Oil changes in Ottawa
An oil change is the cheapest thing you can do to keep an engine alive, and the easiest one to put off until it matters. We change the oil and replace the filter every time, and while the car is up we look over the things you cannot see from the driver's seat.
Bring us the vehicle and we will use the oil grade your manufacturer specifies. If you are not sure what that is, we will look it up.
What an oil change here includes
Drain and refill with the specified grade
Conventional, semi-synthetic, or full synthetic, matched to what your manufacturer calls for rather than whatever is cheapest to stock.
A new oil filter, every time
Reusing a filter defeats most of the point of changing the oil. It gets replaced on every service.
A look over the vehicle while it is up
Fluid levels, belts, hoses, tire condition and pressure, and anything obviously worn or leaking. If we find something, we tell you. We do not fix it without asking.
Signs you are overdue
- The oil life or service light is on
- You cannot remember the last change, or it was more than a year ago
- The oil on the dipstick is gritty or very dark
- The engine sounds louder or harsher than it used to on a cold start
- You are seeing drips on the driveway where you park
Short trips and Ottawa winters
Oil change intervals in the owner's manual usually assume steady driving. A lot of Ottawa driving is not that: short winter trips where the engine never fully warms up let fuel and moisture collect in the oil instead of burning off.
If your driving is mostly short hops in the cold months, many manufacturers point you at their shorter "severe service" interval rather than the standard one. Check your manual, or ask us and we will look at the oil.
Common questions
How often should I change my oil?
Follow the interval in your owner's manual, or the oil life monitor if your vehicle has one. Modern intervals vary widely by engine and oil type, so there is no single right number. If most of your driving is short trips in winter, check whether your manufacturer lists a shorter severe-service interval, because that is closer to how the car is actually being used.
Do I need full synthetic?
Use whatever your manufacturer specifies. Many newer engines, especially turbocharged ones, require full synthetic and using anything else can affect your warranty. If your vehicle does not require it, synthetic still handles cold starts and long intervals better, but it is a choice rather than a requirement.
Can I wait while it is done, or do I need to leave the car?
An oil change is a service you can usually wait for. Choose the waiting option when you book and we will hold a spot; if the shop is busy or something else turns up during the inspection, we will talk to you before anything changes.
Will you tell me about other problems you find?
Yes, and only tell you. We will show you what we found and what we think it means. Nothing beyond the oil change gets done without you agreeing to it first.
Related services
Scheduled Maintenance
Manufacturer-interval servicing, fluid flushes, and tune-ups.
Auto Diagnostics
For noises, warning lights, and faults that need to be found before they are fixed.
Tire Changes & Repair
Seasonal changeovers, mounting, balancing, and puncture repair.
Ready when you are
Book online or call the shop and tell us what the vehicle is doing.