How Canadian Adventurers Can Take the Wheel—Before They Even Start the Engine
Planning your route and choosing your stops is part of the fun of any road trip, but making sure your vehicle is ready to go is just as important. Getting your car road trip-ready is part of the adventure, especially when you take maintenance into your own hands. Whether you’re winding through rugged peaks, cruising past windswept beaches or navigating quiet backcountry roads, a well-tuned vehicle means less stress and more freedom, before you’ve even pulled out of the driveway.
Start Under the Hood
Along with checking fuel levels and stocking the vehicle with essentials like jumper cables, a flashlight and a first aid kit, savvy road trippers know that one of the smartest things to do before hitting the road is checking the oil level. As your engine’s lifeline, motor oil helps your vehicle run smoothly and safely, and this quick check can save you a major headache later, as it can tip you off to hidden issues like internal engine damage or an oil leak.
Motor oil also plays a key role in regulating engine temperature by carrying heat away from the combustion chamber. If oil levels are low or if it’s dirty, your engine is more likely to overheat, especially on long drives or in hot weather. Using trusted products, like Quaker State® Full Synthetic motor oil, gives you confidence in your vehicle so you can focus on the road ahead.
DIY & Drive
Getting hands-on under the hood might feel intimidating at first, but doing your own oil change is an effective way to build car confidence, as it’s a practical introduction to how your vehicle works. As you get familiar with the engine layout and how different parts connect, you’ll be better equipped to ask informed questions, spot unnecessary repairs and avoid getting upsold on services you don’t need.
You Control the Quality
One of the biggest perks of doing your own oil change is having full control over what goes into your engine. While some shops may use lower-grade oil and filters to cut costs, doing it yourself means you can choose high-quality products like Quaker State® Full Synthetic motor oil, which helps your engine run at its best.
Because full synthetic oil holds up better in extreme temperatures, it flows easily in cold weather to protect your engine right from startup and resists breaking down in the heat. That’s a major advantage whether you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic, climbing steep mountain passes or driving for hours under full sun.
Full synthetic oil is also engineered to resist shear under stress and heavy loads, maintaining its viscosity even when your engine is pushed to its limits, especially if your road trips include hauling rooftop tents, kayaks, bikes or a trailer. Conventional oils, on the other hand, can start to thin out under strain, leaving vital engine parts more vulnerable to wear.
Prep Now, Save More, Drive Farther
In addition to giving you more control, doing your own oil change can save you some cash, especially if you already have a few basics on hand, like a drain pan, funnel and a set of wrenches. While full synthetic oil may cost a bit more upfront, it pays off over time since it lasts longer between changes, a plus if you’re racking up the kilometres or heading into remote areas where service shops are few and far between.
How often you need an oil change depends on your vehicle, so be sure to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for oil changes and oil type.
To sweeten the deal, Quaker State is running a national promotion: now through September 30, when you purchase 10 litres of qualifying Quaker State® Full Synthetic at participating locations, you can receive a $15 gift card. That’s savings you can put toward more memorable parts of your summer road trip instead.
This article was sponsored by Quaker State
Don’t just pour motor oil into your car, Energize Your Engine with Quaker State.
