Oil changes are a form of maintenance that most drivers are familiar with.
This service is necessary for your vehicle to run properly. Oil is needed to lubricate many components and some parts feature oil pressure sensors.
Regular oil changes, which are suggested every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, prevent engine damage from occurring down the road. You can read more about why they are important in this blog post we wrote.
During this service, the oil and oil filter are replaced. HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire takes it a few steps further by providing additional services.
What an oil change looks like at HomeTowne Auto Repair
While completing an oil change, we always use seat covers, floor mats, and steering wheel covers to protect the vehicle.
In addition to replacing the oil and oil filter, our technicians perform a courtesy inspection. This includes several safety checks, such as testing the battery. They also examine the air filters and look over the belts and pulleys.
The fluids are checked, as well. We look at the windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
Not all of the fluids have a warning light when they’re low and you may not know until something happens. Being low on oil or coolant might cause an alert. That isn’t the case with power steering fluid and transmission fluid.
Measuring the brake pad depth is another part of the process. To pass the Virginia state inspection, they must be at least 2/32 of an inch. We start suggesting replacing the brakes when they reach 3/32 or 4/32 of an inch, but some manufacturers recommend them sooner.
The tires are also measured and rotated, which helps them last longer.
To confirm there isn’t any play or damage, the steering and suspension are inspected. Parts can become loose or go bad overtime. If they aren’t replaced early on, they could lead to more expensive repairs in the future.
Additionally, our technicians make sure the lights are working properly.
The courtesy check and tire rotations are services provided at no additional charge.
We believe in maintaining your car before it breaks down. If we can catch problems early, then we can potentially save people money.
Digital inspections
Any observations our technicians make while performing an oil change or courtesy inspection are noted in digital inspections.
Through digital inspections, we are able to share photos, videos and information about the health of your vehicle. This includes details about what’s looking good, repairs that need to be made, and services we recommend.
These reports can be sent via text or email, allowing you to receive an update wherever you are.
Is your vehicle due for an oil change? You can schedule one at HomeTowne Auto Repair by calling (703) 594-4646.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.