General Repair
Oil Changes in Sacramento
The easiest thing to put off and the cheapest thing to stay on top of. Since I am already under the vehicle, an oil change is also the best regular chance to catch something expensive while it is still cheap.
Conventional, synthetic blend and full synthetic, with the filter and the correct oil specification for your engine. The drain plug gasket gets replaced, the filter housing gets sealed with a fresh gasket and a wipe of clean oil, and everything gets torqued to spec rather than run down with an impact.
While it is drained I look over the things you cannot see from above: oil and coolant leaks, serpentine belt condition, CV boots, brake line corrosion, tire wear pattern and tread depth, and anything hanging or rubbing that should not be. You get told what I found — including when the answer is "nothing".
Used oil and filters leave with me and go to a certified recycling center. Nothing gets left in your bin or poured anywhere it should not be.
What the job includes
- Full synthetic, synthetic blend or conventional oil
- New oil filter and drain plug gasket
- Fluid top-off — washer, coolant, power steering, brake
- Tire pressure set to the door placard spec
- Under-vehicle inspection for leaks, belts and worn components
- Used oil and filter removed and recycled
Oil Changes — work I have done
Oil Changes questions
How often should I change my oil?
Follow the interval in your owner manual — typically 5,000 to 10,000 miles on full synthetic, less on conventional. Sacramento summer heat, stop-and-go traffic, towing and short trips all shorten it. If you do a lot of short trips the oil never gets hot enough to boil off moisture, and time matters more than mileage.
Can you do it while I am at work?
Yes. Leave the keys and park somewhere reasonably level. Most oil changes take about 30 minutes.
What do you do with the old oil?
It comes with me to a certified recycling center, along with the old filter. Nothing is left behind.
Do you carry the right oil for my vehicle?
Tell me the year, make, model and engine when you book and I will bring the correct specification and filter. Diesels and some European engines need specific approvals — mention it and I will source the right oil.
Need oil changes?
Call or text and describe the problem. If you can, send a photo — it usually tells me more than a paragraph does. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
By appointment — call or text any day