Oil Change Service in Tucson at BRAKEmax

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.