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Engine Oil & Filter Change
Typical Cost: Low
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 2 - 48 hours depending on mechanic availability
What does engine oil do?
Engine oil is a lubricant used to reduce the friction between the moving parts of the engine as well as an aid to cooling by dissipating the heat generated.
How does engine oil work?
Mineral engine oil is a refined version of crude oil. It is pumped around the engine, though small channels and holes, using pressure, to end up in the required destination. Once there it coats the surfaces of the moving parts and enables them to work against each other with less friction. When cold, oil has more viscosity than when it is warm, and the correlation of this is taken into account but the engine manufacturers when depicting which oil to use in their products.
Synthetic oil is made through a chemical process (Fischer-Tropsch) to produce the same friction qualities as mineral oil, with more uniform, longer lasting and more environmentally friendly properties.This uniformity and longevity is the main driver behind its recommendation however as it is now more of an issue than ever, the sustainability is of equal if not more importance.
Typical symptoms that require the engine oil to be changed.
Fundamentally, unless it has gone too far, the average motorist is unlikely to know there is something wrong physically with it.
There may be an oil pressure warning on the dashboard that could indicate the oil isn’t circulating as well as it should due to a blocking filter or even a failing oil pump or there may be an oil level warning, which would indicate there isn’t enough oil in the engine. However both of these warnings are not really an indicator of the actual oil quality but can alert you to potential issues.
Therefore typical symptoms are;
- Engine oil level warning
- Engine oil pressure warning
- Service indicator lights
- Oil quality warning light
What happens during an engine oil change?
Changing engine oil is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
- The mechanic will raise the vehicle and ensure that the surrounding area is protected against any spillage
- The mechanic will drain the oil and change the oil filter
- Mechanic will then refill the engine with the correct grade and quantity of quality oil
- Mechanic will run the engine and once cool, will re check the level
- Any dashboard based oil service and quality warnings will be reset to indicate the oil service has been performed
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your engine oil change will cover;
- The cost of the engine oil and filter
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Engine oil & filter replacement
Associated repairs
Interim Service
Full Service
How much does it cost to have the engine oil changed?
The cost of an engine oil change depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the engine oil doesn’t require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.