The oil change is a staple in the routine maintenance that contributes to the lifespan of your vehicle. If an oil change was defined at the simplest level, it would describe replacing engine oil, replacing the oil filter, and a visual inspection of the vehicles most necessary components.
Below, you’ll see how we take the basic idea of an oil change and expand on it to provide you with the best value possible. We invite you to explore the links below to discover exactly what makes a Binder’s Automotive Signature Series Oil Change so valuable.
Engine Oil
Engine Oil can be very confusing. There are different weights and API ratings, that essentially mean nothing to the consumer. Our signature series oil change takes the mystery out of the language. We stock and use only the top performing engine oils for the health of your vehicle. Through extensive research and industry-backed data, we choose Mobil engine oils for many of the jobs we face daily. Did you know that more than 70 of today’s top performance vehicles leave the factory with Mobil1 in their engines? Currently, we have 12 different engine oils in stock, with more being added as needs arise. If we do not stock the oil that’s BEST suited for your vehicle, we will find it and keep it on hand for as long as we have your business.
Engine Oil Filters
Battery Testing & Maintenance
Today’s vehicle has more computers and electronics than the first space launch! This is why your battery should be an absolute priority any time your vehicle comes in for service. When a battery is not properly maintained, this puts the entire electrical system at risk of failure which could cause related component damage and leave you stranded. To prevent these unnecessary breakdowns and costly repairs, we test your vehicles battery at every oil change. The average consumer will not be able to recognize the subtle indicators of a battery experiencing low charge. Our specialized testing equipment provides an accurate and comprehensive reading of your battery’s state of charge and overall health. Discount and outdated equipment has been known to actually drain and damage the battery during testing. Routine tests combined with well maintained battery terminals will ensure you’re never left stranded by a faulty battery.
Lube Door Latches & Hinges
Every one of our signature series oil changes is performed with an acute attention to detail – whether it’s your weekend beauty, a daily driver or brand new off the lot. Many consumers are unaware, but replacing hinges and latches can be very expensive. Preventative maintenance is as simple as routine lubrication of those areas, and you can always count on this extra step from Binder’s.
Exterior Light Inspection
Another value added service performed with your signature series oil change is an exterior light inspection. Consumers are rarely able to verify the performance of the exterior lights on our own. More likely, we are told by a fellow driver, OR in the worst case scenario, pulled over and cited. Exterior lights are a major contributing factor to the driver’s safety, and the only time an inspection of these lights are required are during a PA State Inspection. To keep our customers safe, we inspect exterior lights at every oil change.
Power Steering Fluid
Drive Belts
Coolant Condition
Coolant condition is a critical factor in engine, automatic transmission, air conditioning and heater performance. Most motorists do not realize that the engine coolant and cooling system regulates automatic transmission fluid temperature and provides efficient passenger compartment air conditioning and heater performance. If the engine overheats, this means the transmission also most likely overheated. Much like how each engine is designed to perform with a certain motor oil, the coolant that is used in your vehicle can make a huge difference in the vehicles performance and longevity. Using wrong or unsuitable coolant is the most subtle way to sabotage your vehicles health. You could drive your vehicle for months or years before the full effects of incorrect coolant become apparent. One of coolant’s many roles in the performance of your vehicle is to regulate the point at which boiling/freezing can occur. The mechanisms in your vehicle’s powertrain are made up of many different materials including aluminum, iron, magnesium, synthetic rubber, plastic and others. Each of these materials can be compromised by your choice of coolant. Things like gaskets and seals can fail prematurely based on an incorrect coolant formula. Every signature series oil change is another occasion to check on the condition and compatibility of your
coolant.
Automatic Trans Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid is the lifeblood of the transmission. The modern day automatic transmission is far superior to the transmission of yesteryear. As a result, manufacturers have developed hi tech fluids to support this. It is becoming increasingly more common for manufacturers to omit a transmission oil dipstick making a quick inspection of the fluid impossible. Recently, manufacturers claim that transmission service of any kind is never required for the lifetime of the vehicle. While this makes things easier for the manufacturers and their main constituents, the dealers, we have serviced enough transmissions (before and after those warranties expire) to know better. When we see transmission failure of any kind, it’s most often attributed to dirty, deteriorated fluid. To translate the manufacturer’s statement honestly, they most likely mean that no service will be required for the lifetime of the transmission. As common sense would dictate, the lifetime of the transmission is greatly increased by proper and routine maintenance, so we monitor transmission fluid to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Also, most transmissions do not have a serviceable filter making fluid changes even more important. If your vehicle has a dipstick for inspection, we will be able to easily assess the fluid condition and make an accurate recommendation for service. If your vehicle does not provide a dipstick, we will make our recommendation based on your driving habits as well as our experience regarding failure rates with your particular transmission design. Our goal is to provide you with accurate information to help you make an educated decision regarding your vehicle maintenance.
Hose Inspection
Brake Fluid
you are always aware of when brake fluid service is coming due.
Engine Air Filter
Wiper Blades
Tire Inspection
Correct Tire Pressure
Engine Oil Life Monitors
Engine Oil Level
Inspection Results
with a breakdown. Every Signature Series Oil Change includes a straightforward condition report printout for your records. We also store all results directly on your vehicle file for future reference. Each of the components we inspect, receives a letter grade that is easily understood by all.
Example:
A – New or clearly new.
B – Normal wear/condition. No recommendation.
C – Recommend service/replacement within 6-12 months depending on operating conditions. We list this as a “Watch Area” for the Technician to pay close attention to during future service visits.
D – Recommend service/replacement today or asap. Continued operation will cause undue wear or damage.
F – Component or fluid failure. This would indicate the need for immediate repairs for continued safe operation.
All tire tread depths are measured and recorded on the printout.
Any additional notes from the Technician are recorded on the printout.
We always provide pictures of any concerns when possible.
Service Reminders
Roadside Assistance
1. lock your keys in your car
2. run out of gas
3. have a flat tire
4. need a battery jumpstart
5. require towing
Below is a link to a downloadable PDF file explaining our Roadside Assistance Program in partnership with TechNet.
You have many choices when deciding who to trust with your vehicles routine maintenance. As you can see, we provide so much more than just draining the engine oil and replacing the filter. Hopefully you’re asking, why do we do this? In keeping with our Guiding Principles of Leadership, we believe it is our responsibility to care for your vehicle in a manner which lives up to the true meaning of Preventive Maintenance.
Our goal is to provide you with authentic information about the ongoing condition of your particular vehicle which will allow you the opportunity to avoid unexpected vehicle breakdowns and enjoy stress free traveling. Our process will provide you warning before something is required, in order to help you budget your time and money accordingly. We are committed to changing the auto-service experience, but more than that we commit to changing how you view auto repair as a part of your life.
Schedule an Appointment
We seek to make your experience enjoyable and stress-free, so you can leave with a vehicle that’s reliable for your needs. Our qualified automotive repair team are not just considered good mechanics, but the best local auto experts.