Oil Change Service in Prattville, AL

Your vehicle needs a regular oil change service to keep the engine's vital parts lubricated and operating efficiently. Failing to change the oil in your vehicle's engine can lead to problems, such as poor engine performance and a shortening of its life span. At Stivers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR), our automotive oil changes will help you drive confidently when you know your vehicle is well maintained. We've put together the following oil change service guide to help you understand what goes into an oil change and how to find the right oil package for your needs.

Oil Change Services

Our team at Stivers CDJR offers oil change services to our customers in the Prattville, Alabama, area. When you bring your vehicle to our service center, our team of expert service technicians will:

• Check the oil level in your car, truck, or SUV.
• Drain the oil from the engine.
• Remove and inspect the oil filter and replace it if necessary. 
• Reinstall the oil pan in your vehicle and refill the engine with the proper amount and type of oil.

An oil change will take about 30 minutes. You can schedule an oil change through our service center. 

Find the Right Oil Package

Check the owner's manual for your vehicle to determine the correct type of motor oil and the viscosity the Society of Automotive Engineers recommends for your specific vehicle. Vehicle manufacturers build engines according to specific guidelines that support the engine's service life, performance, and protection. Be sure to select the correct oil type for your vehicle's diesel or gasoline engine. Using the incorrect type can significantly decrease your vehicle's engine performance and possibly damage it.

The owner's manual for your vehicle will also contain the manufacturer's recommended intervals for oil changes. Adhering to these maintenance schedules will benefit your vehicle engine's overall operation and longevity by lubricating moving parts and preventing the buildup of contaminants inside the engine. 

What Type of Oil Does Your Car Need?

The first step is choosing the right type of oil for your car's engine. Your vehicle's make and model, mileage, and driving conditions all play a role in determining the best engine oil, so if you're unsure where to start, our knowledgeable team is happy to help. Here's an overview of the most popular types of oil.

Standard Oil

Standard oil is a mineral-based product refined from crude oil. Also known as conventional oil, standard oil can have a range of viscosity grades and quality levels. It's the best choice if you drive a vehicle with a simple engine design.

Like synthetic oils, conventional or standard oils contain chemical additives that improve the oil's viscosity. These additives function as detergents within the engine, helping it resist corrosion and foaming.

Premium Synthetic Oil

Premium synthetic motor oil works best for premium performance in engines operating in high and low temperatures. Synthetic oil protects engine parts from wear, promotes better fuel economy, and helps support engine cleanliness. 

Synthetic oil is a commercially made engine lubricant that contains artificially manufactured chemical compounds. You can typically find chemically modified materials, such as petroleum components, in this oil type, but the base element in synthetic oil almost always consists of crude oil. The higher quality base elements in synthetic oil make this oil desirable for the following reasons:

• It's less likely to acidify or oxidize in a vehicle engine.
• It's more chemically stable than conventional oil.
• It's harder to break down and loses less of its desirable engine performance qualities than conventional oil. 

As with standard oil, regular synthetic oil changes will keep a vehicle's engine operating at peak efficiency. 

High-Mileage Oil

High-mileage oil is a specialty oil for engines that have reached 75,000 miles or more. The oil contains various additive packages that minimize the roughness on the engine's metal surfaces. These additives fill the fine microscopic cracks on engine surfaces, making them smoother and reducing the amount of strain on the engine.  

High-mileage oils maintain your vehicle engine's health over time. These oils contain seal enhancers and additives that help minimize external and internal oil leaks in the engine. High-mileage oil coats an older engine's O-rings, gaskets, and seals. This prevents oil leaks and burning oil, two problems common in vehicles with high mileage.

While vehicle experts recommend starting to use high-mileage oil at 75,000 miles, several factors may determine when you should switch to this oil:

• The environments in which you drive your vehicle, such as city or highway driving.
• The maintenance history of your vehicle.
• The type and quality of oil you've previously used in the engine.

Diesel Oil Package

Diesel engine oil has a specific formula for vehicles with diesel engines. This oil contains additives for diesel vehicles' emission systems. These additives address the byproducts of diesel engines — soot and other combustion matter — which engines that run on gasoline don't produce. Diesel engine oil can deal with soot that builds up during the engine's operation. These extra additives in diesel oil clean out these harmful byproducts from the engine.

You can check whether engine oil is for diesel or gasoline engines by studying the product label. The American Petroleum Institute created a series of engine oil classifications that can help you distinguish diesel from gasoline:

• Oil for use with gasoline engines will have an "S" symbol for service. 
• Oil for use with diesel engines will have a "C" symbol for commercial. 
• A resource conserving symbol indicates the oil is for gasoline engines.
• Oils that meet standards for use in diesel and gasoline engines will include a "C" and "S" in their lists of service categories.

Now Included With All Lube Services

Get more from your appointment when you schedule your next oil change with us. Our oil changes come with several courtesy services to ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition before leaving our dealership. These complimentary services include:

• Washing windshield exterior
• Checking lights for proper operation
• Inspecting and filling all fluids, including washer, power steering, and differential
• Checking and optimizing tire pressure

Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Changes

We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about oil change services to ensure you have all the information you need to care for your car properly.

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

How often you should change oil depends on the type used and the manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle. Conventional oil typically requires a change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while synthetic oil can last up to 7,500 to 10,000 miles before needing replacement. However, driving habits, climate, and vehicle type can also influence how often you should change your oil. Refer to your owner's manual or ask one of our knowledgeable technicians for guidance based on your specific driving conditions.

How Can I Tell if My Car Needs an Oil Change?

Aside from simply following your vehicle's recommended maintenance schedule, several warning signs may indicate your car is due for an oil change:

• Oil change light: Many modern vehicles have dashboard indicators that notify you when it's time for an oil change.
• Dark, dirty oil: Fresh oil is amber in color, but as it ages, it becomes darker and collects dirt and debris. If you check your oil and notice it's dark or dirty, it's time for a change.
• Engine noise: As oil breaks down, it becomes less effective at lubricating your engine's components. If you hear unusual knocking or grinding sounds, it could indicate that your oil level is low or needs to be changed.
• Burning oil smell: A strong burning smell could indicate that your engine is overheating due to low or old oil.

What Happens if I Delay an Oil Change?

Delaying an oil change can have severe consequences for your engine. Oil becomes dirty and less effective at lubricating and protecting your engine's internal components. This can lead to increased friction, overheating, and accelerated engine wear. Driving with dirty or low oil levels can cause engine failure in extreme cases. There's still time if you've gone past your recommended oil change interval. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Schedule Your Vehicle's Oil Change at Stivers CDJR

Your time is your most valuable asset. That's why our hardworking team of CDJR-certified technicians delivers prompt, professional oil change services to get you back on the road and on with your day. Schedule a service appointment today by calling 334-491-0701, sending us a message, or visiting our dealership at 2209 Cobbs Ford Road in Prattville, Alabama. Find out why we're one of the most trustworthy, reliable providers of automobile service in Prattville.

Image Credit to KBB