What does an oil change service include?

An oil change is one of the most vital regular maintenance tasks for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. While it may seem like a simple service, there is more involved than simply draining and filling the oil. An oil change service usually includes the following parts:

1. Draining the Old Oil: The mechanic will remove the old, dirty engine oil by draining it from the oil pan. This is done by unscrewing the oil drain plug, allowing the old oil to flow out.
2. Replacing the Oil Filter: The old oil filter, which traps debris and contaminants, has been removed and replaced with a new one. A clean filter ensures that the new oil stays cleaner for longer.
3. Adding New Oil: The appropriate type and amount of new oil are added based on your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. This can be a conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil.
4. Inspection of Key Parts: Many oil change services include a quick inspection of other parts of your vehicle, such as:
• Fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid)
• Belts and hoses
• Tire pressure
• Air filter (sometimes checked and replaced if compulsory)
5. Lubrication of Chassis Parts (if applicable): On some older vehicles or specific models, suspension components like ball joints, tie rods, and U-joints may require lubrication. This step is often skipped for newer cars, as they have sealed parts.
6. Resetting the Oil Change Indicator: For cars with an oil life monitor or dashboard indicator, the mechanic will reset the oil change reminder light so that it accurately tracks your next service interval.

Wondering about what does oil change service include? Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about oil change coupons and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

How Do You Know If You Need An Oil Change?

If you’re a new vehicle driver, you may be asking how do you know if you need an oil change?  There is no easy answer.  In years past, the normal answer used to be every 3 months, or 3K miles, whichever came first.  With the advancement of technology in the automotive industry, this advice is obsolete.  There is a lot of debate among automotive specialists about the right interval for oil changes.  Many auto mechanics still recommend the 3,000-mile oil change.  But, with today’s latest engines, certain types of high-quality synthetic oils can go for many more miles, possibly as many as 10,000. 

Although you may be able to go more miles between oil changes, you will find it beneficial to schedule oil changes on a regular basis.  This is the time that your auto mechanic will check out the condition of other fluids, plus other parts and systems that are subject to a lot of wear and tear, such as hoses, shocks, and brakes. 

Do much researches before deciding on an oil-change interval for your vehicle?  Check out the recommended interval in your owner’s manual and also talk with your auto mechanic.  How you answer the 3 questions below will help you in making a decision:

• What type of oil do you use? 
• How old is your car and what is the make and model? 
• Is your driving “normal”?

Remember to ask your auto repair shop if they offer oil change coupons.  Many auto shops offer these coupons so that their customers find it more affordable to take good care of their cars.

Are you wondering how do you know if you need an oil change?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about their oil change coupons and to make an appointment. Since 1975, our auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Do you Know How Often Do You Really Need An Oil Change?

This is the controversial question going around in the automotive industry these days.  The most important thing to remember is that a simple oil change is the most cost-effective and vital maintenance needed to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.  Unfortunately, many auto shops often see vehicles come in with damaged engines because their owners went too long between changes, either because they didn’t know what oil to use or they thought they were saving money.  However, the repair for engine damage caused by dirty oil is far more costly than paying for regular oil changes, especially as many auto shops offer oil change coupons.

Here are five basic facts vehicle owners should know about oil changes:

1. The purpose of oil. Oil lubricates the parts of the engine so they don’t grind against each other; keeps the engine from overheating; and carries away dirt, dust, and other contaminants that would otherwise clog up the engine parts.
2. The right interval. The oil change interval required for your vehicle will vary depends on its age, the type of oil used, and your driving conditions. The 3,000-mile interval is not as relevant as in years gone by.  With today’s upgraded oils, the interval for most engines is now between 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or you could go as far as 15,000 miles if you use full synthetic oil.  
3. The dash warning light. Some dash lights are programmed to come on automatically at 3,000-5,000 miles after the last oil change. In some cars, that light might not come on until the engine is already too low on oil so don’t rely on the dash warning light.
4. Temperature matters. Certain motor oils are designed to be thinner when cold and more viscous when hot. The Society of Automotive Engineers has developed designations that indicate the viscosity of the oil, for example, 10-30W oil.  The "10" refers to the lower viscosity when the engine is cold. The "30W" refers to the higher viscosity when the engine is hot and running generally.   
5. Conventional, premium, and synthetic oils. Certain high-tech engines require synthetic oils, while more mainstream engines normally use conventional oils. Premium oils have extra additives that may be useful for special driving needs. Blends that combine synthetic and premium conventional oils are regularly used for trucks and SUVs.

Follow your owner’s manual as to what type of oil is best for your vehicle and the appropriate mileage interval, or asks your mechanic for advice.

Looking for oil change coupons?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about how often do you really need an oil change and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding areas.