An oil change at Interstate Auto Care usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and for good reason.

Sure, an oil change is ultimately a service, but the bigger picture is the thorough inspection your vehicle receives. A quick oil change is one thing, but what if there was an issue with your engine? Or what if you had a bad tire? It's better to discover problems like these through an inspection instead of on the road.

Any reputable auto repair center will take the time to inspect the many components of your car as part of their oil change process. At our shop, we give you a detailed report after our inspection so you know the condition of your vehicle.

Importance of Regular Oil Changes

Regular oil changes keep your engine running at its best. Clean oil lubricates engine parts and reduces friction between moving components.

Engine oil breaks down over time due to heat and normal use. When oil gets dirty or old, it can't protect your engine as well as it should.

Fresh oil helps prevent engine wear and maintains proper engine temperatures. It also removes harmful particles that could damage engine parts.

The benefits of regular oil changes are numerous, and include:

• Extended engine life
• Better fuel efficiency
• Reduced engine noise
• Prevention of engine overheating
• Lower risk of mechanical problems

Dirty oil makes your engine work harder than necessary. This extra strain can lead to decreased performance and higher fuel consumption.

Engine oil does more than just lubricate. It helps cool engine parts and carries away debris that could cause damage.

The cost of regular oil changes is much lower than the cost of engine repairs. Getting oil changes on schedule helps avoid expensive problems later.

Signs your car needs an oil change:

• Dark, dirty-looking oil
• Engine running louder than usual
• Dashboard oil light comes on
• Engine running rough or sluggish
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Types of Motor Oil

Motor oil comes in four main varieties: conventional, synthetic blend, full synthetic, and high-mileage oil.

Conventional oil is the most basic and affordable option. It works well for drivers with simple engines and regular driving patterns.

Synthetic blend oil mixes conventional and synthetic oils. It offers better protection than conventional oil at a mid-range price point.

Full synthetic oil delivers the highest level of engine protection. It performs better in extreme temperatures and lasts longer between changes. This makes it ideal for high-performance engines.

High-mileage oil is made for vehicles with over 75,000 miles. It contains special additives that help protect older engines and prevent leaks.

Key Benefits by Oil Type:

• Conventional: Basic protection, lowest cost
• Synthetic Blend: Enhanced protection, moderate cost
• Full Synthetic: Maximum protection, longest life
• High-Mileage: Older engine protection, leak prevention

The choice of motor oil affects both engine performance and oil change frequency. Many newer cars require synthetic oil, while older vehicles can run well on conventional oil.

Oil Change Process

Our mechanic starts by lifting the vehicle on a service lift for easy access to the oil drain plug.

The old oil drains into a collection pan while the oil filter gets removed and replaced with a new one.

The technician installs a fresh drain plug with a new washer to prevent leaks. They add the correct amount and type of new oil based on the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Following the oil type suggested by the manufacturer is important.

The final step includes checking the oil level with the dipstick and running the engine briefly to inspect for any leaks.

Estimated Time for Oil Change

A typical oil change at a Madison Heights service center takes 20-45 minutes for most vehicles.

Factors that affect the duration:

• Vehicle make and model
• Type of oil filter
• Shop workload
• Additional services requested

Filter Change and Tire Check

Air and fuel filters need regular replacement to maintain engine performance. Most shops can swap these filters in 10-15 minutes during an oil change service.

Tire pressure checks take just 5 minutes. Technicians inspect tire tread depth and look for signs of uneven wear. They'll also check for damage like bulges, cracks, or embedded objects.

Common Filter Services:

• Air filter replacement
• Fuel filter replacement
• Cabin air filter change
• Filter inspection

Brake Services and Auto Repair

Basic brake inspections take 15-20 minutes. Our technicians check brake pad thickness, rotor condition, and brake fluid levels.

More extensive brake work like pad replacement typically takes 1-2 hours per axle.

Common Brake Services:

• Brake pad replacement
• Rotor resurfacing
• Brake fluid flush
• Caliper maintenance

If you need an oil change and a quality inspection, come see us at Interstate Auto Care. We're located at 526 E 14 Mile Rd in Madison Heights.