Oil Change Service in Tucson at BRAKEmax
How long has it been since your car’s last oil change? If you can’t remember, that might explain the metal-on-metal sound you’ve been hearing from under the hood. Don’t wait any longer!
An oil change is one of the simplest ways to get peak performance from your car. It only takes about 30 minutes, and the cost is minimal. BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers offer full-service oil changes in Tucson, AZ performed by ASE-certified mechanics.
Our conventional oil change services include:
- Five quarts of Valvoline 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil
- Installation of a new oil filter
- Lubrication of your vehicle’s chassis
- Tire rotation upon request
Click here to make an oil change appointment today! Check out our specials and oil change coupons, too!
The Benefits of Regular Oil Changes for a Car’s Engine
There are many benefits to sticking to a regular oil change schedule. This routine part of any car’s preventative maintenance plan is the key to a healthy engine. Here’s why:
Keeps the Engine Clean
Sludge buildup is the last thing you want in the engine. Sludge is the accumulation of dirt and debris picked up by the oil as it moves through the car’s engine. The oil filter tries to stop all this from entering the engine, but as it becomes dirtier over time, the filter can’t do its job either. The oil gets dirtier and thicker, and it soon becomes sludge.
Gives the Engine Longer Life
Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It cleans, lubricates, and protects a vehicle’s engine and engine parts from premature wear and damage. Maintaining your schedule for oil changes allows all of that to happen. This will save you money, time, and stress.
Protects Other Engine Parts
The other parts in the engine system need the same protection. These are the crankshaft, camshaft, valves, pistons, cylinder heads, and connecting rods. In order for the engine and all its components to work properly, the engine oil and oil filter must be clean.
Allows Better Gas Mileage
An engine with clean oil has less friction than one with dirty oil and a dirty oil filter. The barrier provided by the oil over all the metal parts reduces friction, which means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard. Once that barrier is reduced by the breakdown of the oil, the engine works harder and uses more gas.
Protects the Environment
Dirty oil allows hydrocarbons to build up inside the engine’s crankcase. Those pollutants burn up and are emitted into the air through the vehicle’s exhaust system. This will not only pollute the air but will also prevent your vehicle from passing any required emissions tests.
Controls Engine Overheating
Oil is designed to draw heat away from the engine. Dirty oil and a blocked oil filter allow sludge to build up in the engine, and things begin to heat up. The engine has to work harder and will ultimately fail. Gas mileage suffers, too.
Regular Oil Change Service Schedules
The often-repeated “every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first” isn’t bad advice. It’s better to change the oil and oil filter in your car too often than not often enough. You also
don’t want to void the terms of any warranty you have on your vehicle, so follow whatever oil change schedule protects the warranty.
Keep in mind, too, there have been important improvements in fuel-delivery systems, manufacturing methods, oil chemistry, and engine materials over the years. Car manufacturers are producing cars with better engines that can stretch the intervals between oil change servicing to 7,500 or even 10,000 miles.
In order to answer the frequency question for the specific make and model of your car, the best source of information is your car’s owner’s manual. You will find all the help you need to properly maintain your car in this document, including how often to have the oil and oil filter changed.
Newer cars often have a built-in oil-life monitor. This monitor provides real-time data on engine revolutions, drive temperatures and hours, idling hours, and cold starts. From all this data, the condition of the oil is assessed and oil change intervals are outlined. This kind of equipment and its flow of information are additional helpful tools for oil change frequency.
Other Keys to Frequency of Oil Changes
When your car’s warranty expires, there are some other keys to the oil change question. This is where your common sense and an informed estimate are required. BRAKEmax mechanics can help with this.
A factor they may mention relates to your driving habits. Do you routinely do severe driving? This is defined as:
- Regular, short trips of five miles or less in normal temperatures
- Many short trips of 10 miles or less in freezing temperatures
- Stop-and-go driving in extremely hot weather
- Driving on muddy, sandy, dusty, salty, or gravelly roads
- Many miles at low speeds for long distances
- Towing trailers long distances
- Track diving
If these characteristics of severe driving describe your driving habits, you will need to have the oil changed more often, simply to avoid any problems before they happen.
Symptoms of Oil Problems
Here are some warning signs to pay attention to:
Check Engine Light or Oil Change Light
If your car is low on oil, either the check engine light or the oil change light in your vehicle will illuminate. Check the dipstick to verify. Then, make an appointment at BRAKEmax for a diagnostic check.
Engine Noise
Engine noise will increase if the oil isn’t doing its job anymore. Once you begin to hear grinding or knocking, that’s a sign it’s getting worse, so get to BRAKEmax for an oil change and an inspection for damage.
Dark, Dirty Oil
If you have waited too long between oil changes, the oil will be dark and dirty. You won’t be able to see the dipstick gauge through the oil anymore. Don’t wait any longer!
Oil Smell Inside the Car
An oil leak often leads to an oil smell inside the vehicle. If you smell gas or exhaust, the engine could be overheating. None of this is good. Schedule an appointment immediately.
Smoke from the Exhaust
Vapor is normal; smoke is not. Smoke may signal an oil leak or parts that need attention. Let us perform a diagnostic inspection.
Excessive Mileage
Have you traveled more than normal lately? Did you forget an oil change? Schedule now.
Synthetic or Conventional Oil
Today, almost all newer cars use synthetic oil. Your owner’s manual will confirm this, so if the manufacturer recommends synthetic oil, you must use it. Don’t take a chance on voiding your warranty by using conventional oil.
If your car is older, though, and has run on conventional oil, you can use either kind of oil. It doesn’t hurt to switch to synthetic at that point. Keep in mind that synthetic oils are made to go longer distances. You can get up to 10,000 miles from each oil change. They are better at keeping dirt and other particles in suspension for longer periods of time so the oil filter can trap them efficiently. They also stand up to high temperatures longer. They do cost more, so you will have to weigh the pros and cons of your situation.
A reason to stick with conventional oil, though, is if your car has reached 75,000 miles on the odometer. An older engine is more likely to experience wear on its gears and other moving parts. When using synthetic oil that is made to flow more smoothly, there is a greater chance of grinding gears. Conventional oil flows more slowly, which provides better lubrication for an older engine. You will need to adhere to a more frequent oil change service schedule of every 3,000 miles or so.
Synthetic Blend Oil
A synthetic blend is exactly that: A blend of full synthetic and conventional oil. The blend has only 30% or less of full synthetic oil, which means the other 70% will be petroleum-based oil. With that comes the environmental issue of more pollutants being thrown into the air.
A synthetic oil change, even if it’s a blend, does give your car’s engine extra protection against high temperatures and isn’t as prone to evaporation as conventional oil. The blends also provide better viscosity and increased lubrication, and they cost less than a full synthetic oil.
A synthetic blend used in your car means fewer oil changes, too, so you will save money. The general rule is to change a synthetic blend between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. And, no matter which type of oil you use, remember to change the oil filter regularly.
BRAKEmax Helps Keep You on Track with Oil Changes
It’s not always convenient to have an oil change, especially on a particularly busy work day. The BRAKEmax Concierge Program is a free service offered to maximize your time and still tend to your car. We will pick your car up from your work or home (within three miles of our auto repair shop) and return it after the oil change is done.
We hope this service supports our mission to provide the best car care and service in the industry!
You can schedule our Concierge Service at the same time you set your appointment for an oil change service in Tucson, or simply contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you choose BRAKEmax for your Tucson oil change service needs, you can rest assured knowing you won’t just get the bare minimum. Some garages in Arizona (and everywhere else, for that matter) will settle for removing your used oil and replacing it with new oil. While this is the backbone of any successful oil change, a full-service oil change adds quite a few secondary services to the mix.
When you schedule an oil change service at BRAKEmax, you’ll get the following:
- Multi-point inspection of your vehicle
- Replacement of your oil filter
- Lubrication of your car’s chassis
- Rotation of your tires (at your request)
These services set our industry-leading, full-service oil changes apart from the competition. So get ready to reap the benefits of our hard work by scheduling your appointment today, and save extra cash by checking our coupons and financing options before your visit.
Although the best oil for your vehicle may be synthetic, changing back and forth does not cause any problems. However, since it provides the best protection for your engine and resists chemical breakdown, we recommend a full synthetic oil change as the best option to maintain your engine.
As a Tucson, Arizona, area driver, there’s a good chance that you’re already familiar with the two primary motor oil varieties on the market, that is, conventional and synthetic oil. You might have also heard synthetic oil is better, and for some motorists, that can be the case. But synthetic and conventional motor oils each have their strengths and weaknesses. So, you’ll need to consider your priorities when deciding on an oil type.
At BRAKEmax, we recommend synthetic oil to most drivers. That’s because it can flow
freely through the tight spaces in modern-day engines thanks to its uniform molecular structure, allowing for highly effective lubrication. Also, synthetic oil tends to have a longer lifespan than conventional oil.
However, this doesn’t mean synthetic oil is automatically the right fit for your situation. If you’re not sure what type of motor oil to use, ask the team at BRAKEmax for assistance before your next oil change—we’ll be glad to help!
(P.S. Some Tucson drivers are interested in switching from conventional to synthetic oil but are afraid that it could cause problems for their engines. If that’s the case for you, don’t worry—changing from one oil type to another won’t cause any issues in your vehicle.)
There are general guidelines from manufacturers in the 5,000- to 7,500-mile range, but the answer depends on your driving habits and driving conditions. You should have your vehicle’s oil changed every 3,000 miles or three months (whichever comes first) if your regular driving experience includes:
- Extreme heat or humidity
- A lot of short trips
- Prolonged idling
- Hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer
Any of these conditions put extra stress on your engine; if your driving includes several of these, keeping up with a 3,000-mile oil change schedule can help ensure you’ll get more mileage from and better performance over the lifetime of your vehicle.
Oil isn’t literally your car’s blood, but it might as well be. After all, this fluid plays a crucial role in your vehicle. It keeps your engine’s components adequately lubricated, which lets them work together to power your car. If your vehicle didn’t have oil, it couldn’t function the way it’s supposed to.
The problem is that motor oil isn’t meant to last forever. Oil that’s been left sitting for a while can easily begin to accumulate dirt and sludge. Those contaminants aren’t just unpleasant—they’ll actively make the oil less effective at doing its job. That, in turn, can affect the overall performance of your vehicle.
At first, the effects of dirty oil are subtle: perhaps you get fewer miles per gallon or notice a bit of noise coming from your engine. However, these signs won’t be easy to miss indefinitely. If you put off your needed oil change for months or years, your engine could overheat or even blow a gasket. But the consequences don’t have to be that dramatic to cause real problems. Avoiding oil changes for long enough could void your car’s warranty.
Taking all that into account, it’s easy to see why drivers in Arizona should make regular oil changes a high priority. When you live in this part of the United States, BRAKEmax is your most qualified source for oil change service!
You can go by the recommendation of your car’s manufacturer, which is often 3,000 miles or three months. You can also take these steps:
- Check your dipstick and do a visual check of the oil. It should not be silty or dark or have particles in it.
- Also check to see if your oil level is low.
- Listen to your engine. It may be running more loudly than it normally does.
- Bring your car in if your check engine light comes on. That may indicate it’s time to change your oil.
Both synthetic and conventional oils can keep your engine lubricated. However, these products have some crucial differences you should be aware of before any future oil changes:
- Conventional (aka regular) motor oil is still the most common type of oil available today. As you’d expect based on its name, this is a type of crude oil. However, it has been refined and enhanced with various additives, making it more viscous and better at protecting your vehicle than it normally would be. If you choose conventional oil for your car, you can assume you will need oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles.
- Synthetic motor oil works similarly to conventional oil, but this fluid is created in a lab with a variety of chemical compounds. Along with its enhanced lubrication abilities, synthetic oil is longer lasting than conventional oil (which can help offset its higher upfront cost). If you opt for synthetic motor oil, try to schedule oil changes every 10,000–20,000 miles.
Again, it’s essential to remember that there isn’t a right or wrong type of motor oil for most Tucson drivers. Now that you know what sets the main oil categories apart, you’ll be able to decide what oil variety is best for your vehicle.
A full synthetic oil is a blend of a synthetic base and additives that increase its performance and level of engine protection. A synthetic blend (or semi-synthetic) mixes a synthetic base with conventional types of motor oils. Keep in mind that even with a full synthetic product, not all of them are created equal. Ask your BRAKEmax technician which specific type of oil is best for your vehicle and driving habits.
Check your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations, which may include specifics on the best oil for certain climates or driving conditions. In any case, the right viscosity for your engine is the most important factor since it has a direct effect on how well it can protect your engine.
If you’re unsure about the type of oil you should choose, you can rely on our technicians to make the best recommendation for your vehicle.
Oil filters are essential to keeping your oil cleaner longer, but when they’re not changed, they reach a point where they can’t absorb any more dirt or debris. When that happens, your oil—whether it’s new or old—will circulate throughout your engine without any filtration. Changing your oil filter along with your oil ensures that your new, clean oil stays that way longer and can protect your engine better.
Oil changes are one of the most affordable auto services, and we make it even more affordable with our oil change and fluid specials. Check our oil change coupons frequently for savings on:
- Lube, oil and filter changes and inspection
- High mileage oil changes
- Synthetic oil and filter changes and inspection
- Ultra Platinum full synthetic oil changes
We also offer special group discounts to military service members, Tucson teachers, and the employees of the City of Tucson and Pima County.
You do not have to go to the dealership for oil change service. By law, your vehicle’s warranty will remain in force no matter where you choose to have your oil changed or have any other type of auto repairs or service done. At BRAKEmax, we provide the same level of service that you’ll find at any dealership.
BRAKEmax has more than a dozen auto repair shops located throughout the Tucson area. Check our locations page for a complete listing and to make an appointment at the location nearest you.
Checking your car’s oil level is an easy DIY task. Here’s what to do:
- When your engine is warm, park it on level ground and turn off the engine
- Wait several minutes to let the oil settle
- Open the hood and look for the oil dipstick, which usually have an orange or yellow ring
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a lint-free cloth
- Reinsert it, making sure to push it as far down as it can go
- Take the dipstick out and look at the oily film at the tip, comparing it to the markings that indicate the engine oil level
If you see that the oil level is below the bottom line, you need to add oil. Only add a small amount at a time—too much oil can be a problem as well.
If your oil looks dirty or appears to have bits of debris in it, it’s time to schedule an appointment for a complete change of your oil as well as a new oil filter.
You can request an appointment for an oil change right now by using our online appointment scheduling service. You may also call any of our locations directly during regular business hours Monday through Saturday.
As your car racks up miles and years, its maintenance requirements will change with
age. Naturally, you’ll also need to adjust your oil change schedule. As a rule of thumb, older cars need oil changes a bit more often than newer vehicles.
The type of oil you put in your older vehicle might also need to change. High-mileage motor oil is a subcategory of motor oil specifically formulated for cars that have been on the road in Tucson for some time. This oil variety, often a combination of synthetic and conventional oils, is generally intended for vehicles that have been driven more than 75,000 miles.
Does your car have 75,000 miles or even more on its odometer? If so, there’s a good chance it could benefit from switching to high-mileage motor oil. The BRAKEmax team is more than ready to deliver the high-mileage oil change service you’re searching for. So, if you’d like to give this oil variety a chance, just let us know when you bring your car in for service.
