Changing your car’s oil is a foundational part of routine maintenance. Oil protects your engine from wear and tear by minimizing friction as you drive. Over time, oil collects dirt and grime and becomes too dirty to lubricate an engine’s various parts. Heat builds up. Parts wear down. And if not corrected, can lead to total engine failure.
But there’s an easy way to prevent all that: relying on an oil change service to do the job correctly the first time. Many oil change service shops design their oil changes to be as simple as possible – drop off your car and pick it up a short while later. Keep in mind that not all oil changes are created equal.
Some shops prefer the in-and-out method. They provide based services like replacing the oil and filters as needed.
Other shops use this as an opportunity to look at other parts that may be impacting your drive. This can alert you to potential problems before they escalate.
Of course, if you want a full service oil change, it’s important to go with a service you can trust. Will they provide you with a realistic look at how well your car is operating? Or are they just trying to grow their profits?
What to look for in a full service oil change
Many auto repair shops advertise complimentary services with an oil change. For you, it’s a good place to start when trying to find a shop you can rely on for bigger jobs in the future.
Yes, a competitive price is important. But you should look beyond that to the services they provide. There can be a vast difference between shops; they may charge you more after your car is in and being serviced.
You should also pay attention to the technicians. Do they hire experts? Are staff members friendly and approachable? Do they take the time to explain the services being performed on your car? Or are they more get-you-in-and-get-you out?
Do they leave an impression and make you want to do business there again?
Full service provides an array of services
Many oil change services provide oil and filters. They consider the rest of the car someone else’s responsibility.
Full service oil changes provide more complimentary services. Such as:
- Draining and refilling with motor oil
- New oil filter
- Lubrication if needed
- Inspect and top off all fluids, including transmission fluid, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, battery water, and differential fluid
- Tire air-pressure check
- Engine light check
If there’s a problem, the technician will alert you to the fact, provide options, and ensure your car is safe and ready to drive once again.
Why regular maintenance is essential to your car’s longevity
Your car may seem like it’s always ready for the next drive … until it isn’t. Just like us humans need regular check-ups to stay in tip-top shape, your four-wheeled friend needs some love, too.
Regular maintenance keeps everything running smoothly, prevents minor issues from turning into big, wallet-draining disasters, and ensures you’re not stranded on the roadside with a smoking engine.
Think about it as an investment in your car’s longevity and your peace of mind. Oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks – they may seem small, but they add up to a reliable and efficient ride.
Plus, staying on top of maintenance can actually save you money in the long run by nipping potential problems in the bud before they snowball into major repairs. Saving you money and ensuring many more miles of smooth cruising.
What is an oil and filter change?
An oil and filter change is like a spa day for your car’s engine. Imagine your car’s engine is the heart of the operation, and oil is its lifeblood. Over time, as you rev up and roll on down the road, that oil gets dirty and loses its effectiveness. That’s where the oil change is necessary.
During an oil change, the old, worn-out oil is drained from the engine, making room for a fresh batch. And it’s not just about the oil – the oil filter gets swapped out, too. The oil filter is designed to keep out dirt and debris that could cause trouble. As it does its job, it clogs, so replacing it is key to maintaining a healthy engine.
This tag team of fresh oil and a new filter ensures your engine stays lubricated and cool, running like a well-oiled machine – literally! It’s a relatively quick and straightforward procedure, but oh, does it make a difference in keeping your car’s engine humming happily along. It truly is one of the easiest ways to keep your car running.
How often should oil be changed?
If you do any searching, you’ll discover this is a heavily debated question!
The frequency of oil changes depends on a few factors, like the type of oil you use, your driving habits, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. As a general rule of thumb, many experts suggest getting an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, it’s always a good idea to consult your car’s manual because it holds the ultimate wisdom about your specific vehicle.
If you’re using synthetic oil, you might be able to stretch that interval a bit, as synthetic oils tend to last longer. Some modern vehicles equipped with advanced engine technology and synthetic oils can go 7,500 miles or more between changes.
If you’re a frequent road tripper, stop-and-go city driver, or you tow heavy loads, you might want to err on the side of caution and stick to the lower end of the mileage spectrum. The key is to stay mindful of your driving conditions and the type of oil your car drinks – it’s all about keeping that engine purring contentedly for miles to come!
Not quite sure? That’s where it helps to have a trusted technician on your side. They can help you set up an oil changing plan that works for your lifestyle and the way you drive.
Isn’t that what an auto repair shop should do – be your trusted advisor to keep your car going for as long as you own your car.
That’s what we strive for. That’s our goal for every customer who brings their vehicle in for servicing.
How can we help you?