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 You Need the Service
Modern cars often have monitors, but physical signs still matter. If you are unsure when your last car oil change was, watch for these warnings that your oil is struggling to protect your vehicle and maintain fuel efficiency.
- Dark or Gritty Oil: Fresh oil is amber; black, textured oil is saturated with contaminants.
- Engine Noise: Knocking or ticking sounds indicate a lack of proper lubrication.
- Exhaust Smoke: Blue or gray smoke suggests oil is burning inside the engine.
- Oil Smell: A burnt oil scent inside the cabin usually points to a leak dripping on hot engine parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of oil should I use for my car?
Your owner’s manual provides the best guidance on the type of oil recommended for your specific vehicle. Our technicians can also help determine whether conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil is the best choice for you.
Can I extend the time between oil changes if I use synthetic oil?
Yes. Synthetic oil generally lasts longer than conventional oil and can often go between 7,500 and 10,000 miles between changes. However, you should always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines.
What happens if I don’t change my oil regularly?
Over time, old oil breaks down and becomes contaminated, reducing its effectiveness. This can lead to sludge buildup, poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine failure.
How can I tell if my car needs an oil change?
Common signs include dark, dirty oil on the dipstick, a burning oil smell, decreased fuel efficiency, unusual engine noises, and the oil change or check engine light turning on.
How long does an oil change take?
At Christian Brothers Automotive Sun Prairie, our oil change service typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. We work efficiently to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Keeping up with oil changes is a simple step that greatly affects your vehicle’s longevity and performance.
Many guests choose us over other oil change places Sun Prairie drivers might consider because we combine convenience with clear communication. If you have questions about what we are doing under the hood or how often you should return, we take the time to walk through everything with you so you can make confident decisions about caring for your vehicle in our community.
Contact us at (608) 390-1067 or online and let our team handle the maintenance while you enjoy the peace of mind that your car is in expert hands.
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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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"Great guest service once again. Nathon and Scott are awesome. They treat you with respect and honesty. Also like an old friend."
- Great service