Service Hours
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Monday
07:30 am - 06:30 pm
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Tuesday
07:30 am - 06:30 pm
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Wednesday
07:30 am - 06:30 pm
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Thursday
07:30 am - 06:30 pm
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Friday
07:30 am - 06:30 pm
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Saturday
Closed
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Sunday
Closed
Welcome to alley automotive of Marshalltown, IA. We are your neighbors, your friends, and members of your community who specialize in auto repair service. We believe that in the business of Auto Repair, "Service is the Difference", and we carry that through everything that we do.
Our primary focus is the ever-evolving needs and wants of you, our valued customer. Vehicles are driving more miles, longer distances, and with greater purpose that ever before. Your vehicle is a huge investment and we understand how important maintaining your vehicle's health is to you and your family.
Our auto technicians in Marshalltown use state of the art tools, equipment, and training to keep up with today's most complicated vehicle management systems. From brakes to batteries, filters to fluids, routine preventative maintance to complex full vehicle repairs and service we have you covered.
Our goal is to deliver quality auto repair service to you and your vehicle.
Welcome to alley automotive of Marshalltown, IA. We are your neighbors, your friends, and members of your community who specialize in auto repair service. We believe that in the business of Auto Repair, "Service is the Difference", and we carry that through everything that we do.
Our primary focus is the ever-evolving needs and wants of you, our valued customer. Vehicles are driving more miles, longer distances, and with greater purpose that ever before. Your vehicle is a huge investment and we understand how important maintaining your vehicle's health is to you and your family.
Our auto technicians in Marshalltown use state of the art tools, equipment, and training to keep up with today's most complicated vehicle management systems. From brakes to batteries, filters to fluids, routine preventative maintance to complex full vehicle repairs and service we have you covered.
Our goal is to deliver quality auto repair service to you and your vehicle.
OIL 101
Oil 101:
Oil is the life blood of your engine and the right oil will extend its life and performance, preventing unnecessary wear on your engine’s internal mechanics. And with today’s engines, having the right oil demands the correct filter for your engine.
More importantly, automotive technologies are constantly evolving and improving. This means that no one type of oil, oil filter, or air filter fits all vehicles. For example, 10W-40, at one time one of the most widely known and used motor oils in the world, is probably not the right one for your vehicle if it was produced in the last 30 years. The technology has changed.
In order to optimally maintain your vehicle, there are a handful of questions to ask yourself when choosing the right oil, but the first one is simple:
Which oil does your vehicle’s user manual recommend for your engine?
Or better yet, ask one of the pros at alley automotive on where to get started.
Why Oil is Important:
Without oil to coat moving parts, engines would immediately seize and break. Nobody wants that. Failing to properly maintain a vehicle with regular oil changes can be a recipe for eventual failure. Motor oil adds the lubrication needed to allow an engine to keep moving efficiently and at peak performance.
Not maintaining and changing oil within your vehicle can significantly shorten the projected lifetime of an engine. Working in conjunction with both the oil pump and oil filter, motor oil performs a plethora of jobs:
- Helps engines stay cool, lowering heat to protect engine components
- Reduces wear and tear
- Moves debris and particles from engine to the oil filter to keep engine clean
- Protects and prevents the corrosion of engine surfaces
- Helps maintain or improve fuel economy
- Facilitates operations of critical components such as Variable Valve Solenoids and Turbo Charger bearings.
The 5 Basic Oils
- 0W-20
- 5W-20 & 30
- 10W-30 & 40
- 20W-50
- 30W
Check your vehicles user manual for the recommended oil for your engine or call us at alley automotive to learn more.
SYNTHETIC VS CONVENTIONAL
Synthetic vs Conventional
Both synthetic and conventional motor oil go through an extensive refining process and contain additives to help achieve anti-wear, friction reduction and long life of the engine.
Synthetics can also be derived from crude oil, and typically generally contain higher quality base oils that are more extensively processed. They often contain different additives than conventional, which are designed for extra wear protection and higher stability to temperature and sheer.
An increasing number of new models and especially high-performance vehicles call for synthetic oil. Here’s why:
The advent of synthetics allows scientists to better tailor high-performance formulations. In general, synthetics are less resistant to break-down, which make them last longer. Thanks to a higher viscosity index, synthetics are also more resistant to high temperatures, and able to flow better in colder temperatures.
What Oil Do I Choose
When it comes to passenger car engine lubrication, there are many different oil viscosities to consider and an almost bewildering array of oil specifications as well. Add to that an abundance of different brands using slick marketing terms, and your average auto parts store or professional technician could easily have an entire wall of products to choose from.
Well don’t worry, choosing the right viscosity is a lot easier than you think. Your vehicle’s engine was designed with a particular oil in mind. The right oil, meeting the requirements specified in your owner’s manual, will maintain the exceptional standards intended by the manufacturer for cleanliness, efficiency, heat and oxidation resistance, and a long service life.
Don't Forget Your Oil Filter!
Having the right oil filter to accompany your chosen oil is also important. There is a lot of undercover technology that goes into the media or filtering material inside your oil filter. Ask us at alley automotive which filter is right for you, we’d be happy to help.
Your oil filters should be manufactured with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship and should meet the minimum OEM requirements for your engine’s oil filtration. Oil filters work to filter dust, dirt, sludge and foreign debris out of your engines oil, keeping your motor running at optimum lubrication. Changing your oil as well as your filter at OEM recommended intervals will help to keep your engine performance up and extend the life of your engine.
Synthetic Oil Filters
Synthetic Oil Filters Synergy is the key word when it comes to Synthetics. If you’re using synthetic oil, why not use a synthetic filter designed to partner with your oil.
Synthetic Oil Filters
Resist sludge caused by oil breakdown
Synthetic oils last longer than conventional oil and you need a filter that is engineered to go the distance. Your filter should be designed to resist premature plugging due to oil breakdown and combustion bi-products that can reduce the volume of oil passing through the filter.
Are engineered with synthetic media technology
Embracing the latest in filtration technology, a good filter will have a synthetic blend media with a synthetic resin coating that traps more dirt, dust, and grime while providing longevity for today’s extended oil change intervals.
Are built for high-grade synthetic oils
Just as today’s engines utilize advanced technology, so do the oil and oil filters that lubricate and protect these new age engines.
Have a silicone anti-drain back valve for extended service life and better cold start lubrication
This provides longer protection and resistance to hardening and cracking. The anti-drain back valve will ensure your engine gets the proper lubrication. This valve goes to work when you shut your engine off by keeping the oil from draining out of the filter. It also allows the engine to receive oil immediately when start-up occurs.