Oil Change Service in Fresno
When you need a car oil change in Fresno or the surrounding areas, there’s no better place to go than your closest Goodguys auto shop location. Keep reading for more information on the wide range of oil change services we can handle.
Goodguys has provided oil changes and countless other services to Fresno-Visalia drivers, and has built an unimpeachable reputation over the years. We’re still going strong today thanks to the many perks we offer, including:
- ASE Certified mechanics
- All kinds of auto repair services, ranging from preventative maintenance to major repairs
- A wide range of tire options
- Competitive pricing for services and products
- A complimentary shuttle service
- And more!
To enjoy all these benefits and more, choose Goodguys for your next oil change!
Our Thorough Oil Change Service
Generally speaking, Fresno drivers have some understanding of why they need oil changes. What most people don’t know is that an oil change shouldn’t just consist of a single service. Though actually changing the oil in your vehicle is a vital part of this task, reliable shops like Goodguys will take care of several other maintenance services at the same time.
At Goodguys you’ll get up to five quarts of new motor oil as part of your oil change. On top of that, our ASE Certified mechanics will:
- Closely inspect your vehicle
- Install a new oil filter
- Lubricate your car’s chassis
- Rotate your tires (by request)
Why Are Oil Changes Essential?
Your oil removes heat from the engine and lubricates its moving parts. Changing your vehicle’s oil routinely is one of the most important things you can do to promote long-term vehicle performance. As you drive, the oil pump circulates oil into your oil filter and throughout your engine. The oil filter cleans dirt and deposits out of the oil, keeping your engine clean and protected.
As time passes, the oil filter will begin to get clogged with debris and will no longer be able to keep the oil clean for the engine. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil between 5,000 and 7,000 miles to ensure long life and maximum performance.
At Goodguys, we understand the importance of an oil change. Our professional auto repair shops proudly serve the oil change needs of its California customers in Fresno, Visalia, Clovis, and Sanger.
Know When You Need an Oil Change Service
As you’ve just had a chance to read about, it’s common for auto manufacturers to recommend that drivers get oil changes every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. That can make it easier to figure out when it’s time for another oil change, but this is really just general advice. To figure out the exact oil change schedule you should follow, you’ll need to consider your own situation.
Motor oil can wear out faster than it normally would due to all kinds of different factors. More specifically, you might want to consider getting oil changes more often if you tend to:
- Engage in high-mileage driving
- Driving in high temperatures
- Take short trips regularly
- Tow or haul heavy loads
Most drivers in the Fresno-Visalia area exhibit at least some of these driving habits. Taking that into account, we believe most motorists should get oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. While this means you’ll have to pay for oil changes more often, the extra attention your vehicle will get from our technicians is more than worth it.
The Right Oil Makes a Difference
As a vehicle ages, the type of oil needed to keep the engine in good running order changes. And different vehicles need different kinds of oil. It makes a difference in protecting the engine’s performance and protecting the life span of the engine. Check your car’s owner’s manual first for the manufacturer’s recommendation on the choice of motor oil for your car.
Here are some guidelines for the various types of motor oil available.
Conventional Motor Oil
This is the most commonly used grade of oil. It is good for passenger cars, late model cars with low mileage, and simple engines. But is it giving you the most for your money over time? Let’s face it: Oil protects your engine and keeps it running well. But if you use cheap oil that doesn’t protect the engine in your car, you may end up paying more on repairs over time. This is definitely something to discuss with the oil change specialists at Goodguys.
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
This oil is made for cars that demand peak performance as well as the highest level of lubrication. It is expensive; it costs up to four times more than regular oil. If you have questions about its use in your vehicle, discuss it with your Goodguys oil specialist.
Here are some factors that make it worthwhile to spend the extra money for fully synthetic oil:
- Climate: Either extremely hot or cold (or both)
- Towing: Increases stress on the engine
- Age of car: Older engines tend to build up sludge
Synthetic oil provides higher viscosity, resistance to thermal breakdown and oxidation, and fights sludge buildup. This type of oil also tends to improve fuel efficiency and horsepower because it reduces engine drag.
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
This is exactly what the name implies: It is a blend of synthetic and conventional oil. It includes additives that resist oxidation and low-temperature properties. A synthetic blend is a great compromise for those drivers who want the protection and performance of a fully synthetic oil but aren’t ready for the expense. It is also an obvious middle step when drivers want to switch from conventional to full synthetic at some point.
High Mileage Motor Oil
If your car has 75,000 miles or more, a high mileage oil is the best choice. It helps older engines resist leaks and oil seepage and reduces smoke and emissions that begin to happen over time.
Car owners often ask about switching between the various types of oil. There is no damage done to an engine by changing from one type of oil to another. The Goodguys service staff will be glad to answer any questions you may have on this.
When you bring your vehicle to Goodguys for your oil changes, all your fluids will be topped off, too. They will remind you of other services that may be coming up on your next scheduled visits as well as discuss any other possible issues they noticed. Goodguys is your partner in the complete care of your vehicles!
Types of Oil We Use
Goodguys offers complete oil changes at all locations! We use the following Valvoline motor oils simply because they are the best:
- Valvoline Premium Conventional
- Valvoline Synthetic Blend
- Valvoline Full Synthetic Oil
Pay Attention to the Oil Filter
Clean oil in your car’s engine won’t matter if the oil filter is blocked with debris or the filter isn’t securely in place. The oil filter only keeps the oil clean between regularly scheduled oil changes. It also regulates the oil pressure in the engine.
The oil filter stops debris, dirt, and small metal bits that have made their way into the system and sends clean oil back out for another circuit. As this dynamic duo of the oil and the oil filter does its job, the engine stays cool and as healthy as possible.
Kinds of Oil Filters
Primary Oil Filters
There are two main types of primary oil filters. Either one of these filters is suitable to do the job but check your owner’s manual for information on which one is recommended for your car. The technicians at Goodguys will also be glad to recommend the best oil filter for your needs.
- Cartridge filter: This filter can be installed and removed as a single unit.
- Spin-on filter: This filter uses a steel canister paired with a paper filter element.
Secondary Oil Filters
As its name implies, these filters are back-ups to the primary filter and catch what the first one missed.
- Spinner filter: Also known as a centrifugal oil filter. As the name suggests, this filter uses centrifugal force to trap contaminants in your motor oil.
- Magnetic filter: Cleans the oil of metal contaminants but doesn’t work as well at stopping grime or dirt.
Check with the oil change specialists at Goodguys if you have questions about what is best for your car and driving needs.
Does a Loose Oil Filter Really Matter?
Yes! The oil circulating through the system can escape through leaks and holes no matter where they are located. Oil leaks are often hard to find, so make sure everything is firmly in place so you can eliminate that as a cause. Check the gasket, too; it may be pinched, causing a leak.
Watch for puddles of oil on the surface under the car. Check the oil level right away to make sure you have enough oil in the car to drive it without damage.
If the oil light illuminates on the dash, stop and check the oil. Don’t keep driving! If all the oil is gone in your engine compartment, it must have oil added before anything else is done. You cannot drive a car with no oil in it! It can seize up and you will have more to deal with than buying additional oil.
Together, the oil and its filter are an important line of defense for your vehicle’s performance.
The First Line of Defense: You!
The cause of many car repairs is driver neglect. Check the oil in your car once a month to catch any problems as soon as possible.
Let the car cool down before opening the hood and removing the dipstick. Wipe it clean, re-insert it, and pull it back out. Look at where the oil stain ends on the stick. Use the markers to determine if the oil level is low. If it is, add more oil and check with your Goodguys mechanic for advice.
When you come to us for an oil change, we’ll get you in and out quickly and efficiently—without an appointment. Our friendly, knowledgeable techs will also check for other common issues under the hood, including low fluid levels and damaged belts and hoses. And unlike other fast-lube shops, we’ll never recommend anything you don’t need. Trust us to keep your car running smoothly and safely. Drive up and we’ll get to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular oil changes should be part of your routine maintenance schedule because it can considerably extend the life of your vehicle. Other important benefits of oil changes include:
Longer Engine Life
Oil protects and lubricates your vehicle’s engine, keeping it running smoothly and efficiently. However, motor oil eventually gets dirty and oil levels can drop over time, making regular oil changes necessary. Changing your oil and replacing the oil filter helps keep the engine clean and can extend its life considerably. A regular oil change can also prevent expensive repairs due to premature engine wear or other engine issues.
Better Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency can amount to considerable savings in the long run. Without the necessary maintenance, such as a regular oil change, dirt and grime can build up in your engine and cause friction. Too much friction can lead to reduced engine performance and increased fuel consumption. Regular oil changes can keep your engine happy and give you better gas mileage by helping reduce friction.
Improved Performance
When motor oil gets dirty and old, it loses its ability to efficiently lubricate the moving parts of the engine. Moreover, sludge and dirt can block oil flow to parts of the engine, which can cause it to run less efficiently and could even lead to overheating. Unless oil is changed regularly, your vehicle’s engine will eventually begin to perform less efficiently and use more fuel.
While it may be tempting to save on replacing oil filters, this could turn out to be a false economy. An efficient oil filter is essential as it purifies the oil by removing dirt and debris before returning it back to the engine. The engine oil needs to be as clean as possible to do its job of adequately lubricating your engine.
However, filters do not last forever. If an oil filter is not changed regularly, it may begin to lose its ability to filter debris and dirt out of the oil. While you may not have to change your oil filter each and every time you have an oil change, frequent changes of oil filter can be crucial if you experience extreme driving conditions on a regular basis, such as:
- Stop and go traffic
- Driving in extreme temperatures
- Towing heavy loads often
- Driving on dirt roads or dusty tracks frequently
Since oil filters are relatively inexpensive, it is always better to err on the side of caution and replace a filter before it stops working well. During your next oil change service simply ask one of our technicians whether you should replace your oil filter.
Contact GoodGuys Tire & Auto Repair to schedule an oil change service today.
The costs of an oil change can vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive and which type of motor oil you choose. However, we aim to offer cheap oil changes and other maintenance services that can help you keep your vehicle in top condition at an affordable price. GoodGuys Tire & Auto Repair frequently has special offers and coupons available, helping our customers save on a number of maintenance services. Simply download any applicable coupons from our special offers page and print them out, or save them on your phone for your next visit.
In comparison to conventional engine oil or synthetic blends, full synthetic oil can provide a distinct advantage when it comes to engine protection and performance. While a full synthetic oil change can cost a little more, it has a number of important benefits, including:
- Full synthetic oil that lasts longer
- Synthetic oil that withstands higher temperatures and helps keep engines running smoothly longer
- 100 percent synthetic oil keeps flowing in cold temperatures, which reduces engine wear
While full synthetic oil certainly has the edge over other types of engine oils, regular oil changes are necessary for the health of your engine, whichever type of oil you decide to use.
Motor oil is essential for keeping your engine running efficiently and preventing your vehicle from overheating and other issues. However, oil does not last forever as it picks up dirt and debris while doing its job of lubricating the moving parts of your vehicle’s engine. This dirt and debris can cause friction as well as wear and tear of engine parts.
If you do not change your oil regularly, the worst-case scenario can be complete engine failure. Having a regular oil change service scheduled can prevent steep repair bills and inconvenience, as well as costly car break-downs.
Typically, the owner’s manual of your vehicle will suggest the correct interval for maintenance services, including the appropriate timing for oil changes. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the general recommendation is to get an oil change at intervals of around 5,000 – 7,500 miles. The frequency of oil changes can also depend on the age of your vehicle, the type of oil you are using, and the driving conditions.
If you are unsure when your last oil change was or you do not have the owner’s manual of your vehicle, contact us to determine whether you need an oil change service.
If you do not remember the date of your last oil change, there are some signs that could point to your car needing an oil change, including:
- The oil change light appears on your dashboard
- Your oil looks dark and sludgy, instead of golden brown
- Your engine sounds louder than normal or there is a knocking noise
- The oil level looks low on your dipstick
- Your vehicle shakes or vibrates while idling
Ideally, with a regularly scheduled oil and filter change, you should not experience any of these troubling signs. However, if you have not had an oil change for a while and notice that your engine is performing differently or getting noisier, contact us as soon as possible for an appointment. A prompt oil change can potentially help you avoid costly damages to your vehicle.
If you are looking for a cheap oil change, you may be tempted to try and do it on your own. While a DIY oil change is certainly possible, it is not necessarily recommended for a number of reasons:
- An oil change can be extremely messy
- You may not have all the equipment needed
- You risk damaging your vehicle
- The old oil needs to be disposed of responsibly
Changing your own oil can be more complicated and time-consuming than anticipated.
Having a professional perform your car’s oil change tends to be much faster and more convenient than doing it yourself. It also eliminates the mess and worries of incorrectly disposing of the old oil.
Moreover, on some vehicles, access to the parts can be obstructed, making an oil change awkward and challenging. Mistakes such as using the wrong oil or overlooking an oil leak can lead to expensive repair costs. In some cases, a DIY oil change ends up more costly than having an oil change service performed by a professional in the first place.
An oil change at GoodGuys Tire & Auto Repair can save you time, hassle, and in some cases, a considerable amount of money. We can also keep an eye on your oil change schedule and alert you when you are due for your next service.
Special offers and coupons are frequently available for our services, making oil changes affordable to all. Contact us today to find out more and schedule an oil change near you.
