Oil Changes: 
Fast Lube vs. Specialty Repair Shops.

You need your oil changed. Probably a few miles ago, because time slipped away from you. Decision time: fast lube or formal repair facility?

The fast lube may be a little quicker, a few dollars less expensive, and a little closer.  They carry quality oil, but not original equipment or manufacturer oil filters. Their personnel are trained to change the oil and filter but are not experts on your model of car.  While they may test your car's safety items, and check the vital fluids, they may not know what to do with what they find.

 Some potential issues.

 Today's modern automobiles have a variety of special fluids for the cooling system, hydraulic systems, power steering, brake fluid and transmissions - particularly automatic transmissions. The fast lube attendant may not be aware of these specific fluid requirements and may just "wing-it." Adding the incorrect fluid can cause a component malfunction or failure. The problem may not be immediate, but your car is heading down the road to more repairs.

Simple mistakes, such as starting the engine with the oil cap off or loose, the dipstick out of its holder or improperly reconnecting the air filter hoses may cause the "Check Engine" warning light to come on, which requires a trip to a repair facility for diagnosis.  Seemingly small things like wiper blades and light bulbs can present a challenge also. True, the fast-lube attendant can check most of these items but are not trained to actually make the repairs.

 Why specialty?

 Patronizing a specialty repair facility gives you an advantage in keeping your car in good running condition. Expert, qualified technicians know your car and have the resources to find out what they don't already know.  You get a trained eye with years of experience checking your car over thoroughly for any deficiencies. If any problems are noted, some can be taken care of at the same time the car is being serviced.

 A specialty shop will have the specific fluids in stock for your automobile and know which years and models require which type of fluid.  They will also stock specific light bulbs, and critical parts such as the correct fasteners for the lower engine shield - a particularly troublesome part that is often installed incorrectly or missing after a visit to the fast lube. 

 Today's automobiles are a myriad of computers with four wheels attached. Every system is communicating constantly and simultaneously to provide optimum driving parameters. The engine management system is very sophisticated and requires the correct equipment to diagnose problems.  The specialty repair shop can reset the service indicators after the work has been completed, and address any issues related to the dreaded "Check Engine" light. 

The bottom line.

 Quality service is not "quick", "jiffy", "speedy", "cheap", "thrifty", etc.  Specialty automotive shops do what they do best; provide specialized service for specific makes of cars.

Technicians are highly trained, hard-working students of the automobile; buying overpriced tools and technical information, spending late nights reading and studying, attending technical seminars on off hours and weekends all to better serve the customer. They work hard and have the scars to prove it.  Nothing is easy about today's automobiles except putting in the key and driving them.

 Not all fast lube shops are substandard, but a specialty repair facility can offer you more than saving ten minutes and a few dollars.  The automotive technician of today has much more background and training and shares your interest in keeping your car on the road in top shape.  Establishing a relationship with a professional facility will help you build confidence in your vehicle and keep your car in excellent running condition.

  (Remember; you already forgot the oil change in the beginning, so there may be other service work needed.)