Why Oil Changes Are Your Car’s Summer Survival Kit
NaTasha Brand • July 11, 2025
(And Why Skipping Them is a Financial Disaster)
Ah, summer in San Angelo—scorching pavement, relentless sunshine, and the kind of heat that makes you question every life decision that didn’t involve moving to Alaska. While you’re slathering on sunscreen and chugging ice-cold Topo Chicos to survive, your car is silently begging for the same kind of TLC. And no, we’re not just talking about a quick splash of water on the windshield. We’re talking about oil changes—the unsung hero of summer car care.
What Does Oil Actually Do? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just “Lubricating Stuff”)
Motor oil isn’t just some slippery liquid your mechanic guilt-trips you into changing. It’s the lifeblood of your engine, performing multiple critical jobs:
• Lubrication: Without oil, metal parts grind together like a bad first date—awkward, destructive, and eventually catastrophic.
• Heat Dissipation: Oil absorbs and carries away heat, which is extra crucial when San Angelo temps hit triple digits.
• Cleaning: It picks up dirt, metal shavings, and other engine gunk, keeping things running smoothly.
• Corrosion Protection: Texas heat and humidity can accelerate wear, but fresh oil helps prevent rust and sludge buildup.
The Dangers of Low (or No) Oil: A Horror Story
Ignoring your oil changes is like playing Russian roulette with your engine—except instead of a single bullet, there’s a whole clip. Here’s what happens when oil levels drop or turn into sludge:
• Overheating: Oil helps cool your engine. Without it, you’re basically driving a ticking time bomb in July traffic.
• Increased Friction: Metal-on-metal contact = expensive noises followed by even more expensive repairs.
• Engine Seizure: The worst-case scenario. Your engine locks up, your car stops moving, and your wallet starts crying.
And let’s be real—nobody wants to be stranded on Knickerbocker Road in 105°F heat because they thought, “Eh, I can skip this oil change.”
Why Quick Lube Shops Are Killing Your Car (And Your Wallet)
We get it—those 5-minute oil change places are tempting. Fast, cheap, and no appointment needed. But here’s the dirty truth:
• Cheap filters & low-quality oil = poor protection.
• Over-torqued drain plugs & stripped pans = leaks and future headaches.
• Rushed inspections = missed leaks, worn belts, or low fluids that could save you from a breakdown.
Your car deserves better than a drive-thru oil change. It deserves real professionals who treat it like their own.
Ric Henry’s Auto Service: Your San Angelo Oil Change Experts
At Ric Henry’s Auto Service, we don’t just change your oil—we care for your car. Here’s why you should trust us:
✅ Same high-quality tools & equipment as dealerships—without the dealership prices.
✅ Experienced technicians who actually inspect your vehicle (imagine that!).
✅ 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all services—because we stand behind our work.
✅ Full-service auto repair for everything from brakes to transmissions.
Punch-a-Deal: Buy 4 Oil Changes, Get the 5th FREE!
Because we know maintenance adds up, we’re making it easier to keep your engine happy:
Buy 4 oil changes with us, and the 5th one is on the house! Just ask our friendly team about Punch-a-Deal.
Don’t Let Your Engine Die of Thirst
Your car works hard in this Texas heat—don’t punish it with neglect. Keep the oil fresh, the engine cool, and your summer road trips stress-free.
And remember: A skipped oil change today could mean a tow truck tomorrow.
Schedule your oil change at Ric Henry’s Auto Service today—your engine (and your future self) will thank you. 🚗💨
Is your car clicking when turning? Learn the symptoms of a bad CV joint and how Ric Henry’s Auto Service in San Angelo fixes it right with a 3-year warranty.
Wondering why used cars are holding value in 2025? Learn how to shop smart in San Angelo, why a pre-purchase inspection is crucial, and how Ric Henry’s Auto Service can save you from a bad deal.
When it comes to hauling heavy loads in San Angelo, you need a truck that doesn’t just talk the talk—it needs to tow the tow. Whether you’re pulling a horse trailer out to Christoval, hauling equipment for a ranch, or just making sure your bass boat gets to O.H. Ivie Lake without drama, the right truck makes all the difference. We’ve lined up the five best heavy-duty contenders for 2025, compared their brawn, brains, and Texas-sized capabilities. And since even the toughest trucks need expert care, Ric Henry’s Auto Service is here to keep them running at peak performance with dealership-level tools, expert techs, and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all services. 2025 Ford F-350 Super Duty – The King of Consistency Ford’s Super Duty line remains a towing titan, with the 2025 F-350 offering up to 37,000 lbs of towing capacity (when properly equipped). The high-output Power Stroke diesel is a beast, and Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes hitching a breeze—perfect for those tight spots at the San Angelo Stock Show. Why San Angelo Will Love It: Reliable, tech-savvy, and built for West Texas ranchers who need no-nonsense power. 2025 Ram 3500 HD – The Luxurious Workhorse Ram doesn’t just build trucks; they build rolling mansions with Hemi hearts. The 2025 3500 HD boasts a 1,075 lb-ft torque rating from its Cummins turbo diesel and can tow up to 37,090 lbs. Plus, its plush interior means you won’t feel like you’ve been wrestling cattle after a long haul. Why San Angelo Will Love It: Combines comfort with raw power—ideal for those long hauls to Midland or Abilene. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD – The Silent Brute Chevy’s Duramax diesel delivers 910 lb-ft of torque, and the Max Tow Package pushes capacity to 36,000 lbs. The Silverado’s refined ride and updated infotainment make it a great choice for those who want strength without sacrificing daily drivability. Why San Angelo Will Love It: Smooth, strong, and packed with tech—great for both worksites and weekend getaways. 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 HD – The Premium Puller Think of the Sierra as the Silverado’s fancier cousin. With similar specs but more upscale trims (Denali, anyone?), it’s perfect for the San Angelo driver who wants both capability and curb appeal. Why San Angelo Will Love It: Because sometimes you need to arrive at the jobsite looking like you own it. 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro – The Underdog with Bite Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid powertrain won’t out-tow the diesels, but its 11,000+ lb towing capacity and legendary reliability make it a great option for those who want a tough truck without going full heavy-duty. Why San Angelo Will Love It: For those who want Toyota’s bulletproof rep in a powerful, more manageable package. Which Truck Reigns Supreme? If raw towing power is your game, the Ford F-350 or Ram 3500 take the crown. Want luxury with muscle? The GMC Sierra shines. Need dependability above all? The Chevy Silverado or Toyota Tundra won’t let you down. And remember—no matter which beast you choose, Ric Henry’s Auto Service has your back with top-tier repairs, maintenance, and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty to keep you hauling without hassle.
Share On: