How Long Do Oil Changes Take?

It’s impossible to discuss vehicle maintenance without mentioning oil changes. An oil change is crucial to your vehicle’s long-term performance. Some vehicle owners may turn the other way when this topic arises because they don’t understand how the service works. Our team at Brewster Ford is here to clear up any confusion you may have. Below, you can learn everything about oil changes, including how long they usually take, the frequency for one, why they’re important, and how to get one at Brewster Ford.

How Long Do Oil Changes Take?

The time it takes to change a vehicle’s oil can depend on several factors. For example, you can first consider who’s conducting the oil change. If you’re doing it yourself and have never done so before, it can take up to an hour or longer to complete the process accurately.

While it’s possible to change your engine oil yourself, you can save a lot of time and hassle by recruiting a professional’s services to complete this maintenance task. You can bring your vehicle for an oil change to a quick change shop or a dealership’s service center. At a quick change shop, the employees specialize in performing oil changes. Because that’s all they do every day, they often work quite efficiently. You may be able to get your oil changed in as little as 15 to 30 minutes.

Your other option is to visit a dealership’s service center. Here, you can get a similar level of quality, as the employees complete oil changes regularly. However, you may expect to wait anywhere between 25 and 45 minutes at a dealership’s service center because this service isn’t the only one on employees’ to-do lists. You may also have to wait longer at a service center because of the inclusion of other services, like a complimentary brake check.

Another factor to consider when determining how long an oil change takes is the type of vehicle you drive. Some cars have easy-to-access oil filters and drain plugs on the bottom of the vehicle. Other vehicles may have these components in less accessible places, making it more time-consuming to complete an oil change.

Why Are Oil Changes Important?

Here are some reasons to prioritize engine oil changes when they’re due:

Oil Changes Promote Engine Efficiency

When you get regular oil changes, you may notice that your engine works more efficiently. This means that you can travel more miles for every gallon of gas you put into your vehicle. Your engine won’t have dirt and other particles that could otherwise cause it to chug along rather than operate at its prime.

Oil Changes Prolong the Life of Your Engine

Dirty oil increases friction within your vehicle’s engine. Less lubrication can cause engine components to rub against each other and result in faster wear and tear. Regular oil changes can prolong the life of your engine and decrease the friction that’s present, which means your engine won’t be as prone to overheating.

Oil Changes Can Help You Pass Emissions Tests

Some states, including New York, require drivers to submit their vehicles for an emissions test. An emissions test ensures your vehicle’s greenhouse gases fall within state limits. When you get your engine oil changed regularly, you don’t have to worry about your engine’s performance falling behind modern standards.

What Is the Suggested Frequency for an Oil Change?

You might have heard the advice to get an oil change whenever your vehicle travels 3,000 miles. Although this advice was applicable in the past, advancements in oil quality and engine performance have made this rule obsolete. You no longer have to change your engine oil as frequently. While too-frequent oil changes won’t hurt your engine, they will waste money and resources.

In general, it’s good practice to change your oil every 7,500 or 10,000 miles. Depending on how frequently you drive, you may have to get an oil change every six to 12 months.

Remember that these frequencies are general guides to show you how frequently you may need to get an oil change. Refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle for the most accurate oil change schedule to follow. If you’ve misplaced your owner’s manual or want confirmation that you’re following the correct oil change schedule, contact us at Brewster Ford. Stop by our service center so our team can evaluate your vehicle’s condition, model, and year to recommend the appropriate oil change frequency.

What Does a Repair Technician Do During an Oil Change?

A repair technician begins an oil change by removing your vehicle’s oil pan to let the old oil drain out of your vehicle. Then, they’ll replace the old oil filter with a newly lubricated one. Finally, they’ll replace the oil pan and pour the new oil. A service technician will pour in the oil type your vehicle’s owner’s manual recommends. Different oil types have different viscosity grades and service ratings, so your service technician will make the appropriate choice for your vehicle type.

Does Brewster Ford Offer an Express Program?

Brewster Ford offers something called The Works. This program ensures you get your oil change done, but it comes with so much more than that. Other services included with The Works are:

• Belts and hoses check.
• Filter check.
• Battery test.
• Fluid top-offs.
• Comprehensive vehicle checkup.
• Brake inspection.
• Tire rotation and tire pressure check.

Our team at Brewster Ford in Brewster offers these services alongside an oil change to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. We want to get you back on the road so you can embark on any adventure with the peace of mind you deserve. Feel free to read our customer testimonials to see how we’ve delivered quality service.

How To Schedule an Oil Change at Brewster Ford

Here at Brewster Ford, it’s easy to schedule an oil change. Simply fill out our online form, which requests information on your vehicle’s make, model, and year. One of our service technicians will get back to you so we can schedule an appointment efficiently.

Visit our oil change page for more information on this essential vehicle maintenance service. You can also contact our team to ask any questions you may have or get clarification on what we can do for your vehicle’s longevity.

Photo Credit: Pouring Oil to Engine by Daniel Andraski is licensed with Pexels License

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