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 It Might Be Time for an Oil Change
Routine oil changes are essential for engine health. Beyond standard schedules, watch for subtle signals like rough starting or unusual noises. Recognizing these signs early allows you to proactively manage maintenance and avoid costly repairs at our Birmingham shop. If your vehicle behaves differently, check your oil immediately.
Watch for these indicators:
- Dirty Oil: Fresh oil is amber. If yours appears dark and cloudy due to contaminants, it needs to be changed immediately.
- Engine Noise: Low or degraded fluid causes knocking or rumbling sounds because moving parts lack proper lubrication.
- Dashboard Lights: Sensors detect when service is due. Schedule service immediately if the oil change or check engine light illuminates.
- Exhaust Smoke: Thick smoke coming from your tailpipe often indicates old fluid or internal engine issues requiring attention.
- Burning Smell: A strong odor suggests leaks or burning fluid. This requires an immediate check to prevent safety hazards.
- Fuel Economy: Dirty fluid increases friction, forcing the engine to work harder and lowering your miles per gallon efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Change My Oil in Birmingham?
Most automotive professionals recommend changing your vehicle's oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on the type of oil used and driving conditions. However, newer vehicles with advanced engines might allow longer intervals between oil changes. It is crucial to consult your vehicle's owner manual or speak with our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Greystone to determine the best schedule for your car. Frequent short trips, stop-and-go driving, and extreme temperatures all contribute to faster oil degradation, so consider these factors when deciding on oil change frequency.
Can I Switch Between Different Types of Oil?
Yes, you can switch between different types of oil as your driving needs change. For instance, if you currently use conventional oil but want different performance and protection during Birmingham's hot summers, you can switch to synthetic or synthetic blend oil. However, it is always advisable to make such changes during an oil change to help ensure compatibility and avoid mixing different oil types. Talking with a professional at Christian Brothers Automotive Greystone can help guide you through this process.
What Are the Consequences of Skipping Oil Changes?
Skipping oil changes can result in several negative consequences for your vehicle. Without regular oil changes, engine oil can degrade, leading to increased friction and wear on engine components. This can cause overheating, decreased fuel efficiency, and, in severe cases, engine failure if not addressed. Regular oil changes remove contaminants and help your engine run more smoothly, supporting the lifespan of your vehicle and its performance.
Are There Additives That Can Enhance My Engine Oil?
Yes, there are various additives available that can enhance your engine oil's performance. Additives can reduce friction, clean engine deposits, and improve viscosity. Using additives in your oil can be particularly helpful in Birmingham’s variable climate, as they can support oil stability under temperature fluctuations. Ask our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Greystone about which additives might be suitable for your vehicle.
How Do I Check My Oil Level?
Checking your oil level is a simple process that helps your engine remain healthy. After turning off your engine and letting it cool, locate the dipstick, pull it out, and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick fully, then remove it again to check the oil level. The oil should be within the marked range on the dipstick. If it is low, consider scheduling an oil change with Christian Brothers Automotive Greystone to address any underlying issues.
Don't wait until it's too late! Secure your car's health in Birmingham with our expert oil and filter change service. Call (205) 839-1455 or contact our team online.
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FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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"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.