In honor of this upcoming Presidents Day, Jiffy Lube of Southern California is offering a discount on our Signature Service and Specialty oil changes. Just present this coupon at participating Southern California Jiffy Lube service centers between now and February 20th and we’ll take care of your oil changing needs and save you some money in the process!
California, especially Southern California, has long had it’s problems with smog and air quality over the years which has resulted in laws being passed to protect our air environment. One of these laws requires that vehicles be given a smog inspection every other year in order to have an approved registration by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Unfortunately, some wait until the moment that their registration due date is up to get inspection and run into problems when they find out that their vehicle needs repairs in order to pass, resulting in a delay. We at Southern California Jiffy Lube have compiled a list of helpful information about vehicle registrations in our state for your benefit.
First off, if your vehicle is less than 6 years old it is exempt from an emissions test however you will be required to pay a mandatory $20 smog abatement fee before you can be registered. There are other exemptions such as:
If your vehicle does not fall into any of the above the categories, you can go on to the California Department of Motor Vehicles website and enter your zip code to see if a smog inspection is required in your county. You can also check your vehicle registration renewal notice which will also inform you of the type of testing station you can take your vehicle to (smog testing station, a test-only station, or a STAR station with higher testing standards).
Should your vehicle pass the smog inspection, the results will be electronically sent to the DMV and you will be given a receipt and a copy of the test results also known as a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR). If your vehicle fails to pass, the station will give you a copy of the report and inform you why your vehicle did not hold up to the test standards. In this case your vehicle will need to be repaired and retested in order to be registered.
Southern California Jiffy Lube service centers offers regular maintenance for vehicles and we’re conveniently located all throughout the Southland. By having us service your vehicle, you can have a peace of mind when it comes to inspection time. We will also perform vehicle safety inspections at selected locations for first time vehicle registrations, along with emissions tests. Let’s partner together to keep vehicles in inspection passing condition and to help keep our air in California clean for us all to enjoy.
Mother nature sure did a number on us Southern California residents this winter producing rainstorm after rainstorm, which of course has been much needed. Since October 1st, the downtown Los Angeles area alone has received up to 13 inches of rain which is a 216% increase than the average amount for this time of year. While this is great for our water supplies, plants, trees, and overall ecosystem – this can put a strain on our vehicles especially if we’re not used to caring for our cars in these conditions, so we’d like to share some helpful tips to keep them in shape during and after a rain storm.
Have Operating Wind Shield Wipers
This is important as wipers clear the windows and give drivers a safe view of the road ahead. With heavy rainfall, wipers are used constantly and can wear easily. The moment you notice that the wipers are not clearing the windshield well, you should have them inspected for cracks, missing pieces, and tears on the rubber squeegee’s. Also, be sure to wipe down your blades to remove dirt, oils, and other things that can cause a build up.
Tire Maintenance
Keep an eye on your tires air pressure. Tires with incorrect air pressure can lead to difficulties in handling and braking – especially during rainfall. Cold temperatures harden the rubber on tires making them more slippery making it even more important to watch the pressure on tires and the treading. Low treading on a tire is extremely dangerous.
Properly Working Brakes
They say that Southern California drivers can’t handle driving in the rain and a lot of that has to do with being able to brake properly during rainfall but braking properly also requires that you have brakes in good condition. Test your brakes to see if they feel soft or spungey – if they do, have them inspected immediately. When driving in the rain, you not only have to brake for speed but also due to other drivers ahead of you who are dealing with the wet roads – and who knows what kind of shape their cars are in to handle wet conditions. What you can do is make sure that your car is in condition during and after a storm.
If you need further assistance in keeping your vehicle in great working condition during this rainy season, stop on by to one of our Southern California Jiffy Lube locations today.
You may not be a big fan of car clutter and that’s understandable. But here are a few “just in case” items we feel you might want to keep in the trunk of your car that won’t drive you clutter crazy. Some are for maintenance, some are for emergency, all are for your convenience. These are just a few more helpful tips brought to you by your good friends over at Jiffy Lube So Cal.
1. JUMPER CABLES
If you’ve ever gone to start your car only to find your battery has died and you don’t have any jumper cables, then you already know how important they are to have. Plus it’s actually much harder than you may think to find someone that has jumper cables that’s willing to help you. up your battery and have you back on the road rollin again in no time. Plus if you keep a set like this one then you can help someone else out as well if they need a jump.
2. AIR COMPRESSOR & TIRE SEALER
If you don’t own a jack or you don’t know how to change a tire then a compressor and tire sealer should be important to you. The tire sealer can seal a leak and the compressor can inflate your tire so you can safely get to the tire shop.
3. DUCT TAPE
Duct tape can be your best friend in a jam. If you have a broken mirror, molding, or a hanging headlight duct tape can help you out. Duct tape fixes aren’t permanent fixes by any stretch of the word but they can come through for you in a pinch.
4. 72 HOUR KIT
Choose a 72-Hour kit that suits you best. You can even put together your own if you’d like. Simply having it in your trunk is the important part. They contain a variety items that can become handy in a hurry should you break down and get stranded without help for a day or two. Whatever you end up choosing make sure it has some basics like a radio, snacks with a 5 year shelf life, solar blanket, and most important WATER! You can get a basic kit for relatively cheap or one with all the extras at a higher price.
5. REFLECTIVE TRIANGLE & FLARES
Reflective triangles and flares are the most effective way to warn others that you are broken down and in need of some room for safety. Flares are key at night as they can provide a much brighter alert for other drivers in an emergency.
6. FIRST AID KIT
In the event of an injury occurring having a first aid kit can make a huge difference. Make sure it has a manual or a guide just in case you’re a little rusty or familiar with the first aid field.
7. FLASHLIGHT
A heavy duty, high quality flashlight is always a must in case of a breakdown at night or if you need to look into an area that has little to no light available. Make sure you keep some fresh batteries in it as well as some extras on hand just in case.
8. MULTI-TOOL
A quality multi-tool will prove it’s worth sooner than later when you come across all the minor fixes you might not think about.
9.EXTRA CASH
If you don’t normally keep cash on hand you may want to set some aside and stash it away. If you need a tow and you don’t have AAA sometimes the only tow help you can get is cash only. In that case not having cash could be a real problem if you were stranded far from home. I would say no less than $40 but, I suggest upwards towards $200 just in case.
10. OLD CELL PHONE
An old disconnected cell phone can still dial 911 or 999 in case of an emergency. Next time you upgrade or get a new phone, keep the old one. Charge it up and keep it turned off in your trunk. You may want to keep a charger with a car adapter with it.
Remember, there’s nothing wrong with adding more items to your own personalized list. The more you have, the more prepared you’ll be. It all depends on what you’re comfortable with. Hopefully you never need any of these items but if you do, you’ll be prepared.
The sight of a “check engine” light can make you cringe. Here’s a list of your top 10 most expensive “check engine” light-related cringers brought to you by your friends over at Jiffy Lube So Cal.
10. Fuel Injection Pump – $2,500
Higher quality fuel and keeping up with regular maintenance will help extend the life of your Fuel Injection Pump.
9.Trnsfr. Case and Torque Cnvrtr. – $2,900
Since this can be a costly fix you want to prevent further damage to your vehicle so do not attempt to drive with a bad torque converter.
8. Hybrid Battery – $3,000
To maximize battery life, minimize use of DC quick charge. If you have a lithium-ion pack you should also avoid fully charging and fully draining your EV’s battery. Lithium-ion batteries prefer a partial cycle rather than a deep discharge.
7. Supercharger – $3,020
The prices for superchargers can really vary. Things can get expensive in a hurry. Be sure to do some research before choosing where and what you’re purchasing.
6. Gas Mass Sensor – $3,043
Symptoms of a bad or failing GMS can include running rich at idle or lean under load, decrease in fuel efficiency, and rough idles.
5. Transfer Case Shift Motor – $3,272
One clear sign of transfer case failure is the total loss of all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
4. Cylinder Head Assembly – $3,575
To prevent this problem from happening again and again, the integrity of the entire cooling system should be tested and inspected when a cylinder head/head gasket is replaced because of overheating.
3. Transmission Assembly – $3,644
When it comes to difficulty on a scale of 1 – 10 this job is a 10. So it’s pretty safe to say that this is not a DIY job.
2. Transmission Replacement – $3,800
Spending the money to ensure the job is done properly is the way to go. Doing it yourself can be done but it can be a difficult task to say the least.
1. Hybrid Inverter Assembly – $4,100
When your inverter fails replacing it can sometimes cost more than the car is worth when it comes to older EVs. You may want to put that repair money towards a new vehicle.
Repairs of this magnitude, as you can see, can get expensive. Be sure to do your due diligence when it comes to choosing your repair shop. If you can’t find a repair shop come on down to your friends at Jiffy Lube So Cal and we can’t help you, we’ll be sure to point you in the right direction.
We all know that holiday shopping can get hectic. Here’s a couple of helpful tips to help you Jiffy Lubers stay safe through it all. From you friends over at Jiffy Lube So Cal.
In Store Shopping
Avoid purchasing more than you can carry on your own. Bring a friend or family member along to help you carry your purchases to your car. If neither are available you can always ask a store employee to assist you.
Avoid taking out your checkbook or credit cards before you are asked to do so. Experienced thieves are expert shoulder surfers when it comes to skimming account information.
When approaching your vehicle have your keys in hand. Before you enter your vehicle check the backseat and around the car just to be safe.
To deter a break in be sure to take all packages directly home if possible. If you can’t take them right home be sure to lock them in the trunk or completely out of site.
Online Shopping
Before you shop online be sure your computer’s security software is up to date. All computers should have a firewall as well as anti-spam, antivirus, and antispyware software installed.
Keep your passwords and personal information secure. Beware of phishing sites who send requests to “verify” personal information. If you didn’t initiate the contact do not respond.
Be very wary of “deals” from unfamiliar sites. What sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.
NYE safety Tips – Jiffy Lube So CalNYE safety Tips – Jiffy Lube So Cal
Hello again New Year’s Eve! Always great to see you this time of year! You are a perfect excuse to let loose with friends and loved ones.
But along with any night of celebration and renewal, you must always keep your safety and the well being of others in mind.
We wanted to share this list of safety tips for your 2017 New Years Eve celebration.
After a long night of celebrations, what better way to be safe than to stay where you are. Remove the temptation of driving home drunk by giving your keys up, asking for a blanket and pillow and sleeping it off. Not only will you avoid a DUI, you may avoid being the victim of a drunk driver. Remember, Buzzed driving is Drunk Driving! Don’t take the chance!
Ever heard of Uber or Lyft? Chances are if you’re the type of person who loves to celebrate just about any occasion, you are already signed up to these services. There are hundreds and thousands of free promo codes for your first ride. All you need is a smartphone, a credit card and your all set. Make sure you sign up for these services before the party! Let someone at the party know when your leaving and check in with someone when you get home.
While this option may not be suitable for some of us, this might well be the best option to take. You could make sure other people are safe and be the NYE hero. Who doesn’t love the DD on a long New Years Night? Plus, your awake and sober and can retell all the funny stories from the night.
Thank you so much for tuning in to another blogisode here on the Jiffy Lube Socal Blog!
Til next time JiffyLubers!
Driving during the holidays is always a task. Who wants to do that? We’ve prepared a short list of suggestions for you to try out while driving this holiday season.
Map it out
Before you leave, where are you going? Pull out your Google Maps & check out exactly where you are headed compared to where you are now. Sometimes it’s an easy straight shot where you hop on one freeway & get off a few miles away. Other times it may take 12 freeway changes to get from your house to your friend’s. (Yes, I am talking from experience.) Know where you are going, & if there are other options that you can change to when the road gets a little rocky.
Add 30 minutes
No matter what, leave early! You never know what type of conditions the road might be in.
Know which way traffic is flowing
Some freeways are always busy, at all times. (Did someone just say the 405 freeway?) But others are very specific on which way the traffic flows at different times of the day. For instance, the freeway by our office has constant traffic, going East only, from 3 pm to 7 pm… every single weekday. I don’t even go near the freeway in that directions during the afternoons. I know I will age just sitting there. It’s just like heading to Las Vegas on a holiday weekend, you know you will be sitting with the rest of SoCal on the 15.
Use a navigation app
There are a ton of app options for you to download straight to your phone that helps reroute you due to traffic changes. Use them. I am not going to lie, I didn’t trust these apps for a long time, but now that I use them, I don’t drive without them. Your arrival time updates as you drive, & they offer new routes when a traffic incident comes up. Which leads me to the final tip:
Don’t be afraid to venture off the freeway
Sometimes taking surface streets from one exit to another can save you from 45 minutes of just sitting in your car. Trust the app when they say a new route is faster. Get off the freeway, follow the annoying voice coming from your phone, lock your doors (I mean lets be real: safety first) & follow the train of cars that are using the app right along with you to save time.
With the holiday season just around the corner, many of you are gearing up for a road trip. Here are a few ideas to help make your road trip safe, fun and efficient.
Road trips can be fun or a hassle. We’ve come up with a few tips to help make the most of being on the road.
You can visit your local Jiffy Lube location for a variety of services before hitting the road. No one wants their vehicle to break down mid road trip.
If possible split the driving among licensed drivers on the road trip
It is recommended to take a break every couple of hours during a long drive. Pull over, get out of the car and stretch to help keep alert and comfortable.
Gas costs can be a big part of a road trip. Calculate miles to be traveled and calculate your gas milage accordingly (you won’t have to make unplanned stops and it will be less likely for you to run out of gas).
Create a play list for the trip with your favorite jams to help keep you alert when driving. Depending on your company, you may have an impromptu karaoke road trip
Bring snacks along for the ride. Snacks can help to rejuvenate you when you get hungry on the road. We recommend snacks that are prepared prior to the tip and are easy to eat and share while driving (i.e. cut vegetables, chips, hard cheeses). Don’t forget the drinks, make sure you have plenty of water, to stay hydrated.
Play a game which involves paying attention to the road. The License Plate game is an oldie, but goodie. Games will help everyone focused on the road and will help pass the time.
In time, basic wear and tear take take a toll on your vehicle. One thing that can occur is the fogging of your vehicle’s headlights.
Water getting into your headlights is a common occurrence and cause the headlights to fog over. Also, when the headlight is cooler than the air inside the headlight housing, moisture can condense inside leaving water on the lens.
Although, this is a common occurrence, there are a variety of ways to clear up the problem at home with basic items you already have in your house. There are a few ways to clean our fogged headlights, including using bug spray, baking soda, or toothpaste. Toothpaste?! Yes, you read that right.
Click here to watch a video to learn how to de-fog your headlights with toothpaste.
According to a 2016 study Southern California drivers are among the worst. Check out what SoCal Cities made the list.
According to a 2016 study conducted by Allstate Insurance of the cities with the worst drivers, a number of Southern California cities made the list, which consisted of 200 cities.
It’s no surprise that Los Angeles made the list at the 8th worst city for drivers.
Although Los Angeles ranked within the top 10, Glendale tops LA by taking the 6th spot.
Other Southern California cities that made the list out of 200 include Fullerton in 13th place and Garden Grove in 14th.
The findings were determined by collision rates and likelihood of collisions in comparison to the national average.
Los Angeles may have a terrible reputation when it comes to driving and drivers, Boston took the top spot for the city with the worst drivers.
If you’re curious, Brownsville, Texas ranked number 1 for the safest driving city.
Weather and other elements can damage the paint and interior plastic of a vehicle. Living in Southern California can take a toll on our vehicle’s paint and interior causing damage, often form the sun. Here are a few tips to help preserve your car:
There is some confusion about how often to change or have the oil changed in your vehicle. Here are a few things to consider in regards to your car’s oil.
It has been previously believed that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles. Doing so may just be a waste of time and money. This practice is outdated and not necessary. There have been numerous advances in engine and oil technology, that the 3,000 mile rule doesn’t apply to newer vehicles. Now, the interval for changing oil can range from 5,000 to 15,000 miles.
Checking & changing your oil regularly will help your car last longer. On the average with newer vehicles, it is recommended to change the oil about every 7,800 miles.
Check your owner’s manual to determine the interval in which it is recommended to change oil in your particular vehicle.
Newer vehicle’s have an oil monitoring system, make sure to follow it and check the oil when needed. Don’t ignore you oil warning light (If you don’t know what the oil pressure light looks like, click here to see what it looks like and other dashboard warning lights).
Use extended-life motor oil. Extended oil is synthetic oil that is designed to last longer than traditional motor oil.
Check out our coupons for oil services at your local Jiffy Lube location here.
Watch a video on how to check your vehicle’s oil, with a Jiffy Lube technician.
Halloween can be a dangerous holiday. There are more people, mostly youth, out walking a night. Here are few tips to help for a safe Halloween.
What are all the dash lights that pop up in your car? Some of them are fairly easy to determine what they in regards to, however some are not. In an attempt to make it easier, here are a few of the lights that you may see on your dash and what they mean.
This is the final installment of a three part series in which we explore those pesky dashboard warning lights. If you missed the first two parts click to read Part 1 & Part 2.
This light indicates that there is something wrong with your antilock breaking system which needs to be addressed and fixed.
The vehicle’s washer fluid is low and should be filled whenever you have the time to do so.
This light tells you that your fog lights are on.
These are just a few of the warning lights that appear on your vehicle’s dashboard. Please see your owner’s manual for other warning lights that your particular car may have or for an extensive explanation of warning lights.
What are all the dash lights that pop up in your car? Some of them are fairly easy to determine what they in regards to, however some are not. In an attempt to make it easier, here are a few of the lights that you may see on your dash and what they mean.
This is part two of a three part series in which we explore those pesky dashboard warning lights. Click here to read part 1.
This light indicates that there is a loss of oil, or that your oil is low and needs to be checked.
Click here to watch a video on how to check your vehicle’s oil level.
If you need an oil service, check out our coupons for oil services.
This light indicates that your battery voltage below normal and that the charging system is not functioning properly.
This light warns you that you are running low on fuel. The light may also contain an arrow which lets you know what side of the vehicle that the fuel tank is on.
Check back soon for the final installment of this article which will include three more dash lights and their meanings.
What are all the dash lights that pop up in your car? Some of them are fairly easy to determine what they in regards to, however some are not. In an attempt to make it easier, here are a few of the lights that you may see on your dash and what they mean.
The check engine light can indicate that a vehicle system (i.e ignition, fuel injection or emission control) is not working properly. The check engine light doesn’t necessarily an emergency with the vehicle, however the vehicle should be inspected soon.
One or more of the tires on the vehicle have low pressure, and need to be checked. Tire pressure should be checked immediately.
Click here to watch a video on how to check tire pressure and tire tread.
Are your tires ready for the rainy season? Click here for some tips to determine if they are.
This light indicates that the vehicle’s engine is too hot. If the A/C is running, turn it off and pull to side of the road to assess the situation.
Check back soon for the next installment of this article which will include three more dash lights and their meanings.
Driving an be dangerous anytime, however driving in the rain is even more dangerous. We’ve compiled a few tips to help keep you safe during this rainy season
Making sure that your car is safe to drive in the rain is very important. A couple things to ensure that your car is safe include: checking tire pressure, checking tire tread, changing wiper blades if necessary, and making sure that your windows and headlights are clean.
Rain can cause the road to be slippery and more dangerous to travel on. With this in mind, drive slow. Wet weather can decrease traction by 1/3. It is recommended to drive 1/3 slower than usual during the rain.
Although, the hands-free laws were recently updated and include more restrictions, taking your eyes off the road during the rain can be extremely dangerous. Don’t use technology while driving in the rain. Click here to get the scoop on the recently updates hands-free law for California.
Hydroplaning happens wen your car is riding on the top of the water and has lost contact with the road. It can be a terrifying experience when driving. When this occurs, steering the vehicle will be difficult if possible at all. It is recommended when hydroplaning to ease your foot off the gas,which will transfer the weight to the front tires, causing the car to regain contact with the road.
With the impending rain plaguing our generally sunny Southern California forecast, it’s recommended to check your tires to make sure that they are safe for driving in the rain.
Since your tires are the only thing between you and the road, it’s important to make sure that they are safe to drive on, especially during the rainy season. Driving in the rain is more dangerous than when driving during the dry seasons. Oil and car fluids can float on top of rainwater on the road, causing it to be more slick.
Here are a couple important things to check in regard to your tires:
A healthy tire should have tread, more than 2 inches deep. An easy way to check the depth is to insert a penny into the grooves of the tire with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see any part of Lincoln’s head, you should look into new tires.
It’s recommended that tire pressure be checked every month. The best time to check the pressure is when the vehicle hasn’t been driven within a few hours. Recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can be found in the owner’s manual or on the label found on the driver’s door jam.
Jiffy Lube Locations also offer tire services. If you need assistance getting your car safe for the rainy season, stop by a your local Jiffy Lube location.
Click here to watch a video for a more in-depth tutorial on how to check tire tread and pressure.
Although Southern California doesn’t see many days of rain, the season for wet weather is upon us. Here are a few tips to keep you safe during the rainy season.
Change your wiper blades
Fresh wiper blades should be changed ever other year. They are relatively cheap and easy to change yourself.
Clean the vehicles windshield, windows, and headlights
Clean windows and windshield will help provide the most visibility when driving in rainy conditions. Also, check to make sure that head and tail lights are functioning properly to ensure your car can be properly seen.
Make sure that your brakes are working properly
It is very important to make sure that your brakes are functioning properly, to help prevent accidents. Have your brakes checked by a mechanic or brake specialist to ensure that they do not need any maintenance.
Make sure that all tires are inflated correctly
On a slippery road, tires are the only thing between you and the road. Properly inflated tires will help prevent swerving while traveling on a red road.
