Oil Changes & Scheduled Maintenance
Fresh oil, a new filter, and a quick look at the parts that wear out between visits.
Engine oil does more than lubricate. It carries heat away from the hottest parts of the engine, holds dirt in suspension until the filter can catch it, and protects metal surfaces during the first few seconds after a cold start, when wear is highest. Once oil breaks down or runs low, those jobs stop getting done well.
- Draining old oil and replacing the oil filter
- Refilling with the oil grade your manufacturer specifies
- Checking and topping off other fluids as appropriate
- Inspecting belts
Common symptoms
- The oil change reminder or maintenance light is on
- It has been several months or a few thousand miles since your last change
- Oil on the dipstick looks dark, gritty, or low
- You smell burning oil after driving
- The engine sounds louder or ticks at startup
We change the oil and filter using the oil type and viscosity your manufacturer specifies, whether that is a conventional, high-mileage, or full synthetic oil. While the car is in the bay, we also check the fluids, belts, wipers, lights, and tire condition, and tell you plainly what looks fine and what may need attention soon.
Scheduled maintenance follows your owner’s manual: things like cabin and engine air filters, coolant, brake fluid, spark plugs, and other items due at certain mileage. If you are not sure what your car is due for, bring the mileage and we can go through the schedule with you before quoting anything.
Every appointment is confirmed with a $100 booking/diagnostic payment (not credited toward the service). The work itself is quoted and done only after you approve an itemized estimate.
Repair labor is $100 per hour for every kind of repair — engine, transmission, electrical, heating and air conditioning, suspension, brakes and everything else. No higher specialty rate and no minimum labor charge. Labor hours are estimated for your specific vehicle and repair and shown on your written estimate before any work starts; we don’t sell flat-rate job prices.
Oil and filter change
Used, sludgy oil and a dirty filter compared with fresh oil and a new filter.
Signs you may need this
- The oil change reminder or maintenance light is on
- It has been several months or a few thousand miles since your last change
- Oil on the dipstick looks dark, gritty, or low
- You smell burning oil after driving
- The engine sounds louder or ticks at startup
- You can’t remember which scheduled services have been done
What the service may involve
- Draining old oil and replacing the oil filter
- Refilling with the oil grade your manufacturer specifies
- Checking and topping off other fluids as appropriate
- Inspecting belts, hoses, wipers, lights, and tires
- Replacing air or cabin filters if you approve
- Resetting the maintenance reminder where possible
Information to have ready
- Year, make, model, and engine size
- Current mileage
- Date or mileage of your last oil change, if known
- Any oil type you prefer or that your manual requires
Questions
How often should I change my oil?
Follow the interval in your owner’s manual or the car’s oil-life monitor. Lots of short trips, towing, and very cold weather count as severe service for many vehicles, which can mean shorter intervals. We are happy to look up the recommendation for your car.
Can I bring my own oil and filter?
Ask when you request the appointment. We will let you know whether we can use customer-supplied parts for your vehicle before the visit is confirmed.
Will you push extra services on me?
No. We point out what we see and explain why it matters, then you decide. Nothing beyond the oil change is done without your approval and a quote.
How do I book?
Book online: choose a time, pay the $100 booking/diagnostic payment, and the appointment is confirmed right away. You can cancel or reschedule online until 1 hour before.
