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 Is Time for an Oil Service
Your vehicle often gives subtle clues that the oil is losing its effectiveness before the dashboard light ever comes on. Ignoring these signs can lead to permanent engine damage caused by friction and heat. Being aware of how local driving impacts your car helps you stay ahead of repairs.
Watch for these indicators that your vehicle needs immediate attention:
- Dark or Gritty Oil: Fresh oil is amber; if it looks black or feels gritty on the dipstick, it is saturated with contaminants from Meridian dust and road grime.
- Increased Engine Noise: Knocking or ticking sounds suggest the oil is too thin to cushion moving parts against the strain of highway driving.
- Exhaust Smoke: Blue or gray smoke from the tailpipe can indicate an oil leak or internal burning, often exacerbated by older seals failing in extreme temperatures.
- Burnt Oil Smell: This odor inside the cabin usually means oil is leaking onto hot engine parts, a common issue after rigorous driving on steep grades.
- Dashboard Warning Light: The oil pressure or "maintenance required" light is the final warning that your system is compromised and needs professional car repair services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
While the old standard was every 3,000 miles, modern vehicles and advanced oils have extended this interval. Most manufacturers now recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the oil type. However, Meridian drivers who engage in "severe" driving—such as towing, frequent short trips, or driving in extreme heat—may need to stick to a shorter schedule. We check your specific owner's manual and adjust based on your real-world usage.
Is Full-Synthetic Oil Worth the Extra Cost?
For most modern vehicles, full-synthetic oil is absolutely worth the investment. It resists thermal breakdown much better than conventional oil, making it ideal for our hot summers and cold winters. It also contains fewer impurities, which helps keep your engine cleaner and improves fuel efficiency. Over the life of the vehicle, the superior protection of synthetic oil can save you money by preventing engine wear and extending the time between changes.
Do I Need to Change the Oil Filter Every Time?
Yes, replacing the oil filter is a non-negotiable part of a proper oil change service. The filter captures metal shavings, dirt, and sludge that would otherwise circulate back into your engine. Leaving an old, clogged filter in place bypasses the filtration system, allowing dirty oil to damage bearings and cylinders. We always install a new, high-quality filter to ensure your fresh oil stays clean.
Can I Switch From Conventional to Synthetic Oil?
You can absolutely switch from conventional oil to synthetic, and it is often recommended for older vehicles as well. There is a myth that switching causes leaks, but this is generally untrue for healthy engines. In fact, the superior additives in synthetic blends can help condition seals and clean out sludge left behind by conventional oils. Our technicians can advise if your specific vehicle is a good candidate for the switch.
What Does the Courtesy Inspection Include?
Our courtesy inspection is a holistic check of your vehicle's vital signs performed during your oil change. We visually inspect brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid, topping them off as needed. We also check the condition of your engine air filter, cabin air filter, serpentine belts, and wiper blades. This proactive check helps us catch small issues before they turn into expensive car repair services.
Schedule Your Oil Change Service Today
Regular maintenance is the key to a reliable vehicle and a stress-free driving experience. Christian Brothers Automotive Meridian Rd makes it easy to keep your engine in peak condition with fast, professional, and honest service. We are committed to providing the highest quality car oil change experience in the area, backed by our expertise and dedication to our customers.
Don't wait until you hear engine noise to take action. Trust our team to provide the protection your vehicle deserves.
Schedule your appointment online or call (208) 937-7131 to reserve your spot in our bay.
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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.