What do you mean by “Mobile Oil Change Service?”

I drive to your car, wherever it is, and I change the oil! If you’re at home or at work, I will pop in first and grab your car keys. If you’re parked on a hill, I will move your car to a flat area. (You need to be on flat ground for an accurate oil level reading). I have all my tools in my car, including little ramps for safely lifting your vehicle if needed.

What kind of oil do you use?

I use full synthetic oil every change. The price difference is negligible, and newer engines require full synthetic anyways. It’s simpler to only keep the good stuff on hand.

When buying oil, I double check each vehicle’s documentation to see if there are any further requirements. For example, Volkswagen engines require specialized oil that meets their “50X 00” quality standard.

What about filters?

I only use good filters. Again, the price difference is so negligible, you might as well get the nice stuff. OEM when possible, but always a reputable brand name. Denso, Mann, AC Delco for GM, Motorcraft for Ford, etc. It depends on current prices and the state of a brand’s quality control. You probably won’t catch me using any FRAM.

What Oil Change Interval do You Recommend?

I list 5,000 miles on my oil change stickers and customer service records. The standard for conventional oil is 3,000 or three months, but full synthetic can last a while longer.

That being said, I don’t love banking on a company’s claims that their full synthetic will last for 10,000 miles or whatever. I don’t even feel particularly comfortable with a 7,500 mile interval, given the age of most cars I work on. Oil is supposed to clean as well as lubricate, and regular changes help keep the gunk out of old engines.

The key to long life for a car is regular fluid maintenance, with oil being the most crucial of all. At the end of the day, 5,000 miles is a safe bet. It’s not overkill, and if you go a little past the expiration date, it won’t be the end of the world.

What do you do with the old oil?

Auto parts stores take used oil off your hands and recycle it for free. I don’t know what’s in it for them—a tax break I suppose. Anyways, I drop the old gross oil off with them after each change.

There is something satisfying about pouring black sludge into a massive hazmat container. That viscous splashing is the sound of another job well done.