Take 5 Blog

Cold temperatures can significantly impact engine oil, affecting your car’s overall performance. Keeping things running smoothly during winter requires preparation. That’s why choosing the right engine oil for winter is essential—so your car is prepared for whatever comes.

Regular oil changes are one of the most important preventative car maintenance services performed—perhaps the most important. Understanding the pivotal benefits of an oil change can help you make an informed decision about the quality and type of oil you use and how often you have your vehicle serviced. There are many reasons why oil changes are important, from improving engine efficiency to extending the life of your engine. Oil changes purge your engine of contaminants and replace the old, gritty oil with fresh oil to effectively lubricate your vehicle’s many components. In fact, failing to keep up with your oil changes can result in severe and often costly consequences. Today, we take a closer look at the most prominent benefits of an oil change—including why they’re essential and how Take 5 makes it easier than ever to have your vehicle serviced.

Eventually, every driver has to deal with an oil warning light. While receiving the message can elevate your anxiety, there’s no reason to panic as long as you take the appropriate action. What does the oil light mean? Well, you should know two types of warning lights: an oil change and an oil pressure light. Several reasons, such as a clogged filter, low oil levels, or faulty sensors, can cause both. Scheduling an oil change is the best way to keep your car running efficiently and deal with the problems those lights represent. Let’s examine what those lights indicate, the main causes, and what you can do when faced with this situation.

Check under the hood of your car, and you’ll find numerous electrical and mechanical components critical to the vehicle's performance. Among them is the oil filter, and its purpose is to prevent contaminants and dirt from cycling through the engine, preventing a breakdown. But how does an oil filter work? In this guide from Take 5, we’ll deconstruct the inner workings of this essential automotive component.

Did you know the benefits of car wax go far beyond aesthetics? Waxing your car is essential for longevity, maintaining allure, and resale value. Waxing your car can help save you money, too.

Does cleaning your car increase its trade-in value? It's a question that nags us when we're getting ready to sell or trade in our vehicle. We've all been there, staring at a dirty dashboard, wondering if it's worth the effort. After all, cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed. But here's the thing—first impressions matter. While you might not think twice about that layer of dust on the dash or the mud on the hood, a potential buyer might think it points to poor upkeep. The cleanliness of your vehicle could have a more powerful effect than you anticipate. So, let’s dive into how keeping your ride spick-and-span could fill up your wallet.

Although it often gets overlooked, changing the air filter in your car has several benefits. If you want to keep your vehicle up and running, regularly changing your air filter is recommended for optimal results. Neglecting to do so can cause significant damage that is costly to repair.

Oil changes are essential in maintaining your vehicle and protecting your engine. With so many types of motor oil to choose from, it can become challenging for consumers to know what type is best for their vehicles. Fortunately, we’re here to help you understand the differences between the two most common types of motor oil: synthetic oil vs. conventional oil.

Bug splats are a common side effect of driving, especially in certain areas and during the warmer seasons. Driving at night with your headlights on during the summer months will attract even more bugs to your vehicle. When these critters collide with your vehicle, they can damage the paint. Luckily, there are ways to get bugs off your car quickly and effectively. Try some of these best ways to get bugs off a car.

Keeping your vehicle clean is tricky—many areas can gather dust and dirt. One such area is your car windows. Many who try to clean their car windows end up with streaks and soap lines on the glass, which can cause poor visibility. Plus, streaky windows can make an otherwise clean car look disheveled and uncared for. Knowing the best way to clean car windows will not only help keep your car looking sleek and new, but it will also give you better visibility, which can lead to a safer experience on the road.