Everything you wanted to know about motor oil but never asked

Why do people seem to take motor oil for granted? Seriously, it’s an integral part of your car’s performance but people often don’t know what it does.

There are many reasons, but for starters, there’s brain overload. Have you searched the internet lately? There’s so much information to sift through that it’s no wonder questions lead to more questions. That’s okay – at Louie and John’s Complete Auto Service, we are here to help with our fast oil change in Ann Arbor. So let’s cover some of the basics.

What does motor oil do, anyway?

The oil keeps your car running smoothly. We’d like to tell you that your car can function without oil, but unless yours is electric then you are just like the rest of us; you drive a vehicle that needs maintenance, and that includes an oil change now and then. 

No one wants their ride to coast to the side of the road giving you the cold shoulder, coughing, sputtering, coming to a screeching halt in the middle of rush-hour traffic. So don’t. Just don’t go there.

The oil keeps the engine percolating. It keeps the car lubricated, and keeps the engine clean. And while it may seem like all oils are created equal, it’s just not so. 

What kind of oil do you need?

There’s a plethora from which to choose. Some are high-performance oils that yield better fuel mileage. Some are compatible with other oils, which is a good thing because mixing will often not hurt the engine. Some have higher viscosity (suited best for higher temperatures), while others have lower viscosity (which means they are thinner), making them the better choice for cold-weather driving. 

It’s enough to make you wish you’d paid attention in chemistry. 

It’s all about the formula, and figuring out which one is right for your particular car. The good news is that if you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast, your vehicle most likely came with an owner’s manual that will tell you specifically which oil to use. It might specify which brand you should select. What does it call for? Petroleum or synthetic? When there’s enough of the right oil, you’ve got a happy engine. 

When does it need to be changed?

This brings us to the oil alert. You’re driving along and all of a sudden, without warning, there’s that warning light. It blinks. You blink. Maybe you are seeing things. But no, there it is, and all the fear that goes with it. Of all the rotten luck.

It could happen for a number of reasons. Perhaps your oil level or pressure is low, or there’s a problem with your oil pump. If this happens to you, stop as soon as it’s safe to pull over and check your oil level. Whatever you do, don’t go anywhere until you have enough oil in the system to drive safely. 

Before you get to this point, consider the following—when was the last time you had an oil change? When was the last time you looked at the sticker on your windshield – the one that tells you when an oil change is due? If it’s a distant memory, it might be time to take some action.

How much will it cost for a fast oil change in ANN ARBOR?

You can expect to spend anywhere from $30-70 on a typical oil change these days. 

You could do it yourself, but it will cost you. True, the cost of the oil and filter is not that much, especially if you already have the right equipment: an oil filter wrench, oil drain pan, funnel, a wrench, gloves, and jack. If you don’t have these things on hand, maybe your neighbor does. If you are so inclined and find spending your time working on a car fun and rewarding, then go for it. But what if you’re not? 

How are you supposed to keep up with all this? You’re not. And while we are at it, might we suggest you let us figure out the formula? At Louie and John’s, this is what we do. We know this stuff so you don’t have to.

Isn’t it about time you stopped spinning your wheels?

How long will it take for our fast oil change in ANN ARBOR?

Thirty to forty-five minutes might not sound like much time to spend getting your oil changed, but if you are stuck at the office and your lunchtime is one hour, then you could be spending your entire lunch break, and that’s not including the time it takes to down those burgers you promised your wife you wouldn’t eat. You’ve still got to drive to the service station and wait who knows how long, depending on how many people get there first. Unless you bring it to us.

As much as there is a formula that works for your car, let us throw down another formula. How about one that will work for you – every time? Here’s how it works: 

Step 1: Bring your car to us.

Step 2: Help yourself to a cup of coffee in our comfortable lounge while we do the rest. It only takes about 30 minutes to get your oil changed at Louie and John’s. Listen, we know you’re busy. We know that time is money. We know you can’t wait to get back to work. 

Step 3: Count your pocket change. That’s right. You’re not going to spend up to $70 dollars because when you bring it to us, you’re going to spend $37.50. If that sounds good to you, it should. You can’t purchase the equipment to do the job plus the oil for that amount. 

At Louie and John’s we value your business. That’s why the folks in Ann Arbor value our service.

No appointment? No problem. 

No hassle. 

No waiting.

Give us a call. What are you waiting for?