Oil Change

Oil Change at Courtesy Auto & Truck Center in Stanley, WI

An oil change schedule can save you time and money on costly repairs. Courtesy Auto & Truck’s top-notch service center will perform routine oil changes to keep your car in shape for your daily life.

Why Oil Changes are Important

Your car is made up of many parts that all work together to keep it running, especially the engine. Every time you drive, your engine’s components rub together and cause friction, so oil is needed to keep the engine lubricated so these components don’t prematurely wear and tear, or worse, cause your car to overheat and lead to disastrous engine problems. Oil also traps dirt and other particles to stop them from clogging your engine. When you regularly change your oil, you’ll also get better gas mileage and improved vehicle performance overall.

When You Should Get an Oil Change

Oil changes are a routine maintenance task and their frequency depends on several factors such as the model of your car and how often you drive it. Newer models may only require an oil change every 6,000 miles or 6 months but the general rule of thumb is every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. Sometimes you may need an oil change when you aren’t expecting it; a few ways to tell are:

• Your oil is dirty or grimy
• Your oil level is low–you can check this with a dipstick
• Smoke from your exhaust
• Vibrations while idling
• A burning smell

The Oil Change Process

Oil changes are fairly quick and simple. Here’s a look at the process so you know what to watch out for.

Step 1

Our expert service technicians will pop the hood of your car, remove the oil fill cap, and place an oil drain pan underneath the oil fill plug to catch the old oil. They’ll remove the oil fill plug located at the bottom of the oil pan.

Step 2

Next, they’ll let the oil drain completely, which takes a few minutes. They’ll check for damages, such as a cracked rubber drain plug, and replace them if necessary. Once it’s drained, they’ll replace the drain plug.

Step 3

Next, they’ll remove the old oil filter that traps debris and replace it with a new one.

Step 4

Next, they’ll add new oil and replace the oil cap.

Step 5

Lastly, they’ll check the oil with a dipstick and let the car run for a few minutes to check for leaks and see if more oil needs to be put in.

Cost of an Oil Change

Oil changes are relatively affordable but certain factors influence the cost, such as the type of oil needed. There are 4 types of oil:

• Synthetic
• Synthetic-blend
• Conventional
• High-mileage

Conventional oil changes usually cost between $35 and $75 while synthetic oil changes usually cost between $65 to $125. At Courtesy Auto & Truck Center, complimentary oil changes are included when you purchase a new Ford and have it serviced with us.

Questions to Ask Your Service Technician

• What type of oil is best for my vehicle?
• Are there any oil additives my vehicle could benefit from?
• How can I check the oil myself?

Signs of a Quality Oil Change

A quality oil change should have your car running at its best. There shouldn’t be any weird noises, trouble shifting gears, burning smells, or leaks. If you notice something wrong with your oil change after it’s been serviced, return it to us immediately and we’ll fix it.

Caring for Your Vehicle After an Oil Change

• Check your oil levels and color regularly–translucent or yellowish oil is clean; darker oil is fine but will need replacing soon; excessively dark, black, or sludgy oil needs replacing immediately
• Pay attention to your mileage and the date of your next oil change; a sticker should be placed on your windshield to help you remember

Contact Our Service Department in Stanley, WI

Courtesy Auto & Truck’s service department offers our customers top-notch service at our state-of-the-art facility in Stanley, WI. Stop by for any of your repair and maintenance needs, such as brake service, battery service, and tire care. To schedule an appointment, you can schedule service online or call us at 715-669-5519. We’re open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you have any questions or need more info on hours and directions, don’t hesitate to contact us!