Toyota Oil Change in El Monte, CA

Your car's oil is the critical fluid that keeps it driving properly and safely. When it's time to change your oil, we know you have options for where and how to get it done. We strongly recommend you see our trained professionals for efficient and effective service. Read on to find out why we recommend having your car's oil changed with us here at Longo Toyota in El Monte, California.

What Is Car Oil, and Why Do You Need To Change Your Oil?

Engine oil is a liquid that keeps everything in your motor running smoothly. It works by lubricating the engine's internal moving components. Without this lubrication, these moving parts can build up heat through friction. This resulting friction and heat can shorten the life span of the engine or cause overheating.

Over time, your car oil also gets older, and your oil levels can decrease. The oil's additives can be used up, resulting in oil that is more viscous or sludgy than it should be. The oil can become contaminated with waste and debris. All of these changes reduce the oil's ability to keep the engine parts moving smoothly.

Since your car's oil is critical to its safe functioning and proper repair, you should regularly replace your used oil with new oil. This replacement maintenance is called an oil change. There are many types of oil, and your vehicle's manufacturer should describe what kind of oil your vehicle needs.

When To Get Your Oil Changed

Your vehicle's manufacturer should indicate how often oil changes are recommended in your manual. Typically, this recommendation will be in the form of a certain number of miles or months. Commonly, oil changes are recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If the oil warning light comes on, maintenance is needed right away regardless of how long it has been since your last oil change.

How Does a Professional Oil Change Work?

When you bring your vehicle in for a professional oil change, you can often choose to wait with your car or come back for it later. The whole process usually takes about half an hour to one and a half hours. A technician checks your current oil level and the condition of the oil remaining in your vehicle. This can help them understand what oil you need and any other services to recommend. For example, suppose your oil level is lower than expected, or the oil is more contaminated than it should be. In that case, a closer look may be necessary.

The technician will remove the old oil from your vehicle. They will also replace your oil filter. Sometimes, you may need to replace your oil pan drain plug. The last step is to refill your engine with new oil. The technician performing your oil change may identify other necessary maintenance items. In that case, they will let you know about them and may offer to perform the needed maintenance.

You can choose to only have your vehicle's oil changed, or you can choose a full-service oil change. The full-service oil change includes other services in addition to the basic oil change. Examples include checking safety items, such as your lights and tires, inspecting and refilling your vehicle fluids, and conducting an air filter inspection.

Why Should You Get Your Car Oil Changed at a Dealership?

Here are a few reasons why it really is best to go to a dealership for this routine maintenance:

It's Better Than Topping up on Your Own

Topping up at home means adding new oil to dirty oil, which is not ideal and does not include replacing your oil filter. When you see a professional, they can check out other areas of your vehicle. Then, the technician can alert you to additional maintenance or safety needs you may not have been aware of.

Dealership Technicians Are Experts in Your Vehicle

You may think about taking your car to a quick-service garage for a speedy oil change. However, please consider that dealerships can also perform fast oil changes and may know a lot more about your particular car. Dealerships usually specialize in the specific types of vehicles they service. This means that they offer the expertise that can be greater than that of independent shops, which may work on any car that drives up. Dealerships can also work directly with manufacturers to acquire any necessary parts needed to repair your vehicle, as well as the ideal recommended oil for your engine.

Using the right oil is essential. The process of your car oil aging, becoming dirty, and being used up is generally predictable if you use the correct oil. This process may be unpredictable if you use oil that isn't recommended. In this situation, you might not realize your oil needs to be changed sooner than recommended, which could cause problems for your vehicle. This is another reason that it's a good idea to see trained technicians when changing your oil.

Dealerships Value Long-term Relationships With Their Customers

In addition to technical expertise, dealerships usually have excellent facilities for performing maintenance on your vehicle. Dealerships, including ours, value relationships with their customers and want to build customer confidence and encourage repeat business. This can guarantee that you get excellent service. When you bring your vehicle in for a professional oil change, you get more than an oil replacement.

You get peace of mind.

Getting your car's oil changed is a regular maintenance item that can help ensure your vehicle runs optimally for a long time. Please feel free to contact us for an oil change or any of your service needs. You can also stop by and see us in El Monte to speak to a staff member about the best Toyota to fit your needs.