Oil Change Service: What’s Included?
It doesn’t matter how carefully you drive in Fresno, California or how nice your vehicle is. Eventually, your car will need an oil change to keep running correctly. Automobiles rely on motor oil to keep their engines lubricated and cool, but this oil will become dirty over time. When that happens, it won’t be able to keep doing its job as it should, so getting new oil is essential.
If it’s time for your next Fresno-Visalia area oil change, you shouldn’t pick just any garage to provide this service. There are many different auto shops in this part of the country, but not all of these businesses are equally reputable. You could easily end up overpaying if you aren’t careful. On the other hand, the best Fresno garages go above and beyond by including bonus services with their oil changes.
Are you curious about what you can expect from a full-service oil change? If so, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out why Goodguys Tire & Auto Repair is the top choice for this common auto maintenance task.
What Your Next Oil Change Should Include
An oil change usually seems like one of the simplest auto maintenance services to the outside observer. After all, this job just involves removing dirty motor oil and replacing it with clean oil. Still, you’d be surprised how often underqualified auto shops screw up on this supposedly basic task. Even so, what really sets Goodguys apart from the competition is the secondary services we provide along with our oil changes.
Needless to say, any full-service oil change will still focus on the oil change itself. Goodguys offers any type of Valvoline oil, including both conventional and synthetic oil. If you’re unsure which oil variety is most suitable for your vehicle, feel free to ask our ASE-certified mechanics for more information.
But comprehensive oil change service shouldn’t stop there. In addition to changing your oil, the team at Goodguys will:
- Install a new oil filter
- Lubricate your vehicle’s chassis
- Rotate your tires (if you ask for this service)
- Check your other fluid levels (antifreeze, transmission fluid, etc.)
- Perform various safety checks
- Inspect your cabin and air filters
All these tasks can have a very real impact on your vehicle’s performance and well-being, so it pays to get them taken care of whenever you set up an oil change. To ensure your Fresno vehicle receives the attention it deserves, choose Goodguys for your oil change needs. Not only will we handle all the services listed above, we’ll take care of them as quickly as possible. Because of that, you can get back on the road right away!
Don’t Overpay for Oil Changes
Any type of auto service comes with some sort of expense, but some are pricier than others. Oil changes should be on the low end of the auto maintenance pricing spectrum. No matter how many extra services are included with this job, it shouldn’t be nearly as expensive as tasks like transmission or engine repair.
Even so, there’s a good chance that you’d like to save as much as possible on your next oil change. That’s certainly understandable—after all, no one enjoys paying more than they have to for auto service. With that in mind, the crew at Goodguys offers a selection of online coupons for oil changes and many of the other jobs we handle. On top of that, you can get extra financial assistance with our financing options (including a dedicated Goodguys credit card).
Are You Overdue for an Oil Change?
No matter how affordable or value-packed a shop’s oil changes are, you shouldn’t get an oil change before you’re ready for one. After all, drivers in Fresno are always looking for ways to save money—and not paying for unneeded services is one of the easiest ways to accomplish this goal.
The best way to figure out when you need oil changes is by setting up an oil change schedule (more on that later). Still, there are a few signs that can indicate that your vehicle needs new oil ASAP. While you’re driving around Fresno, keep an eye out for:
- A dangerously low level of oil. Your motor oil can’t do its job if you don’t have enough of it left. If your oil is running low, be sure to replace it immediately—no matter how long it’s been since your last oil change.
- Warning lights on your dashboard. Your car’s “check engine” light can activate in response to all kinds of issues, including oil-related problems. As soon as this light turns on, visit Goodguys for diagnostics—and potentially some fresh motor oil.
- Unusual engine noises. You might not think motor oil would change the sound of your engine, but you’d be surprised. Dirty oil can cause your engine to make a ticking noise when it tries to start, while older or thin oil can lead to a knocking sound in your engine.
- Exhaust smoke. Have you spotted smoke coming from your car’s exhaust pipe? If so, old oil may be the culprit.
- Unexpected vibrations. Dirty oil can cause your car to vibrate abnormally. This symptom is especially easy to notice while your vehicle is idling.
Set Up Your Oil Change Schedule
The moment you start asking about oil change service schedules, someone will chime in with the standard advice. And even if you aren’t the world’s most maintenance-minded driver, there’s a good chance you already have the phrase “every three months or 3,000 miles” burned into your brain.
While people sharing this advice are doing so with good intentions, it’s crucial to understand that this schedule isn’t right for everyone. While you can certainly use the 3,000-mile mark as a starting point, it’s best to adjust this advice based on:
- Your driving habits. If someone calls you a “severe driver,” it might feel like you’re being accused of something—but that probably isn’t the case. This term just means your driving habits (for example, regularly driving on dirt roads or below 50 mph) put extra strain on your vehicle.
- The age of your car. Today’s engines are built to use oil as efficiently as possible, giving them the edge over the engines found in older vehicles. Furthermore, vehicles use oil less efficiently as they age, meaning you’ll probably need oil changes more often.
- The temperatures you drive in. Fresno residents are no strangers to intense heat, and that can seriously affect your car’s oil change needs. The same is true for the cold temperatures sometimes seen locally during the winter months.
- The oil you use. Perhaps the most significant difference between conventional and synthetic oil is how these oil varieties will affect your oil change schedule. When you buy conventional oil, you’ll probably save upfront compared to the alternative—but you’ll have to get an oil change sooner than you would with synthetic oil. On the flip side, synthetic oil is usually pricier than conventional oil, but you won’t need to replace it as often. If you’re having trouble choosing between these options, our expert mechanics can help!
Get Your Next Oil Change at Goodguys
Oil change service is one of the most affordable auto maintenance tasks out there, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some extra bang for your buck. If you’re looking for a true full-service oil change in Fresno, your best bet is Goodguys Tire & Auto Repair.
Whether you’re a long-time Goodguys customer or you’ve never visited one of our locations before, we’re happy to give your car the full-service oil change it needs. Simply schedule an appointment or request a quote online today!