Signs It's Time for an Oil Change Service

Need an Oil Change? Bruce’s Has You Covered

At Bruce's Tire & Auto Service, we understand the importance of keeping your vehicle maintained. One of the most important maintenance services you can perform on your vehicle is a routine oil change. This small but vital service works to protect the essential parts of your engine, reducing the likelihood of breakdown, optimizing your vehicle's fuel economy, and helping your engine maintain its most reliable years of service. 

However, failing to perform a timely oil change is one of the fastest ways to cause serious issues with your vehicle, potentially costing you thousands of dollars. At our San Jose auto shops, we perform quality oil change services on all makes and models, and we strive to keep your vehicle performing at its best. Schedule an appointment with us today, and discover why we should always be your first choice when you need an oil change.

Just Because There’s Oil on Your Dipstick Doesn’t Mean You’re in the Clear

Some drivers believe that simply having oil in their engine is good enough and that routine changes are not important. This could not be further from the truth!  Even if your oil level is registering at the highest point on your dipstick, your engine could still be in jeopardy. 

As your oil ages, or once it reaches a certain temperature, it can begin to oxidize — meaning that its chemical structure breaks down and it loses its ability to protect your engine. If your engine runs without the vital lubrication it needs, your engine can suffer damage, including: 

• Permanent engine scarring
• Low compression
• Engine overheating
• Engine stalling
• Difficulty starting
• Total engine failure

Because an oil change plays such a large role in the performance, reliability, and longevity of your engine, we strongly recommend staying on top of your scheduled oil change intervals.

How You Can Tell If You Need an Oil Change

There are a few ways to tell if it's time for an oil change service:

Check Your Manual

Your owner's manual is a great way to determine when your vehicle is due for an oil change service. Here, you'll find a prescribed list of your vehicle's oil change intervals, along with the type and viscosity of oil your engine needs.

Check Your Reminder Sticker

After an oil change service in San Jose is performed, our mechanics will put a helpful reminder sticker at the top left corner of your windshield to remind you of the month or mileage interval you are due for your next oil change.

Check Your In-Vehicle Computer

Many modern vehicles feature a helpful reminder that monitors the time and mileage of your oil change services. When due for service, a reminder will pop up to remind you that it's time for service.

Recognize When Things Take a Turn

If you run your engine with low or old oil, it could provide limited lubrication properties for your engine — leaving your engine susceptible to damage. If your oil change service has been neglected and damage has begun to occur in your engine, you may start to notice key symptoms: 

• Engine stalling
• Exhaust smoke
• High oil temperature
• Difficulty starting
• Low compression
• Check engine light on
• Oil warning light on 

If it's been a while since your last oil change service and your vehicle is experiencing some of the above symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at one of our San Jose auto repair shops. In addition to providing quality oil change services, we also provide quality diagnostic and repair services to ensure that no matter what challenges your vehicle faces, we can help keep it on the road.

How Often You’ll Need an Oil Change

The frequency at which you'll need an oil change will largely depend on the type of oil your engine uses. There are three different types of oil that can be used in an internal combustion engine, each of which provides its own level of protection for your motor: 

• Conventional oil: This type of oil is made from crude oil and is refined and formulated to provide sufficient protection for many naturally aspirated engines. Providing protection up to 275°F, conventional oil typically needs to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. 

• Full synthetic: Full synthetic oil offers the gold standard in engine protection and offers the longest-lasting protection for your engine. Praised for its cold-weather protection and its ability to protect your engine at temperatures up to 500°F, this type of oil is fantastic for many high-performance and turbocharged engines. Full synthetic oil typically needs to be changed every 7,500 to 12,000 miles. 

• High mileage: This type of oil typically features a blend of conventional and synthetic oil, along with additional additives to address the issues typically found in high-mileage engines. This type of oil typically needs to be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

Schedule an Oil Change Service in San Jose

At Bruce's Tire & Automotive, finding a quality oil change service is always just a click or call away. Our service facility features ASE-certified mechanics who are trained to perform quality maintenance and repair services on all makes and models. 

If you're looking for a quality oil change in San Jose, Bruce's Tire & Automotive is just the place you're looking for. We use high-performance Valvoline® oil for optimal protection for your engine and high-quality oil filters that meet or exceed your vehicle's factory-specified needs. We even feature oil change coupons that help you save money while taking advantage of trusted auto maintenance services from qualified mechanics. 

For a trustworthy oil change in San Jose, schedule service at Bruce's Tire & Automotive.