Overdue by a long way? Say so
Every shop sees vehicles that have gone far past their oil change. A busy year, a vehicle bought with no records, a car that belonged to someone else. It happens, and the useful thing is to say so when you book rather than hoping it will not matter.
It matters because oil that has been in an engine far too long behaves differently. It thickens, and some of it can turn to sludge that settles in the engine. The filter may be clogged. Deposits can build up in places that need oil flowing freely.
A shop that knows the history can look for the signs and handle the change accordingly. One that does not will treat it as routine.
What to mention
- Roughly how far past the interval it is, or that you do not know.
- Whether the oil light has come on, even briefly.
- Any new noise, especially a tapping from the top of the engine that fades as it warms.
- Whether it has needed topping up.
What can happen after a very late change
Sometimes nothing, and the engine runs as before. Sometimes the change reveals a problem the old oil was masking, such as a noise or a leak. Be wary of aggressive cleaning treatments on an engine with a long neglected history, and ask the store before using one, since loosened deposits have to go somewhere.
The sensible plan after a long gap is often a shorter interval for the next change, to see what the oil looks like, and then back to normal.
While it is in
The oil change is a chance for a quick look at fluids, belts, tires and lights. Anything due goes on scheduled maintenance, and a noise or warning light is engine repair, both here. The national oil change page covers what the service includes.
Other stores nearby
Joplin and Osage Beach also change oil.
About this store
The Springfield store runs nineteen services and is managed by Steve Richardson.
See the national oil change page for all 33 locations.