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
Many drivers rely solely on mileage stickers, but your vehicle often communicates when it needs attention before that date arrives. Ignoring these signs can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential internal damage. Recognizing the symptoms of degraded oil helps you address maintenance needs promptly, ensuring your daily commute remains uninterrupted.
Watch for these common indicators that it is time for oil changes:
- Dark, Gritty Oil: Fresh oil is amber; if your dipstick shows dark, black, or gritty fluid, it is saturated with contaminants and needs replacing.
- Loud Engine Noise: Oil creates a barrier between moving parts; if the oil is old, you may hear knocking or ticking sounds due to metal-on-metal friction.
- Check Engine Light: A dashboard warning light or oil change reminder is the most direct signal that your vehicle’s systems detect a need for service.
- Exhaust Smoke: While some vapor is normal in cold weather, visible smoke from the exhaust can indicate an oil leak or internal engine issue.
- Low Oil Level: If you frequently need to top off your oil, it suggests a leak or that the engine is burning oil, requiring immediate professional inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If I Notice An Oil Leak?
If you spot an oil leak, it is essential to address the issue promptly to help prevent further damage to your engine. First, try to locate the source of the leak; it could be from a loose oil filter, drain plug, or a worn oil pan gasket. Check the oil level using the dipstick; if it is low, top it off with the recommended oil.
Schedule an appointment with our technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Peoria-Thunderbird to inspect and resolve the leak. Ignoring an oil leak can lead to engine overheating, reduced performance, and costly repairs. Fixing leaks promptly can save you time and money while protecting your vehicle's health.
How Often Should I Get My Oil Changed?
Oil change intervals typically range from 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but several factors can impact this timeline. In Peoria-Thunderbird, the local climate, especially our hot summers and cooler winter nights, may call for more frequent oil changes to help maintain engine health.
Your driving habits also play a role. Frequent short trips, towing, or stop-and-go traffic can all require more regular oil changes. While the manufacturer's recommendation is a good starting point, our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Peoria-Thunderbird can suggest an oil change schedule that fits your vehicle's needs.
What Type Of Oil Should I Use For My Vehicle?
Selecting the right oil for your vehicle depends on your car's make, model, year, and how you drive. Synthetic oil is often recommended for newer vehicles or those that endure harsh driving conditions. In contrast, conventional oil can be suitable for less demanding daily commutes.
It is best to consult your vehicle's owner's manual, and our technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Peoria-Thunderbird are glad to help you choose the ideal oil for your car. We place a high value on educating our customers to help you make informed decisions about your vehicle's care.
Why Do I Need To Change The Oil Filter?
Your vehicle's oil filter is vital for helping keep your engine clean. It traps dirt, debris, and metal particles that accumulate in the oil over time. If left unchecked, a clogged filter can limit oil flow, reducing lubrication and increasing engine wear. That is why we replace your oil filter with each oil change to help ensure only clean oil circulates through your engine.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Peoria-Thunderbird, we are committed to helping keep your engine running smoothly with every oil change, including the necessary filter replacement.
How Can I Tell If My Car Needs An Oil Change?
There are several signs that your vehicle might need an oil change. If you hear unusual engine noises or knocking sounds, the oil may no longer be effectively lubricating your engine. If the oil appears dark and gritty after checking it with the dipstick, it is time to change it.
Many modern vehicles also have dashboard indicators that alert you when an oil change is needed. Keeping an eye on these signs can help you avoid engine issues and costly repairs. If you notice any of these symptoms, you can turn to Christian Brothers Automotive Peoria-Thunderbird for timely and efficient service.
Contact us online or call at (623) 300-2612 to schedule your appointment and help keep your engine running like new.
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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 took my chevrolet volt here to peoria because it's the only shop i know to work on evs and hybrids. they helped me on getting my car back on the road. my bcem died and they were able to source a replacement ang back to running again in 5 days. Test drove"
- David