What to say when getting an oil change

When you own a vehicle, it will require regular maintenance to ensure you can keep driving it down the road for an extended period. No matter how many trips you take, you don’t have anything to worry about because you know your car is in mint condition.

Part of managing it is checking to see if it’s time to get an oil change. A mechanic should be the one to perform it because they have the knowledge, skills, and tools for it, so lubricating your car on your own isn’t recommended. Failing to bring it to the shop and taking care of it on your own can make or break your car’s well-being over time.

Replacing your vehicle’s oil leads to good performance, further prolonging its lifespan and giving you more time to benefit from it. At the first sign of trouble, you should bring your car to the shop right away. Keep reading below to find out how to tell if your vehicle is due for an oil change.

Its Oil Change Light Is On

The best way to check if your car’s oil needs a replacement is if it indicates it. When you notice its oil change light turned on, it will prove that your vehicle doesn’t have enough oil to run properly anymore.

When the oil change light illuminates, you should grab your car’s dipstick to check the current situation. But even before the oil change light releases a signal, you shouldn’t wait until your vehicle reaches that point, or it could lead to worse problems, such as the need to get an engine repair.

Its Engine Is Making Noise

Your car’s oil works as an added layer of protection for the various parts of its engine. When a vehicle is well-lubricated, it lessens the chances of the metals rubbing against each other and becoming damaged over time.

But when your car lacks oil, chances are you will start to notice its engine making more noises than it’s supposed to, which could be distracting for you. When you fail to get the needed oil change, it could lead to worse situations, such as hearing rumbling noises from the engine, a sign that the damage is becoming severe. 

Its Oil Is Unusually Dark

You know the oil in your car is clean when its color is a slightly translucent amber. But throughout its usage, it will slowly be filled with particles coming from the engine, eventually making the oil appear darker.

To make sure you don’t miss out on getting an oil change when it’s time, you should monitor your vehicle’s engine oil every month. All you need to do is take out the dipstick, wipe it off, and put it back. Do the process again, but this time, before you put it back, you should notice if you can’t see the dipstick through the oil, indicating your car needs to visit an auto repair shop.

Its Oil Is Something You Can Smell

On a regular day, every time you drive your car, you shouldn’t be smelling anything funny while you’re inside it, much less catch a whiff of the oil coming from its engine. When you do, it could mean that an oil leak has occurred.

Besides that, if you observe a gassy smell or an odor coming from your vehicle’s exhaust fumes, it could mean that your car is overheating. Whatever the cause behind it, the best thing to do is visit a car repair shop right away. 

Conclusion

Getting an oil change for your vehicle is a must, especially when it’s long overdue. When you notice your car’s oil change light is on, its engine is making noises, its oil is unusually dark, or you can smell its oil from inside, they are huge indications you require an oil change.

Are you looking to bring your car to an auto repair in Hoover, AL? Hoover Automotive offers car service and repairs, including brake service, oil change, new tires, auto, engine repair, and more. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment!

Before you take your car to the neighborhood Quik-Lube you should know what to expect. There are oil change ripoffs out there you need to know about. There are also a lot of unnecessary upsells that can be thrown at you during what you thought would be a basic oil change. If you want to save money and avoid being ripped off at the lube spot, knowledge is power. 

Basic vs. Signature Service

Not so long ago, oil change centers offered various levels of service. Some still do, but most have dropped their less expensive "basic oil change" and only offer some sort of signature service that includes a lot of other stuff. This is a shame because the extra $10 or so is a throwaway for most people. But like they say in New Jersey, it is what it is. If your oil change location does offer the basic, I recommend going that route. That said, if you aren't interested in checking your own washer fluid level, you might spring for the lower of the signature services.

Ripoffs

• The Oil Switcheroo: Your car may take a standard grade oil, but many cars and trucks these days call for an upgraded oil such as full synthetic. Higher mileage vehicles might benefit from special high mileage oil blends. These will cost you a little extra, but there's nothing you can do about that. Unfortunately, oil change centers have been caught using basic grade oil even when customers have paid for the good stuff. Ask to watch them add the oil and check for yourself that it is either being pumped from the right tank or being poured from the right bottle. Shops on the up and up won't mind at all.
• No Oil Filter: The most often perpetrated oil change crime is in the filter -- it doesn't get replaced. An oil change is only half done if you don't replace the filter. Here's a trick: Take a Sharpie and put a small "X" or another mark on your oil filter before you bring it in for an oil change. When they're done, if you can still see your little "X" you know they didn't give you a new filter.

The Extras

Most oil changes these days come with a list of additional services that are included in the price. These include things like topping off your windshield washer fluid and vacuuming your carpet. Be sure you know that they performed all of these services. You're paying for them!

Upsells

It's impossible to get an oil change without being hit with the sales pitch for added services. These aren't ripoff attempts, they are technically offering real services that will benefit your engine. The problem is your car or truck may not need these services. Always check your owner's manual to see if there are any major services your vehicle is due for. If they tell you that you need transmission service, but you know it's not time, you'll know to turn it down.

Being prepared for your oil change will guarantee you won't be taken advantage of at the shop. It's always important to remember (and I realize I'm pounding this point into the earth) that the majority of repair shops -- even the quickie oil change places -- are doing honest work and only trying to help people keep their vehicles in top condition and avoid costly repair bills in the future. This doesn't mean there isn't some money to be saved while you're there. Knowledge goes a long way when it comes to having your car or truck worked on. Of course, you could avoid the whole thing by doing your own oil change!