October 20, 2019
Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among Gahanna drivers, your vehicle manufacturer publishes two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should Gahanna drivers follow? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Are most of your trips less than four miles/six kilometers around Gahanna?
Are most of your trips less than 10 miles/16 kilometers in below-zero Ohio temps?
Are most of your trips off-highway in Ohio?
Do you drive often in dusty Gahanna areas?
Do you regularly tow a trailer or carry heavy loads around Gahanna?
Do you drive in very hot or very cold Ohio weather?
Think about your typical week. Do you live by your nearest Gahanna on-ramp and enjoy a non-stop commute? Or, do you drive the neighborhood car pool in stop-and-go traffic on Gahanna surface streets?
Let's suppose your owner's manual says the severe service oil change recommendation is 3,000 miles/5,000 kilometers and the standard recommendation is 5,000 miles/8,000 kilometers. You know that you need to change the oil somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 miles/5,000 and 8,000 kilometers. Analyze your driving patterns and Gahanna weather and road conditions to determine which end of the spectrum you're closer to.
Why should Gahanna residents care about this? Normal condensation causes moisture accumulation in the engine oil. Short trips around Gahanna or winter driving means that the engine doesn't heat up enough for the moisture to evaporate. The water in the oil turns to oil sludge that clogs up your engine and doesn't let the oil protect it adequately. That's why Ohio residents need to change their oil more often – to clean the sludge out before it causes problems.
Carrying heavy loads (with or without a trailer) in Ohio summer weather causes your engine and transmission to run at higher temperatures and with more stress. The fluids will break down more quickly. Additives that clean and prevent corrosion will be depleted sooner. Air pollution and dust cause fluids to get dirty faster. Ditto for filters. All of these things can lead to premature wear and eventual repairs. If you want some expert advice, talk with your friendly and knowledgeable Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna service advisor. We can help you restore your vehicle to good working order and help you know the best schedule to follow.
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Gahanna
614-337-8080
115 N. Hamilton Road
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
http://www.tuffygahanna.com

January 18, 2026
At one time or another, most drivers honk their horn at someone who might be texting at a stoplight or not paying attention when they're driving. But what happens when you tap on your horn and all of a sudden it won't quit? Everyone's looking at you like you're an angry jerk and all you want to ... More

January 11, 2026
As you know, todays vehicles rely on a lot of computers in them to keep them running clean and efficiently. Those computers depend on information delivered by several sensors throughout the engine and exhaust system. And one of the most important is the oxygen sensor. Known as the O2 sensor f... More

January 4, 2026
You might remember a hit TV sitcom that was set in a bar, a place where "everybody knows your name." The idea, of course, is people feel more comfortable where they aren't just another customer among many; they're special because their relationship goes back a few years. That comfortable relat... More