Who do you trust to oversee your vehicle’s service and repair needs? Rather than waste valuable time searching for a local garage to handle an oil change near me, turn to our incredible team for a rewarding service experience that guarantees the partnership of a lifetime. What does that partnership look like? Fortunately, it begins now.

We’re here to help you get the most from your vehicle by ensuring it runs great every mile and adventure ahead. Our certified technicians are talented and passionate about sharing their expertise, especially during a routine service like an oil change that guarantees your engine has everything it needs to run its best. But before you venture to our service center, what should you know about oil changes and why are they essential?

A Scorching Environment

You likely don’t spend much time thinking about how your engine works. Instead, most of us press the ignition button or turn the key, turn on the radio, and mindlessly venture from Point A to Point B. Yet, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes when the engine is running.

An internal combustion engine relies on small explosions to convert the energy from burning gasoline into the power needed to move the wheels on your vehicle. The process starts when you turn the ignition, and the battery kickstarts the engine before the alternator takes over. Engine components, like the pistons and valves, move in an intricate choreography to mix and compress air and fuel before the spark plug fires to create an explosion. This explosion forces the pistons down and generates power, leaving the burned gasses to exit via the exhaust.

This basic movement happens thousands of times a minute as you navigate the road. As expected, the environment inside the engine is scorching and prone to dirt, dust, and other debris. The harsh conditions make the engine susceptible to overheating, corrosion, and extreme wear and tear.

Oil’s Pivotal Role: Clean, Cool, and Lubricate

Life under the hood of your car is scorching and dirty, but it would be even harsher without oil. Your engine relies on high-quality oil to create the ideal operating conditions. So, what do those conditions look like, and why is oil essential?

First, oil is a lubricant for your engine and its many moving parts. The oil ensures the pistons, valves, and other components move seamlessly together, which increases efficiency. Without oil, the parts would be forced to work harder to do the same job and burn more fuel.

Now, as oil lubricates, it also mitigates excessive heat. Imagine rubbing your hands together to warm them up in the winter. This heat is the result of friction, which is great for your hands but can be detrimental to your engine and its already harsh working environment. Thankfully, the oil does double duty as a lubricant and coolant to prevent the engine from overheating.

Lastly, as the oil lubricates and cools, it also cleans. The engine is prone to dust, dirt, and other debris, which can lead to corrosion and cause faster wear and tear. Fortunately, oil is an excellent cleaner and picks up this dirt and debris as it passes through the engine. This debris is then trapped in the oil filter. Because of this, routine oil changes should always include an oil filter change to keep it from clogging up.

Signs It’s Time for an Oil Change

Now that you understand the essential role oil plays in how your vehicle operates, what’s next? It’s critical to recognize the signs that it’s time for an oil change. Fortunately, those signs are easy to spot when you know what to look for.

Oil Life Indicator

Seeing the oil change indicator on your dashboard is the easiest and most obvious indication that it’s time for an oil change. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced oil life monitoring systems that continuously monitor the quality and volume of the oil relative to your driving style and the conditions. The oil life indicator typically shows as a percentage, like 60% of oil life remaining. When this percentage declines to a certain point, the indicator triggers a light on the dashboard, which means it’s time to bring your car into our dealership for an oil change.

Strange Smells and Odd Noises

You can also trust your senses to determine if your vehicle needs an oil change. For example, you may notice a burning smell or see smoke from the exhaust pipe as you drive. These indicate the oil isn’t effectively doing its job, which means your engine is working harder than usual. You might also notice the engine is louder than normal, which is a sign that there isn’t enough quality oil to lubricate the parts.

Beyond strange smells and odd noises, knowing how to check the oil with the dipstick can also help determine if it’s time for an oil change. You can pop the hood and locate the oil reservoir. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean on an old towel before reinserting it. Then, remove the dipstick, noting the level of the oil and its color and texture.

Declining Fuel Economy

Have you noticed that you’re spending more on fuel but aren’t logging more miles? A declining fuel economy is a telltale sign that it’s time to have the oil checked. Because it acts as a lubricant, the oil helps optimize the engine’s efficiency. Without the right volume or quality of oil, the engine works harder and burns more fuel, requiring you to pay more at the pump.

Routine Oil Changes: What You Can Expect

Once you know oil’s vital role in how your engine operates, it’s easy to understand why routine oil changes are essential. But what can you expect during this service? More importantly, how do our technicians go above and beyond to ensure your time is well-spent and your vehicle is in the best hands?

Our routine oil changes include multiple services that maximize your time and ensure your vehicle has everything it needs to run optimally. Your dedicated service technician will start the oil change by using a lift to raise your car and locate the oil pan, draining the old oil and replacing the filter before lowering the vehicle and adding new oil. The process is straightforward, but our work doesn’t stop there.

While your vehicle is on the lift, we’ll conduct a multipoint inspection and rotate the tires to promote even tread wear and extend their longevity. A multipoint inspection gives insight into your vehicle’s current condition, with our technicians assessing the major components, like the battery and tires, and noting areas that need immediate or future attention. This insight makes planning for future repairs more manageable and less overwhelming.

Schedule an Oil Change Today

Is your vehicle due for an oil change? Whether the oil life indicator is glaring back at you on the dashboard or you’ve checked the dipstick to find old, gritty oil, oil changes are more convenient when you trust our team. We respect your time and value your trust in us, showing as much by operating with integrity and transparency to ensure your vehicle has everything it needs to run great every mile down the road. These values define our lifetime commitment to you, guaranteeing you have an automotive partner always ready to handle your service and maintenance needs with a smile.