San Carlos Auto Repair

Engine Oil & Filter Change Service - San Carlos, CA

We are here to answer any questions you have regarding your vehicles engine oil change and filter service. We change the engine oil on 15-20 cars each day ranging from Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Acura, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, Infiniti, and all other Japanese made vehicles! Please contact one of our auto repair and service experts today for your next engine oil & filter service:  

• Factory-Trained Repair Mechanics
• Engine Oil & Filter change with synthetic blend oil
• 100% Customer Satisfaction
• Same day repair and service
• Free Courtesy Shuttle - To and From San Carlos Facility
• Open / Transparent Process - including photos - helping you understand any recommendations. 

How often do I need to change my engine oil?

Most vehicle manufacturers recommend an engine oil change every 3,500 to 5,000 miles or every 4-6 months. It is important for all drivers to note, because the scheduled service for oil changes might look a little different in your owner’s manual. For example, many owners’ manuals recommend changing the oil once a year or every 7,500 miles – sometimes higher! Why this contradiction you ask? Learn more about how often you should change your engine oil.

How do I check my engine oil? 

1. Park the car on a flat surface
2. Turn off the car
3. Make sure the car is in park and the parking brake is on
4. Open the hood
5. Find the engine oil dipstick (the handle is usually yellow, consult owners manual)
6. Remove the engine oil dipstick and wipe off any oil from the oil dipstick
7. Put the engine oil dipstick back in and make sure it is seated completely
8. Remove the engine oil dipstick again and check where the lowest sign of engine oil is on the dipstick. That is the current engine oil level. See Fig A.
9. There should be two indicators on the engine oil dipstick at the bottom. The top indicator is the full mark, the bottom indicator is the low mark. Typically the range of engine oil between the two marks on the dipstick is one quart of engine oil. Again, see Fig A. for a representation on this.
10. If there is any question on the steps above feel free to stop by A+ Japanese Auto Repair Inc. and we can show you how to check fluid levels and conditions in person. If you are outside our service range and have questions please contact your local service center or consult your owners manual.

Note: Clean engine oil should be a transparent yellow color when it comes new. Dirty engine oil will be closer to a dark coffee color with a thicker consistency. To avoid costly engine repairs stick with manufacturers recommend service intervals listed in your vehicles owners manual.

Do I need to change my engine oil when the maintenance required light comes on?

This maintenance required like comes on at different engine oil & filter intervals for different model vehicles. On average, Japanese made vehicles like Toyota & Honda, will require their engine oil and filter change at 5,000 miles.

For Toyota & Lexus, the maintenance required light will flash at 4,500 miles and then stay on solid at 5,000 from the last time the maintenance required light was reset. For Honda & Acura, the maintenance required light is typically a message on the dash stating A1 or B1 service due, which is an engine oil and filter change plus some extra service & inspection. Nissan & Infiniti engine oil and filter change reminders are also in a message form for the driver's convenience based on the last time the engine oil and filter change was completed.

One thing to remember is that mechanics don't always reset your maintenance required light. Be sure to check when your last engine oil and filter change or you can stop by A+ Japanese Auto Repair in San Carlos and we will do an engine oil check for you at no charge.

What type of engine oil should I use?  

Each vehicle's engine is made to work with different types of engine oil. The engine oil that you should use is listed in the owners manual and usually on the engine oil cap as shown in Fig B. Also, for clients who may not be under the hood all that often most manufacturers also stamp which filler is for which drivetrain component ex: engine oil, transmission oil, transfer case oil, etc...  When in doubt call you local auto repair and service center or stop by for verification.  A+ Japanese Auto Repair is here to help anytime.  Contact our support staff today @ 650-946-1856 

As a general guide, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Infiniti, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, and other Japanese models use 0w-20, 5w-20, and 10w-30 engine oil. As vehicles get older and start to burn engine oil, we advise our customers to use a slightly thicker oil during the engine oil and filter change, which will help slow the oil consumption issues.

To learn more about what the maintenance required light means when it comes on the dash.

What happens if my car is burning oil? 

If your car is burning engine oil, this usually means you have a worn internal engine component or worn out valve seals. The engine oil is made to go through and around the moving engine parts but over time, these moving parts get worn. When the moving parts get worn, the space where the engine oil moves gets bigger and allows engine oil to bypass it's seal and burn up on the engine.

Fortunately, if your car is burning engine oil, you can slow the burning by adding thicker engine oil or by adding certain oil additives. 

Engine Oil and Filter Change Articles:

• Jiffy Lube Under Investigation for engine oil and filter change practices
• How often should I change my engine oil?
• How to choose a good auto repair shop

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Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only.  It is not intended as advice for your particular vehicle, and should not be relied upon for that purpose. Please consult a qualified automotive maintenance professional to determine the maintenance and repair needs for your vehicle.