What to Expect with an Oil & Filter Change
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
The World Record Of The Highest Vehicle Mileage Is 3,039,122 miles
Signs Your Vehicle Needs an Oil Service
It is not always obvious when your oil is past its prime, but your vehicle often gives subtle clues. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to decreased engine lubrication, reduced efficiency, and eventually, mechanical failure. Staying alert to these symptoms helps you address maintenance needs before they become expensive repairs.
Watch for these common indicators that it is time for a car oil change:
- Dark or Gritty Oil: Fresh oil is amber; if your dipstick shows black, thick, or gritty fluid, it is saturated with contaminants.
- Engine Noise: A lack of lubrication can cause knocking, ticking, or rumbling sounds from the engine bay.
- Exhaust Smoke: Blue or gray smoke from the tailpipe may indicate an oil leak or internal burning that needs immediate attention.
- Oil Smell: The scent of burning oil inside the cabin suggests a leak onto hot engine parts.
- Dashboard Lights: The check engine light or maintenance reminder light is the most direct signal that service is due.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
The frequency of oil change services depends heavily on your vehicle's age, the type of oil used, and your driving habits. While the old standard was every 3,000 miles, many modern vehicles using synthetic oil can safely go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between services. However, driving in Grand Rapids conditions—such as heavy traffic, towing, or extreme temperatures—is considered "severe driving," which may require more frequent changes.
We always consult your owner’s manual as the primary authority on service intervals. Our technicians will also assess the condition of your oil during your visit to help you establish a schedule that best protects your engine. Regular consistency is key; skipping intervals can lead to sludge buildup that is difficult and expensive to remove later.
What is the Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil?
Conventional oil is refined from crude oil and provides adequate protection for many older engines with simple designs. However, synthetic oil is chemically engineered to provide superior performance. It resists breakdown at high temperatures, flows better in cold weather, and contains fewer impurities that cause sludge.
For drivers in West Michigan, synthetic or synthetic-blend oils are often the superior choice due to our fluctuating climate. These oils offer better protection during cold starts and maintain their viscosity longer than conventional options. While synthetic oil may cost slightly more upfront, its longevity and ability to improve fuel efficiency often make it the more cost-effective choice over the life of the vehicle.
Do I Really Need to Replace the Filter Every Time?
Yes, replacing the oil filter is a non-negotiable part of a proper oil change. The filter's job is to trap contaminants like dirt, metal shavings, and carbon deposits that are suspended in the oil. If you put fresh, clean oil through an old, clogged filter, the oil will bypass the filter entirely and circulate dirty fluid back into the engine.
A clean filter ensures that your engine receives only purified lubrication, which is essential for preventing wear on bearings and cylinder walls. Skipping the filter replacement negates the benefits of the oil change and puts your engine at risk. We use filters that meet or exceed manufacturer specifications to ensure maximum filtration efficiency.
What Is Engine Sludge and How Do I Prevent It?
Engine sludge is a thick, gel-like substance that forms when oil oxidizes and breaks down due to heat and contamination. It clogs oil passages and restricts the flow of lubricant to critical engine parts, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Short trips and stop-and-go driving are common causes of sludge because the engine does not get hot enough to evaporate moisture.
The best way to prevent sludge is through routine oil changes using high-quality oil. Detergents and dispersants found in premium oils help keep contaminants in suspension so they can be drained away during your next service. If we detect early signs of sludge, we may recommend a specialized engine flush or shorter drain intervals to clean the system.
Will You Check Other Fluids During the Service?
Absolutely. A comprehensive car oil change at our shop is more than just draining and filling; it is an opportunity to check the overall vital signs of your vehicle. During our courtesy inspection, we check coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
If any of these fluids are low or appear degraded, we will let you know. Keeping all fluids at proper levels is essential for the safety and longevity of your vehicle. This proactive approach helps us catch potential leaks or issues before they turn into roadside emergencies, giving you total peace of mind on the road.
Schedule Your Oil & Filter Change Today
Your vehicle is a significant investment, and maintaining its engine is the best way to ensure it serves you reliably for years. At Christian Brothers Automotive Grand Rapids, we combine technical expertise with a neighborly approach to provide oil change services that you can trust. Our commitment to transparency, quality parts, and the Nice Difference® ensures that your car receives the best care possible.
Don't wait until your engine shows signs of struggle. Protect your vehicle with preventive maintenance designed for our local climate.
Schedule your appointment online or call (616) 739-6125 today to experience the difference of a professional automotive service.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
FAQs
-
Q. "What happens if I wait too long for an oil change?"Your oil helps lubricate and absorb heat within your engine. If you wait too long to get an oil change, your engine will eventually have severe and costly issues. Luckily oil changes are relatively inexpensive and have a quick service time. Click here to learn more about the consequences of not replacing your vehicle's oil.
-
Q. "What type of oil should I get for my vehicle?"This depends on what vehicle you drive. Each type has its own benefits such as life expectancy or price. If you are unsure what type of oil is right for your car, we can help you determine the best option for you.
-
Q. "How much oil does my vehicle require?"Most vehicles hold between 5 and 8 quarts, but it largely depends on the size of your engine.
-
Q. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
-
Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
-
Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
-
"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.