Oil Change Service Near Riverside, CA

Close up view of engine oil being poured from a bottle

Oil Change Service at Mark Christopher Auto Center

Keeping your engine’s oil clean is important for peak vehicle performance. Fresh oil provides lubrication to vital engine parts to reduce friction and wear, forms seals between pistons and cylinder walls, cools the engine, and keeps it clean of carbon and varnish buildup that destroys engine health.

Need an oil change? No problem. If you live near Los Angeles, Riverside, or Upland, CA, your Certified Service experts at Mark Christopher Auto Center are here to make sure you receive the premium customer service you deserve.

How Long Does an Oil Change Take?

Oil changes typically last 45-60 minutes, including filter replacement. Upon inspection of the vehicle, our technicians may suggest an additional service depending on the status of tire alignment and rotation or other common maintenance, which might add another 15 minutes or so.

How Often Should Oil Be Changed?

There are many factors that influence oil longevity. Driving habits, harsh road conditions, vehicle age, and engine design may allow your vehicle to go longer than 3,000 miles between oil changes. For more modern vehicles, manufacturers usually recommend oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, with specific recommendations for synthetic blend or full synthetic oil generally found in the owner’s manual. For older vehicles and certain types of engines, 3,000 miles between oil changes is recommended. Always be sure to check your engine oil level regularly, even with an Oil Level Monitoring System (OLMS), in accordance with vehicle manufacturer guidelines.

How Important Are Oil Changes?

Oil changes do a lot more for your vehicle than it may seem. Regular oil maintenance leads to a healthier engine that lasts longer, protecting the value of your car. Engines can produce a lot of dirt, oil, or sludge buildup during use that can cause damage – leading to expensive repairs. The cleaning action of fresh oil helps prevent that from happening. It also serves to improve gas mileage, saving time and money by not having to stop for refuels as often.

Choosing the Right Oil

There are four basic types of motor oil: conventional, synthetic, synthetic blend, and high mileage.

  • Conventional motor oil is made with crude oil in addition to several additives.
  • Synthetic motor oil uses man-made ingredients and additives. Full synthetic oil has a more uniform molecular structure than conventional oil, providing better protection to the engine while also providing more environmental benefits. Synthetic blends are similar but mixed with conventional oil for higher cost-savings.
  • High mileage motor oil is formulated for engines in vehicles with 75,000 miles or more. It is available in conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend formulas and contains anti-wear additives to prolong engine life.

If you’re unsure of what type of oil would best suit your needs, check your vehicle owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendation or let our Certified Service experts take care of it for you.

To schedule an oil change, contact our service department at Mark Christopher Auto Center. Check out our service specials for frequent money-saving deals.