Is it about time to think about changing your car’s oil? Do you plan to do the job yourself? Oil changes are not rocket science but several things can go wrong and it can cost you a lot of money and needless headaches. A professional auto repair shop in Columbia can change your oil in just a few minutes time and you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits. Here are some important reasons to opt for a professional service.
Stripped Drain Plug
Did you know many of today’s modern engines have aluminum alloy oil pans? Aluminum is strong and resists corrosion but it has one flaw, it is softer than steel and treads can easily be stripped if your drain plug is tightened too much. Here is how this can play out:
When changing oil, you loosen and remove the drain plug. This allows the old oil to drain out. Next, you replace the drain plug and a lot of these plugs have crush washers (gaskets) attached to them. This helps to seal the plug when tightened. Once crush washers are tightened they become thinner and will no longer properly seal. In fact, this can be the main reason for over tightening drain plugs and ruining the threads. This is why most professional auto repair shops in Columbia replace the washer and plug with each oil change.
If you damage your oil pan threads your car may leak oil and it could leak out rapidly, resulting in major engine damage. Even if your engine is not damaged you may need to pay for a new oil pain installation.
Money Savings
Oil change parts consist of fresh synthetic oil, filter and a new drain plug washer. This could cost you twenty dollars or more and some auto repair services in Columbia offer special deals on oil changes and you could only be saving a few dollars by doing it on your own. In addition, it can be a great deal of hard work. You might need special tools and you could end up scraping your knuckles or cutting your hands, in addition to getting grimy and dirty.
Inspection Services
Most auto repair companies in Columbia offer free inspections with their oil changes. They may check tires, brakes, cooling system and many other components. This can help you find out about problems before they occur (and leave you broken down and stranded on the highway, far from home). When you add up all the benefits of a professional oil change you may realize it is the best option.
