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. 🚗💨
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