OIL CHANGE TIPS
What we check on every visit, and what the results mean
Every oil change we do includes a checkup, and you get the results by text. Here's what each part means in plain English, so you can tell the difference between "keep an eye on it" and "deal with it soon."
Tire tread depth
Tread is measured in 32nds of an inch. New tires are commonly around 10/32 to 11/32.
- 6/32 and up: plenty of life left.
- 4/32 to 5/32: start shopping. Grip in heavy rain drops off noticeably as tread wears.
- 2/32 or less: replace now. That's the legal minimum in most states.
Tire pressure
We set pressure to the number on your driver's door jamb, not the maximum printed on the tire. If one tire keeps losing air, it may have a slow leak.
Battery load test
- Good: nothing to do.
- Weak or marginal: it still starts the car but is losing capacity. Plan to replace it, especially before summer.
- Replace: it could leave you stranded soon.
Brake inspection
We look at pad thickness, rotors and brake lines where they're visible. Pads get close to replacement when they're down to roughly 3 to 4 millimeters. Grooved rotors, leaking lines or uneven wear get photos and a note.
Fluids
We top off what's low. If something keeps dropping between visits, especially coolant or brake fluid, that can point to a leak worth having checked.
Code scan and recall check
We read any stored trouble codes and look up open recalls by your VIN. A code tells you where to look, not exactly what's wrong, so diagnosis is a job for a repair shop. Recall repairs are done free at a dealer.
What we don't do
We only do oil changes, so we have nothing to upsell you. If something needs a repair, you get photos and our notes, and we refer you to a trusted local shop.
Know where your car stands. The full checkup comes with every oil change in Lexington, Irmo, West Columbia, Cayce, Chapin and Red Bank.
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