Important Reminders For Your Next Oil Change, Maintenance Service

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and most drivers recognize the need for regular oil changes as part of good vehicle maintenance.

Are you getting the most value out of your oil change and maintenance services? What makes getting a professional, quality oil maintenance service vital for the longevity and health of your vehicle?

According to Tony Molla, former vice president at Automotive Service Association and expert mechanic, not all oil change services are the same.

“Full-service centers have certified and factory-trained technicians on staff. They can offer a wide range of maintenance services.

“In contrast, a lube-only facility generally focuses on oil, fluid and filter services. It may offer some minor maintenance services but not diagnostics, which requires a lot of testing equipment and training.”

Additionally, a full-service facility operates a tire center and tire rotation as part of routine maintenance. Tires for most passenger vehicles should be rotated every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) to prevent abnormal wear.

“Not getting tires rotated cuts tread life by more than half,” Molla warns.

The same lube-only shop limitations apply to issues with brake system, battery check and hose inspection. Experienced technicians at full-service facilities can spot vehicle health warning signs, such as worn pads or leaky hydraulic systems.

Overlooking problems during routine maintenance can cause more expensive repairs down the road if neglected or overlooked during routine maintenance.

“Service centers with certified techs are trained in a variety of makes and models,” Molla said.

Some vehicles require synthetic motor oil as standard equipment from the factory rather than conventional, refined motor oil. Synthetic oil may extend service intervals up to 15,000 miles (24,000 km) between oil changes.

Traditionally, oil change services recommendations were for every 3,000 to 5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) of driving. Today, most manufacturers recommend a change every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) for conventional oils.

Ask your service advisor about manufacturer’s recommended intervals for oil change service

Where and how you drive influences oil change frequency: stop-and-go driving, country roads, freeway travel, and driving in extreme environments affect service needs. Let your vehicle service tech know how and where you drive, or if you are planning a long road trip.

• Motor oil recommended for your vehicle can vary from one manufacturer to another. Your vehicle owner’s manual can help you choose the correct type of motor oil for your vehicle.
• Some advanced engines now require highly specialized grades of synthetic oil. An important note: substitutions may cause engine problems. Make sure to ask your service advisor before replacing oil with a different grade.
• Invest in preventative maintenance. Recommendations that show up in a multipoint inspection, such as replacing a belt or hose or tire, can avoid more expensive problems far away from home.
• Get a copy of the technician’s findings. It provides a guide on what systems are fine and what repairs might be on the horizon.

“Certified technicians are trained to spot problems beyond basic oil change and lubrication services,” advises Tony Molla.