Oil Changes Farther Between Than Ever – UnderhoodService

Oil Changes Farther Between Than Ever

There are some vehicle maintenance myths that customers accept as gospel long after they're still relevant. Atop this list is the 3,000-mile oil change. While some shops haven't exactly been quick to dispel this largely outdated concept, embracing the extended interval oil change can actually be good for business.

iStock_50771452_LARGEThere are some vehicle maintenance myths that customers accept as gospel long after they’re still relevant. Atop this list is the 3,000-mile oil change. While some shops haven’t exactly been quick to dispel this largely outdated concept, embracing the extended interval oil change can actually be good for business.

The reality is that many of the cars in the vehicle repair sweet spot don’t need their oil changed until they hit 5,000 miles or more. (According to the manual of my own car, I have to change the oil only every 7,500 miles, and it’s 15 years old!) With advances in motor oil quality and greater efficiency in cars in general, the interval between oil changes in newer cars can reach up to 10,000 or even 15,000 miles.

So what does it mean for technicians and shop owners if your customers don’t come in as often for an oil change? It might seem like the death knell signaling the end of your maintenance business, but there are ways that it can actually improve business, strengthen customer relations and boost your bottom line.

Jiffy Lube implemented a new approach to its oil change service in 2011 dubbed the Oil Change Schedule (OCS) to take advantage of extended-interval oil products. According to Jiffy Lube, the OCS “aligns the customer’s oil change schedule with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, creating a maintenance plan to best suit individual customer needs.” Customers reacted positively to the program, and Jiffy Lube continues to allow its customers to choose the maintenance schedule that works best for them.

Your business can take it one step further by combining an oil change with another service offered at your shop, like windshield wiper or air filter replacement, to create scheduled maintenance packages. It is important to educate your customers about the quality of the oil being sold to them, and inform them that higher-quality oils are an option for newer cars as well as older ones.

New high-quality oils on the horizon will continue to make the need for the 3,000-mile oil change obsolete in most cases. The International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) has proposed a new GF-6 specification for oils. This new specification will be split into two categories: GF-6A will address traditional viscosities and will be backward compatible, while GF-6B will deliver enhanced fuel economy and certify lower viscosities. The projected timing of the first license for new ILSAC GF-6 oils has been confirmed by the Auto-Oil Advisory Panel (AOAP) as April 1, 2018.

iStock_15455301_LARGESelling higher-quality oils with longer intervals between oil changes can also positively impact the environment — which is something you can use to your advantage. According to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, “while about 70% [of used motor oil] is collected after use, it continues to be a serious environmental problem because it is insoluble and contains heavy metals and toxic chemicals.”

Less frequent oil changes mean less wasted oil and less environmental damage. Promoting this fact can be good PR for your shop. By using higher-quality oils, you can effectively signal to your customers that you are an environmentally conscious shop that is focused on providing quality maintenance products for their vehicles.

Image is everything in the repair business. In the long run, making your customers aware of the best (and manufacturer- recommended) oil change options that are right for their vehicle could go a long way in strengthening your relationship with your customers and revitalizing your maintenance business.

You May Also Like

Tools To Service Serpentine Belts

Servicing the serpentine belt on some vehicles is a tough task.

Servicing the serpentine belt on some vehicles is a tough task. Without the right tools it is almost impossible. Here are six tools your shop needs to make your next belt replacement more productive.

Don’t Fight It
If you are still fighting belt tensioners with 3/8” breaker bar and wrenches, there are better solutions. There are serpentine belt kits that can help you get the right angle and attachment point on a tensioner to remove the old belt and install the new belt.

Battery Charging and Diagnostics

Here are six tips to use when diagnosing a vehicle with a dead battery. 

Why Do Timing Chains Stretch?

As the timing chain wears, it can change the timing of the camshaft and crankshaft.

Carbon Deposits and Direct Injection Engines

The primary cause of these problems is that fuel and added detergents are not hitting the back of the intake valves.

Acura Turbo Engine Service

It is important to check the operation of the solenoids that control vacuum to the actuators.

Other Posts

Subaru EJ25 Head Gasket Problems

Most of the EJ head gasket failures occur around the 100,000-mile mark and start as a slow oil or coolant leak.

Honda Electronic Throttle Body Service Tips

Using care and following OEM procedures will help you to avoid unnecessary parts replacement and comebacks.

New Oil Specifications

Many 0W16 oils have a new donut certification mark on the bottle called API SN-PLUS and SN-PLUS Resource Conserving.

Solving Intermittent Overheating

New cooling systems anticipate and influence changes in coolant temperature.