What can I expect when I go for an oil change?

Question

I just moved away from home and my father always took care of taking my car to get the oil changed. It is time once again - so what can I expect when I take my car to one of these quick service places? What is the process? I would just like to know what to do when I get there...

Answer 1

They'll overcharge you and take up your time for sojmething that takes about 10 minutes to do.

You'll go in, tell them what you want, they'll do that...change oil filter, oil, and some places do a ** point inspection....which I am assuming is just looking at your car to see any leaks or if anything is broken without actually testing anything.

Beware of taking it in....yes hundreds of thousands of people get it done that way, but you take a risk of trusting someone you don't know with something that could potentially end up costing you thousands.

I went in for an oil change with a 94 Corsica in mint condition...my dad's car...he cared for it himself and everything was perfect on it like it came off the lot. I bought it and 2 weeks later took it for an oil change. 2 days after the change, my motor blew. Why? Cause some dip sh*t forgot to tighten the filter all the way. They came out and said I had a small oil leak with the "inspection" but I had gotten tires a few days before and in that inspection everything was perfect.

Another example of poor service: took my friend's car in a few weeks ago...a 2002 Cavalier. Got the oil change and filter. Started driving it and then started smelling burning oil. When i stopped at the lights, the car was smoking under the hood. Why? Cause when they changed the filter, they didn't wipe the engine off and let a LOT of oil drip onto the exhaust!

Do it yourself. Go to the parts store and buy a filter ($2.50-$10), and the amount of oil you need ($8-30 depending on brand and weight), and if you need to, some rags. get a drain pan too...you'll need to legally dispose of the old stuff.

Answer 2

Dear Service Bait-

Please accept that as Mechanic Humor, nothing more. :)

As a parts person, I really encourage folks to stay away from the quick lube places. I used to work at one before working in a Dealership, and the Dealership is a huge improvement.

Your oil change is referred to as a Lube, Oil and Filter, (LOF).

This should, (if done properly), consist of the establishment draining your oil, and removing the old oil filter, replacing the oil filter and the engine oil. Many places also offer an brief safety inspection of your vehicle too.

The quick lube places use this as a selling tool to upsell un-needed additional work like Transmission Services, Air Filters, and other items.

Here is my advise to folks that are first out on their own.

Establish a relationship with your local Dealership for your brand of vehicle. Most of the Service Departments operate at very high standards because the automanufacturers audit their operations on a frequent basis.

Are you paying a little more in many cases at the Dealerships? Yes. But the level of service that you receive is also far better than Quick Lube Joe's.

There is another VERY good reason for using the Dealerships too. They are always working on your partcular product. This means if there are any factory recalls, they will have that information on hand, and get the issue dealt with before it becomes a severe problem.

Once your vehicle established a "Running History" they have the ability to see what other work was done on your vehicle prior to your current visit, and notify you if you are due for any additonal scheduled maintence.

Keep in mind that when your vehicle is serviced at the Dealerships, the parts they are using are what the car was equipped with when it left the assembly line. The parts were engineered for your car, and the car will function properly with them. Dealerships also have the most up-to-date service information for your particular car, this is very critical because if there are any new service bulletins the issues can be addressed immediately.

You can't go wrong by taking your vehicle to your local Dealership. Yes its more expensive, but unfortunately in this industry, you get what you pay for.

I hope that helps you out!

Answer 3

If you go to one of the fast lube places, they will change your oil and filter. They will try and upgrade the oil to a synthetic oil and most likely will also try and sell you a new air filter. Now whether you need a new air filter or not is unknown. Ask your Dad about it before you go. He may have just replaced it. Normally it is a pretty painless operation and shouldn't take up too much of your time. good luck.

Answer 4

Just visit a local Jiffy Lube or a similar fast oil change service in your area. For usually $40 they change the oil and filter, top off all your fluids and even replace the air filter while you wait about 30 minutes total. Simple

Good luck.......

Answer 5

$30 - It's quick and easy. Often you just sit in your car. They do everything.
If you notice a leak after, go back. Sometimes the drain plug leaks a little. They can replace it. $5.
Changing oil yourself is a difficult and messy job.

Answer 6

they will take your 29.95 and put in new filter and change oil as you stand there and wait a half hour. change it yourself and save money.

Answer 7

TRY FINDING AN INDEPENDENT SHOP INSTEAD OF THE DEALER OR A CHAIN STORE BECAUSE YOU WILL BE OVERALL MORE PLEASED WITH THE FINDINGS AND THE SERVICE.