn’t gasoline the same everywhere? This is a myth that HSO has cracked – not all brands of gas are the same! Here’s why:
What Is Hydraulic Fluid and Why Is It Important?
May 12, 2021
From assembly lines to your favorite roller coaster and the brakes in your car, hydraulic systems can be found everywhere if you look closely enough! These amazing systems help plow the snow that accumulates on roads in the winter, allow us to brake behind the wheel at red lights, and ensure that airplanes work correctly and complete their journeys safely. While the components that make up these hydraulic systems should be celebrated, they would be practically worthless without one crucial part: hydraulic fluid. What exactly is hydraulic fluid? What does it do and why should you care? Learn all about this unsung hero and how it affects our daily lives!
How to Correctly Dispose of Vehicle Fluids
April 27, 2021
All vehicles rely on several variations of fluids to be able to operate efficiently. What happens, however, when it’s time to change them on your own? The last thing you want to do is pour a potentially flammable or toxic fluid down the drain. It’s important to know exactly what to do with old oil and coolant, along with used transmission and brake fluid. Continue reading to learn more about how to correctly dispose of vehicle fluids.
Advantages of Using Heavy-Duty Solvents
April 15, 2021
There have been times in all of our lives when we ask ourselves the question – “When will I ever use this information in real life?” That’s especially true when you think back to high school classes like chemistry and topics like solvents. If you’ve now found yourself working with oils and lubrications on a daily basis, those lessons might actually come in handy! Before discussing the advantages of using heavy-duty solvents, let’s talk about what a solvent is in general.
Gas Myth: Will a Clean Air Filter Result in Better Gas Mileage?
March 23, 2021
When you were a young driver learning the ropes behind the wheel, there were probably several pieces of advice that your parents passed down to you. Don’t use the cruise control when it’s raining. Always wear your seatbelt. Use your turn signals, even when there’s no one else on the road. Another piece of advice you might have heard is to make sure your air filters are clean so you’ll get better gas mileage. But does that bit of guidance still stand true? Find out below!
What Happens if Coolant and Oil Mix?
March 11, 2021
In order for an engine to run efficiently, there are two main types of engine fluid that must be carefully monitored over time. These are coolant and oil. Each serves its own purpose so they are intentionally pumped into an engine separately. Coolant flows through a system of hoses while oil travels through a series of valves. So what would happen if these liquids were to somehow be mixed? It could damage the overall health of your car. Continue reading to find out more from HSO.
Gas Myth: Fueling Up in the Morning Saves You Money
February 25, 2021
Everyone has their own lengths that they would go to for saving a few bucks on just about anything. Some people see it as “cheating the system” while others say that they have a strategy to “beat the system.” Let’s say someone you know tells you that they started waking up at 5 a.m. in the morning to save money on gasoline. While you’re welcome to take their word for it, HSO still recommends that you do your homework before setting an alarm clock. Here’s more on the myth vs. the facts and how to actually save money on gasoline:
How to Choose the Right Oil Filter
February 11, 2021
Have you ever heard the popular idiom “too many cooks in the kitchen” before? Well, that’s what it can feel like when choosing replacement parts for your vehicle like an oil filter. The first recommendation you get may come from a friend. Then you remember to check the owner’s manual and it says otherwise. Finally, you get to the store and a worker tells you that your car requires a different oil filter again. It’s enough to drive you insane – or right to this blog about choosing the right oil filter. Since you’re here now, let’s dive into this topic.
Gas Myth: Using Cruise Control Saves Gas
January 28, 2021
There are those who have a need for speed, others who prefer to be overly cautious, and then there’s the person who always drives on cruise control. Each of these people will all need to refuel at some point, but who will be the last one to the gas station? Maybe you’ve heard this line before – using cruise control saves gas. Is it just a myth or could it be a fact? Continue reading to learn more about cruise control and fuel efficiency from the fuel delivery experts at HSO.
The Importance of an Oil Change in Winter
January 14, 2021
No matter what season it is, automobile owners should pop open the hood of their vehicles every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or every 6 months, to check the engine’s oil. Why is this especially necessary in the winter? Engines tend to have a tougher time starting up as the temperature drops and still need to be properly lubricated at all times to run efficiently.
3 Reasons Not to Top Off Your Gas Tank
December 18, 2020
Even though the average American driver is used to filling up on gasoline every couple of weeks, that dreaded “E” always seems to pop up out of nowhere. You’re either sitting in your driveway wondering if you should break out a gas can or on the road praying that you make it to a gas station in time. No matter how stressful running on empty can be, there is typically enough fuel left in the reserve for the trip. When you do arrive, it’s understandable to want to fill that gas tank to the brim. So why not top it off when the pump shuts off? Here are 3 good reasons why you shouldn’t:
How to Choose the Right Antifreeze for Your Vehicle
December 3, 2020
Since the weather outside is quickly dropping, now is the time to get prepared. Think of all the not-so-fun possibilities that occur revolving around your vehicle during winter - scraping ice, using jumper cables, and figuring out why the engine isn’t running. Let’s take a closer look at that last one for now, as you very well might just need to add a little antifreeze.
Premium Gasoline’s Effect on Gas Mileage
November 19, 2020
Premium means to be of exceptional quality. One of the places you’ve probably seen this term used the most is at a gas station. It’s the more expensive option that you always find yourself wondering if you should spring for. You might even think that it increases your vehicle’s gas mileage. Is that a fact or a myth? Continue reading to find out more about the effects of premium gasoline.
Gas Myth: Leaving the Engine Running While Pumping Gas
November 5, 2020
While fueling, have you ever considered starting your engine back up to see exactly what the fuel gauge shows? Has it been incredibly cold when you’re out of gas and you want the heater on as you wait for a full tank? Before you even think about leaving the engine running while pumping gas, continue reading. It’s not a myth that this action could result in a fire or worse, an explosion.
Gas Myth: Does Cooler Weather Really Affect Gas Mileage?
October 22, 2020
Can you feel it? The cold chill of autumn is finally in the air, which means that winter is slowly but surely approaching. As the days grow colder and shorter, you'll probably find yourself moving around more sluggishly. Guess what - so will your vehicle. But does that mean that wintry weather truly has an affect on your gas mileage? Let's take a more in-depth look at this pervasive wintertime myth!
Gas Myth: Does Gas Expire?
October 8, 2020
Has it been a while since you’ve hopped in the car and gone for a drive? Are you ready to retire your lawnmower as winter creeps closer? If so, you might be thinking about your gas and wondering if it has a shelf life. Let’s take a closer look at gasoline, what it’s made up of, and what you can do to make it lastl
A Tale of Two Vehicles: The First Gas-Powered Automobile
September 22, 2020
Don’t you hate it when you come up with an ingenious idea, only to have someone else beat you to the punch and patent it first? That’s sort of what happened with the invention of the automobile. Travel back in time with us to Germany, just before the turn of the 20th century, and watch this tale unfold between two men who worked on the same problem without even knowing it!
Gas Myth: Driving Until Your Tank is Empty
September 10, 2020
Here’s an interesting piece of advice that you’ve probably received over the course of your life – drive your vehicle until the tank is empty to save money. It’s not too crazy of an idea since frequently fueling up on gasoline appears to be more expensive. But is it a fact or a myth? HSO explains why it’s not completely true:
Which Fuel Should You Use in Your Boat?
August 27, 2020
Who says summer is over? There’s still plenty of adventuring left to do, especially out on the water! Grab your sunscreen, a drink, and a few of your favorite snacks and head on over to your boat for some maritime merriment! If you find that you need to fuel up your boat first, though, you’ll definitely want to do that before embarking on your latest quest for fun. The question is, which fuel should you choose? If you’re a first-time boat owner, this can be tough to answer. Make your journey easier by reading all about which fuel to use here!
6 Safety Tips for Properly Fueling Boats
August 13, 2020
There’s still time this summer to break out your boat or even to talk your friend who owns a boat into taking you out for a ride. If you didn’t already know, boats are powered by fuel – not water. Fueling up a boat isn’t too much different from your car, but there are extra precautions to take. Here are 6 safety tips for properly fueling your boat.
What Are C-Stores Like in Other Countries?
July 23, 2020
Pop quiz: what do you call the place that sells a wide variety of convenient goods, fast food, and sometimes gasoline? Your answer may depend on where you live. While most of us know these amazing little pieces of heaven as convenience stores (or c-stores for short), calling it that in other parts of the world may earn you a puzzled or bemused expression from those around you. If you’ve ever wondered about what convenience stores are like in other countries, you’ve come to the right place!
Stay Safe! Don't Do These 3 Things with Gasoline in Your Yard
July 16, 2020
There’s no doubt about it – gasoline helps us accomplish so many tasks every day. From helping you get to your destinations to allowing you to complete some much-needed yard work, gasoline makes our lives easier and more convenient. It does, however, have its limitations; in fact, there are certain instances in which you should never use gasoline. Stay safe and smart by following these handy tips in and around your yard:
How Gas Stations Store Fuel
June 25, 2020
One of the most important services you can do for your vehicle is finding a reliable gas station. What makes one reliable? It’s all about their ability to constantly supply people with fuel each day. While it’s hard to tell where that fuel comes from, multiple gas stations across the U.S. have been doing it the same way for years. Here’s how:
5 Ways C-Store Owners Can Improve Gas Flow in the Forecourt
June 11, 2020
Gas stations are miniature thirst-quenching oases for the weary traveler or daily commuter. Your customers stop by in need of fuel, hoping to get back on the road and to their destination as quickly as possible. When gas-ups are slow, however, consumers can become frustrated, especially in unforgiving weather, and they are very unlikely to return. While certain factors can influence your flow rate, there are a few ways you can determine the cause and fix the issue on your forecourt. Here’s how you can improve your slow gas flow and keep customers happy:
Want to Conserve More Fuel? Try These 11 Tips!
May 28, 2020
We all want to spend more time getting the job done and less filling up at the pump. Unfortunately, a few factors bar many of us from saving more gas: unsafe driving, unorganized trips, and an oversight on vehicular maintenance. If you want to learn how to conserve more fuel, you just need to tweak your driving habits a little bit to notice a big difference! Here are our 11 favorite tips!
How to Increase Your Fuel Efficiency on the Road
May 14, 2020
Here’s the reason people find themselves pulling into gas stations more often than not – their vehicles are not very fuel efficient. How is this possible? Measured in miles per gallon, fuel efficiency is the distance a vehicle can drive compared to how much fuel it consumes. Want to increase your fuel efficiency on the road? Follow these 5 tips:We all want to spend more time getting the job done and less filling up at the pump. Unfortunately, a few factors bar many of us from saving more gas: unsafe driving, unorganized trips, and an oversight on vehicular maintenance. If you want to learn how to conserve more fuel, you just need to tweak your driving habits a little bit to notice a big difference! Here are our 11 favorite tips!
The Different Types of Oil
April 23, 2020
A significant benefit of having a mechanic change your oil is not having to know a single thing about the process – except for how often to change it (at least every 5,000 miles). Let’s say, however, that you can’t visit a professional or you simply trust yourself more. How do you handle this situation? Before learning how to change your oil, educate yourself on the different types of oils. Not all vehicles are the same, so here’s a helpful guide.
8 Smart Ways to Keep Your Convenience Store Clean and Disinfected
April 14, 2020
Maintaining a safe, clean environment in your convenience store has always been important; however, in the face of COVID-19, it is now more imperative than ever. Because of the highly contagious nature of the virus, it is vital that convenience stores take the necessary precautions to keep their customers and employees safe. Here are some easy ways you can keep your store disinfected and continue welcoming employees and visitors into a safe haven.
How EMV Can Positively Affect Your Convenience Store
March 26, 2020
Where would we be without technology? In this modern age of smartphones, digital media, and a host of contact-free forms of payment, life has never been quite so easy and yet, at the same time, complicated. Where complications arise, however, technology evolves to make our lives a bit more convenient, if not more secure. Businesses, too, take the cue to upgrade accordingly in order to protect their customers and themselves. Recently, businesses in the United States – including gas stations and convenience stores – have taken steps to embrace the newest technological shift: EMV.
The Benefits of E15
March 12, 2020
Convenience stores across the nation have recently started making one fuel more available to consumers. In 2011, NASCAR decided to take on that same fuel before it was originally released to the public – E15. This change meant that the sport was leaving racing fuel behind for a greener source and by 2016, tailpipe emissions fell 20%. After driving 15 million miles on E15, NASCAR effectively proved how beneficial the fuel can be for even the most powerful engines. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of E15.
HSO’s Company History: Past and Present
February 27, 2020
It all started with a five-gallon can. On February 12, 1930, HSO was born when Ted Kohler first started supplying coal, stove oil, and kerosene for customers’ homes and farms. After 23 years of business, Elmer and Lillian Mangelsdorf acquired HSO. The company grew well into the 70s with the creation of the I-55 Motor Plaza and Mango Distributing. Sadly, Elmer passed in 1985 and Lillian ran the business with her son David, President, and her daughter Sandra, Secretary/Treasurer.
10 Tips to Help You Run a Successful Convenience Store
February 13, 2020
To many consumers, a convenience store means taking a quick break in getting from point A to point B. It’s a small beacon of respite to refuel one’s vehicle and body with refreshments. It stands as an oasis in the desert of interstates, allowing visitors to stretch their legs, freshen up, and refocus on the journey ahead. While your customers may only visit your store for a few brief moments, you can take steps to make their experience positive and pleasant, increasing your chance for boosted sales in the future. With more than 40 years of experience in running convenience stores, HSO has discovered which strategies are the most effective in bringing in customers and improving your bottom line. Here are our 10 tips to help you improve and make your convenience store a hit.
How to Remove Motor Oil Stains
January 30, 2020
It’s happened to the best of us – oil smudging on our clothes or leaking in the garage. Before working with motor oil, it’s important to understand how tough it is to remove from a surface. It can stain anything from concrete to the T-shirt on your back. That’s why it’s important to use oil drip pans to catch the oil as it leaks. However, if an accident does occur, here’s how to remove the stain:
4 Steps to Help You Get Gasoline out of Your Clothes
January 16, 2020
Whether you’re a mechanic who repairs vehicles or a driver who needs to fuel up at the gas station, everyone spills gasoline on their clothes once in a while. Unfortunately, gasoline is not only odiferous, but it can also wreak havoc on your clothing. If this ever happens to you, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with these handy tips. Here’s how you can get gas out of your clothing:
4 Reasons Why You Should Keep Your Tank Full During Winter
December 19, 2019
Every year when the snow begins to fall, the wise words of your parents echo in your mind as you start your car, shivering in your coat: “Remember to keep your gas tank at least half full in the winter!” But after a long day at work, you see the needle on your gas gauge dip below half, and you absolutely dread getting out in the blistering winds to fuel up. If you’ve ever wondered if you really need to keep your gas tank full, we’re here to tell you that yes, you really should keep your tank topped off, especially in the winter. Here are 4 scenarios you could face if you don’t:
Filling Up with the Correct Fuel: Diesel vs. Gasoline
December 5, 2019
No matter where you go, road trips always result in a visit to a gas station. It does, however, become a tricky situation when you arrive at a fuel pump in the “middle of nowhere.” The confusion generates from the fuel nozzles, their coloration, and a lack of signage. Back at your local station, black identifies gasoline and green identifies diesel. It could be anyone’s guess here, so what would happen if you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle? Read on to learn why you shouldn’t use diesel in a gasoline engine or vice versa.
Gifts for the Gearhead in Your Life
November 21, 2019
As the holidays approach, shopping for others is a must. There are times, however, when you know it will be difficult to find certain people a present. Take the gearhead in your life, for example. Are you less knowledgeable when it comes to cars, engines, or other automotive related items? Home Service Oil has several gift ideas that your gearhead will appreciate, wrapped or unwrapped.
How to Properly Handle Castoff Oil
November 7, 2019
People are not so different from machines. Think of those who enjoy a good workout or run. After a certain point, their bodies start to crave water. That’s how engines feel about oil – which needs to be changed every so often. But what happens to that oil afterwards and what if you are the one who has to deal with it? Let HSO walk you through how to properly handle castoff oil.
7 Reasons Why Your Vehicle Might Smell Like Gasoline
October 24, 2019
Have you ever noticed the smell of gasoline in your vehicle whenever you’re behind the wheel? This unmistakable odor emanating from your car can be distressing; you no doubt are wondering where its origin may lie. There are several reasons why you may be experiencing this, ranging from very minor to major issues that need to be addressed immediately. The odor can even come from places most people wouldn’t even think of inspecting. Read on to learn about 7 reasons why you might smell gas.
4 Valuable Benefits of E85 Fuel
October 10, 2019
How often do you think of the term “renewable” when fueling up a vehicle? Ethanol, which is produced from sugar cane or corn, is one of the renewable fuels made available. Specifically, E85 is a blend of fuel that can prove useful to you and your surroundings. Continue reading to find out 4 valuable benefits of E85 fuel.
What is Wet-Hosing and is it Right for You?
September 26, 2019
If you operate commercial vehicles of any scale, you know that keeping everything fueled and ready to go can be costly in more ways than one. You may have begun investigating various approaches to help you save time and money in your daily operations. That’s where wet-hosing comes into play.
How to Properly Fuel a Sports Car Engine
September 12, 2019
One of the most popular classes of professional motorsport, sports car racing relies on the cars’ toughness, the drivers’ abilities behind the wheel, and the fuel that revs the engines. While the first two factors will help drivers to win a race, fuel is what powers these incredible vehicles. Without it, there is no race – but not just any fuel will get the job done. Read on to find out more about what it takes to properly fuel a sports car engine.
HSO Racing Spotlight: Left-hand vs Right-hand Drive
August 22, 2019
Racing has been an international phenomenon since the 1880s when the first gasoline- (petrol-) fueled internal-combustion engine was invented. In fact, according to Britannica.com, the first race took place in 1895 from Paris to Bordeaux, France, and back. That same year, organized racing in the U.S. came to life. When we look at the sport in today’s world, however, there are multiple differences between European-style racing and American-style. The most obvious is the preference of the left-hand and right-hand drive. In this spotlight, we will discuss both types of drive and how they are utilized at racetracks across the world.
Seasonal Fuel Blends Explained: Summer and Winter
August 8, 2019
If you’re filling up your vehicle with gasoline throughout the summer and winter months, you have most likely never noticed a difference in how your car runs year-round. You have your local gas station operators to thank for that. In fact, there are different blends of fuels based on the season – mainly summer and winter. Why is this? Continue reading for an explanation of seasonal fuel blends.
Why Gas Prices Fluctuate
July 24, 2019
It happens all the time. You stop at a gas station because you think you’re getting the best deal. That’s when you drive down the street and see a gas station with even cheaper gas. Have you ever wondered, “How is that possible?” There are actually many factors that go into why gas prices fluctuate. Keep reading to find out more.
How HSO’s Fuel Delivery Service Operates
July 15, 2019
As an integrated fuel marketer, HSO has found a need to connect with customers on a larger scale. In order to do so, we’re getting back to the basics of what we do by describing our processes. Even though we believe in delivering more for our customers than just fuel, fuel delivery is an important piece of who we are as a company. Our wholesale petroleum products can come straight to you, but how? Here’s how HSO’s fuel delivery service operates: