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The basic engine (crankcase) oil and filter change is an essential auto maintenance procedure. For the average vehicle owner this service should be performed several times a year. The exact frequency depends mainly on your environment, mileage and the kind of driving you do. The manufacturer recommends the timing/mileage interval for normal and severe driving conditions. It may come as a surprise to many people that their driving conditions classify their vehicle use as severe. The following is how the vast majority of vehicle manufacturers define it.
Normal Conditions
Normal driving conditions are defined as being those featuring predominantly clear sailing highway driving on paved roads in dust-free environments.
Severe Conditions
Severe driving conditions usually involve one or many of the following factors on a regular basis:
- Stop-and-go or city driving
- Trips of under 10 miles
- Dusty driving conditions
- Extremely hot or cold weather
- Idling for long periods (rush hour traffic jams)
- Carrying a heavy load or towing a trailer
Cars and trucks that typically drive under 'severe' conditions require more frequent maintenance, especially oil and filter changes, than vehicles that do not.
We recommend to most customers that they change their oil and filter every 3 months or 3,000 miles with a major brand oil and filter.
Quicky lube, DIY or Certified Mechanic?
There are many advantages to having your oil and filter change done by a certified mechanic at a professionally operated auto maintenance and repair shop. In comparison with quicky lube places or DIY there is absolutely no comparison to the thoroughness of service you’ll receive at J.C. Motors. We will change your oil and filter, inspect and rotate (if needed) your tires, adjust your tire pressure, inspect your brakes, suspension, exhaust system, belts, hoses, fluid levels and condition, air filter, check your lights and more!
Of course you can change your own oil and filter, but having it done by a certified mechanic gives the professional several opportunities a year to give your vehicle a good general inspection at the same time and at J.C. Motors we do all of this for no additional charge.
Considering the cost of doing it yourself (around $25 for quality parts and oil) versus having it done at J.C. Motors using our website discount coupon ($32.95), the $7 to $8 difference seems a bargain when you factor in your time spent shopping for what you need, safely raising the vehicle, crawling underneath and carefully loosening, cleaning the drain plug and filter, wiping up and properly installing the drain plug and new filter, disposing of the used oil, checking for leaks and proper fluid level and then cleaning yourself up!
Then factor in the lack of room most people have to conveniently inspect and evaluate the rest of the vehicle’s underside operating systems, inspect the brakes, tires, rotating (if needed) and adjusting tire pressures. Don’t forget the inspection of all the belts, hoses, air filter, other fluid levels and condition, lights, etc.
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