A discussion of automotive maintenance would not be complete without mentioning oil changes. Vehicle maintenance projects such as oil changes are common. This process may, however, raise some questions for you. Get answers to these common questions about oil changes if you have any questions about how long they take, where to take your car, or anything else related to them. Learn how to maintain your vehicle’s performance with the best oil changes.
How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
There are several factors that determine how long it takes to change an oil. Do you change your own oil or do you go to a shop? It may take longer if you’re changing oil yourself, especially if you only change oil as often as your vehicle needs it. Professional oil change shops change oil every day; however, it may take you longer if you’re changing oil yourself.
Depending on the type of oil you need, you may have to wait between 15 and 45 minutes for an oil change. It can take as little as 15 minutes to have your vehicle serviced at a quick lube shop if you are seen immediately. Customers who schedule their service before you or who get there earlier will usually have a longer wait time due to the backlog of other customers.
It may take up to 45 minutes for a repair shop to complete the job. The length of time it takes to perform a DIY oil change depends on your tools, experience, and garage configuration.
It is also important to consider the type of vehicle you drive. The bottom of most cars contain oil drain plugs and filters that can be easily accessed. The process might take longer and be more difficult if your car’s plug isn’t easily accessible.
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Why Do Repair Shops Take Longer Than Quick Lube Shops?
Quick lube shops are faster than repair shops because of two main factors. The setup at a quick lube shop may be geared toward rapid oil changes, as they specialize in oil changes. The second reason is that repair shops typically perform other routine inspections and tune ups, so checking your tire pressure, coolant level, and other maintenance items will take longer.
Choose the best professional to service your vehicle based on whether you need additional maintenance inspections. Oil changes at a quick lube shop typically cost less and are much more affordable than at a repair shop, where other issues may require immediate attention. Make routine visits to your local auto repair shop for preventative maintenance and other fluid top-offs if you regularly have your oil changed at a quick lube location.
Is It Faster to Change My Own Oil?
The question of, “Can I change my own oil?” may be on your mind if you want to save money and take charge of your automobile’s maintenance. “You can change your own oil, but it usually takes more time than hiring a professional. Changing your oil in less than 30 minutes may be possible if you have the right tools and experience. If for no other reason than the fact that the professional may change the oil every day, it is highly unlikely that you will change your oil faster than a professional. It could, however, save you money and be fun at the same time!
Read: Firestone Oil Change Prices
How Often Should I Change My Oil?
It has always been advised to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, but that is an outdated, and general, rule of thumb. You should have your vehicle’s oil changed every 3,000 miles to keep it running efficiently and to maintain your warranty.
Depending on the vehicle, oil changes may need to be performed even more frequently. You may need to change your oil every 1,000 miles if you drive at low speeds and frequently start your engine. Condensation can build up in vehicles that regularly drive only 10 miles or less, causing oil to break down more quickly.
A vehicle can drive safely for up to 10,000 miles on the other end of the spectrum. You may be able to drive 10,000 miles before changing your oil on a newer vehicle when you use synthetic oil and drive longer distances. The best thing you can do is consult with a professional at an AutoZone or repair shop before driving such a distance without changing your oil. No matter what conditions you are driving under, your owner’s manual will specify the drain intervals you need to follow.
What Happens if I Don’t Change My Oil?
Your engine and other components will last longer if you change your oil frequently. Probably several hundred miles have passed since you last inspected your vehicle. Why is it important to change your oil on a regular basis? It may seem insignificant to push past the recommended interval occasionally, but over time it can be detrimental.
Using old oil causes sludge to build up in your engine, which becomes opaque and dark black. Friction points can develop, components can become clogged, and engine seizures can occur as a result. Even though this is an extreme case, lubricating all the moving components in your engine with new, clean, and fresh oil is a must.
Read: How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Oil?
What Type of Oil Do I Need?
The next step is to pick out the best oil for your vehicle based on how often you should change it. Depending on your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you will need to use a certain weight of oil. It is the viscosity of your oil at ideal operating temperatures that determines the weight of the oil, such as 5W-20 or 10W-30.