the Price of an Oil Change

I recently took my car to a local repair shop to get a complete service done since it was due. I do this on a 3,000mi basis and use the same brand and weight of engine oil every time. Unlike most places today, I was able to stand in the shop and watch the mechanics work on my car and seen what all they do. When they go the car in and up on the hoist they (the 2 mechanics) started in on it right away. one pulled the drain plug on the oil pan so it could start draining, the other, went around and check the tire wear, tread, and pressure on all 4 tires. Once the oil stream came to a trickle the plug was put back in and the filter was removed and replaced. Then they lowered the car back down to the ground. One mechanic filled the engine with the oil I recommended and the other was checking the other fluids such as: power steering, coolant, windshield washer, and transmission. Once they where done with that they started checking all the lights, headlights, turning signals, license plate light, break lights.

The service I received here was excellent, they did a great job, thorough and quick. The price was worth it to me. I've been in other "quick lube" shops and they rush through everything and use cheap and generic brands of fluids and lube. If you have a local repair shop that does more than oil changes I would suggest taking your car there. They know from the mechanical knowledge of what to look for and how to address the issue.

Stay away from quick lube shops, have your local repair shop do it. Use the same brand of oil and weight the entire time you own your vehicle.