Provo Oil Change

25 minute oil change in Provo

Time for an oil change? We are Provo’s go-to shop for oil changes. Cougar Tire is a full-service mechanic shop with certified technicians on staff to do the job right on all modern and classic vehicles. We offer the most competitive rates and best-in-class service on oil changes in Provo.

Provo Oil & Filter Change Service

The average cost for an oil change in Provo, Utah can range between around $70 to $160 depending on the vehicle type, engine size, and whether you opt for conventional motor oil or full synthetic. We offer our complete oil change and lube service starting at only $74.95 (synthetic blend oil) or $84.95 (fully synthetic oil). And when you choose Cougar Tire in Provo for your next oil change, we’ll do way more than just change your oil and filter. We offer the most comprehensive oil and lube service in Provo and we do it at the absolute best price you can find anywhere. And while we save you money on oil changes, we don’t skimp on quality, service, or safety. We do the job right. We use only the highest quality oils, fluids, parts, and materials, and we are fast, efficient, honest, and transparent.

How to check the oil in your vehicle

Here is a brief outline of how to properly check the level of oil in your engine. Some makes and models use different dipsticks, but the general concept is usually the same. It involves pulling the dipstick and checking the level, color, cleanliness, integrity of the oil. Below is a simple step-by-step procedure for an accurate oil check. If you would like us to check your oil, feel free to stop into our shop here in Provo and we’ll be happy to check it for you at no cost.

Checking the engine oil level

1. Open the hood: On most vehicles you can pop the hood with a release lever located on the left side of the steering column under the dash. Once you pull the release lever on the inside of your car, walk to the front of your vehicle and find the release latch just under the front center of your hood. You’ll need to move the release latch to get the hood completely open.
2. Prop the hood: Most vehicles come with hydraulic pressure tubes to keep the hood open while you work on the engine compartment. Make sure the hood is secured open so it won’t accidentally slam shut while you check the oil.
3. Locate the oil dipstick: In many cases, the dipstick is marked in yellow. On a front-wheel drive vehicle, the dipstick will be located near the front of the engine compartment. On a rear wheel drive vehicle, the dipstick will be located near the center of the engine.
4. Remove the dipstick: Pull the dipstick up and out of the oil tube. Then wipe the stick off with a clean towel.
5. Take an oil level measurement: Reinsert the dipstick all the way down into the dipstick tube, then pull it out. Look at the indicator lines on the very end of the dipstick. There will be a thin film of oil on the dipstick. Where that oil stops is how you indicate the oil level in the crank case.
6. Read the oil level: There should be two marks on the dipstick indicating high and low oil levels. The film endpoint should fall between these two lines. If it reads too low, you will need to add oil. If the oil level is too high, you should have some of the oil removed until the line is within tolerances indicated on the dipstick. Too much oil in an engine will cause the engine to overwork and become sluggish. Too little oil will of course cause undue wear and potentially damage internal engine components.
7. Check the oil color and condition: While you have the dipstick in your hands, look at the color of the oil. Rub a little oil between your fingers. If the oil is a light caramel color, your oil is clean and new. If the color of the oil is a light milky color, it may indicate the radiator is leaking coolant into the oil and is in need of repair. If the oil feels gritty, or if you feel small metal particles in the oil, you should have the oil changed and have your engine inspected by a service professional. If the oil is black, it is probably time for an oil change.

Checking the oil in your vehicle is easy and painless. It’s a good idea to check the oil every time you stop for fuel or start out on a longer drive on the freeway. It’s the easiest way to keep your car in great working condition and get the longest life from your engine. It also helps ensure you won’t be left stranded out on the road with an engine that’s overheated.

If you would like us to check your oil for you, please stop in and ask one of our technicians to take a look. There is no charge and we’ll show you the condition of your engine oil so you can make a decision on when to change it.

Things to keep in mind about engine oil

Engine oil is the lifeblood of an engine. Without it, your engine will seize and stop working altogether. The oil resides in the oil pan under the car which is attached to the bottom of the engine. Internal engine components are constantly moving and need to be lubricated by engine oil. Too little engine oil will cause the engine parts to wear out fast and eventually lead to engine failure. Too much oil will cause the engine to work harder than it needs to and your engine will not run smoothly.

There are four types of motor oil for today’s modern engines:

1. Full Synthetic Motor Oil is ideal for vehicles that demand peak performance and high levels of lubrication. Full synthetic oil provides the highest viscosity levels, resistance to oxidation and thermal breakdown, and helps fight against oil sludge in your engine. It also helps improve fuel efficiency and may increase an engine’s horsepower by reducing engine drag. Full synthetic motor oil can cost up to 2 to 4 times as much as regular motor oil. If you live in or around the Provo area, you know our winters can get extremely cold and our summers can be super hot. If you want the maximum performance from your motor oil, you might want to consider a fully synthetic motor oil.
2. Synthetic Blend Motor Oil offers many of the characteristics of full synthetic oil, but at a much lower cost. Synthetic blend motor oil is a mixture of synthetic and conventional base oils. It also contains additives for extra resistance and low-temperature properties. It is more affordable than a full synthetic oil, but slightly more expensive than conventional oil. If you’re using conventional oil now and considering switching to full synthetic but don’t want the extra cost, consider a synthetic blend.
3. Conventional Motor Oil is the most commonly used type of oil today simply because of its lower cost comparative to synthetic motor oil. It works great for light-duty vehicles, late-model cars, and simple engine vehicles that don’t demand heavy duty work. Although conventional motor oil is the most widely used oil, consumers are trending toward full synthetic oil because they see it as a protection of their investment, especially on more expensive vehicles.
4. High-Mileage Motor Oil is specially designed for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles. High-mileage motor oil is intended to help protect your engine and reduce oil consumption. It minimizes leaks and oil seepage and can help reduce emissions and smoke from older engines.

The type of oil you choose should depend on the recommended manufacturer specifications and the type of driving you do. In Provo, we recommend full synthetic oil for most of our customers simply due to the harsh winter and summer temperatures we see here. But in the end it all depends on the type of oil you want in your vehicle and how much you’re wanting to spend on oil changes. At Cougar Tire, we want you to choose the type of oil that fits you and your vehicle best. We work hard to make it affordable regardless of the the type of oil we ultimately put in your car.

About engine oil additives

Another approach to protecting your car’s engine is to consider oil additives. Here are some common oil additive properties to think about when considering what to put in your vehicle.

1. Viscosity-index improvers: These are properties in oil additives that reduce the oil’s tendency to thin when your engine temperature increases.
2. Detergents: Oil additive detergents can help remove oil deposits or solids and keep engine surfaces clean by inhibiting the formation of high-temperature deposits, rust, and corrosion.
3. Dispersants: These additives can disperse solid particles so they don’t form together to create sludge, varnish, or acids. Some additives function as both a detergent and dispersant.
4. Anti-wear agents: When lubricating film break down, anti-wear agents can help protect metal surfaces by using a zinc and phosphorus compound called ZDDP (zinc, dialkl, dithiophosphate) along with other phosphorus compounds.
5. Friction modifiers: Not to be confused with anti-wear agents, friction modifiers reduce engine friction and improve fuel economy by using graphite, molybdenum and other compounds.
6. Antioxidants: These days, engine temperatures are being pushed higher for better emissions control. Antioxidants can help prevent oxidation, and thickening of the oil.
7. Foam inhibitors: When the crankshaft whips through the oil in the oil pan, it can cause foaming. Oil foam is not effective as a lubricant. Foam inhibitors are used to cause foam bubbles in the oil to collapse, thereby producing a smoother and more effective lubrication and preservation.

At Cougar Tire, we do not automatically add any oil additives to your oil when we perform an oil change & lube service. If you would like to know more about how oil additives work and which additive may help keep your engine performing to its optimal level, please ask our service technicians who will be happy to assist.

How often should I change my oil?

While some mechanics recommend 3,000 to 5,000 mile intervals, others say it depends. While those intervals are probably the safest, at Cougar Tire, we recommend strictly following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations found in your owner’s manual.

Oil Change Service in Provo, Utah

Some modern vehicle manufacturers recommend oil change intervals at 7,500 or even 10,000 miles and up to 6 or even 12 months. So don’t get talked into oil changes you don’t need. And don’t make the mistake of changing the oil less frequently than recommended either. Come in for an oil change when you actually need an oil change.

If you aren’t certain when that is, or if you can’t find your owner’s manual, call us and we’ll help you locate the recommended oil change intervals according to the make, model, and year of your particular vehicle.

Here are four oil change intervals you might consider for your personal circumstances.

1. Every 1,000 miles: Yes, in some instances, changing your engine oil every 1,000 makes sense and is not overkill. It depends on your driving habits. For example, if your drive routine consists of mostly trips around town that are 10 miles or less, you may want to consider changing your oil every 1,000 miles for two reasons. First, if you aren’t making long trips at high speeds like on a freeway, then your engine may not be getting hot enough to boil off condensation that can accumulate in the engine. This can cause oil to break down faster. Second, a lot of the wear and tear that happens in an engine occurs when you start the engine. More frequent oil changes can help minimize any surface damage that may occur when the engine is started and not well lubricated.
2. Every 3,000 – 5,000 miles: If your vehicle is relatively new and you typically drive 20 minutes or longer at a time and achieve higher speeds, as opposed to stop-and-go traffic, you might be better off increasing your oil change intervals to 3,000 to 5,000 miles and every 6 months. If you drive an older car with higher miles, you may want to increase the life of your engine with more frequent oil changes. Oil change intervals highly depend on where you live, how you drive, but mostly what kind of car you drive. It’s always best to follow recommended manufacturer specifications.
3. Every 7,500 – 10,000 miles: If your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends synthetic oil you may be able to go as many as 10,000 miles or more between oil changes. Although full synthetic oil is about double the cost of conventional oil, it does have more benefits. It performs better especially in extreme temperatures and driving conditions and is better for the environment. Still, opinions differ as to whether upgrading to synthetic oil is worth the extra cost. Generally speaking, synthetic oil will last longer and protect better than conventional oil because it has a tendency to not break down as fast.

We highly recommend sticking with your vehicle manufacturer recommendations. That said, it never hurts to upgrade to synthetic oil when you’re concerned about the longevity of your engine. Driving in Provo can be hard on engines and engine oil. We experience hot summers and cold winters here. Stop in and chat with us about the right oil for your vehicle. We’re here to help.

How our mechanics perform an oil and lube service?

Not all oil changes are created equally. That goes for Provo too. Here is how our mechanics perform an oil change right here at our Provo store location.

Provo Oil Change & Lube Service

Here are the step we take and what’s included.

1. First, protect your vehicle: The first thing we will do when we start an oil change is to place a thin plastic seat cover over your seat to protect the inside of your car and keep it clean. We also place a paper floor mat on the driver’s side floor to protect the carpet or floor covering from dirt, mud, or oil.
2. Pull the car into our oil change bay: At Cougar Tire & Auto, we have oil bays specifically set up for oil changes. It makes our job easier and helps us save valuable time. Our oil change bay consists of a hydraulic lift that will raise your vehicle into the air so we can easily see the underside of your car and access the oil plug.
3. Drain the existing oil: After we remove any underskirt or plastic protectors from under the vehicle, we clean the area around the drain plug so no dirt can accidentally enter the oil pan from the plug hole. Then we loosen the drain plug using a box-end wrench or socket so we don’t damage the plug or strip off edges. We then carefully remove the plug by hand, making sure that the oil catch pan is under the plug hole so it can catch the oil as it drains out of the oil pan.
4. Clean the oil plug: Once the oil plug is removed, we immediately wipe down the plug by hand making sure it is free of oil and dirt. We visually inspect the condition of the oil pan and note any damage we may notice in our computer system for your reference. If we see that the oil plug is damaged or stripped in any way, we will replace the oil plug.
5. Lightly coat the new oil filter: We then place a light coating of new oil on the new gasket and oil filter opening to ensure it will screw onto the engine smoothly. We do not grease the oil filter, we only use a light film of new oil of the same type and weight going into the engine.
6. Locate & remove the oil filter: After checking the vehicle manufacturer specifications for the right oil filter, we remove the existing filter and replace it with a premium quality oil filter of the exact same size, quality and specifications. We also check to make sure the oil filter gasket comes off with the old filter and that the new gasket goes on with the new filter.
7. Fill the engine with specified oil: According to the manufacturer’s specifications and your choice of conventional, hybrid, or full synthetic oil, we use an oil funnel to fill the engine with the exact amount and type of high quality oil required and fill to the proper level. We wipe down the oil cap and areas around the oil cap receiver and put the cap back on while hand-tightening only to avoid stripping threads.
8. Top off all other system fluids: While we have your car on our oil change lift, we will check all of the other fluids your car uses including brake fluid, power steering fluid, antifreeze, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid and top them off to the correct levels.
9. Perform multi-point inspection: While your vehicle is still in the air, this is a great time to do a thorough multi-point inspection on the vehicle itself. We check all undercarriage components for damage or loose fittings, check for leaks or issues with the transmission under the car, inspect front end tie rods, suspensions components including struts and shocks, inspect all engine components for proper function and wear, inspect battery and electrical components, check heating and air conditioning function, cabin air filters and accessories including windshield wipers and more. Our goal here is to make sure your car is safe to drive and that you are made aware of any damage or potential issues so you can make an informed decision on whether to address them or wait for another day for repairs. Your safety matters to us. We’ll let you know what we find so you are informed. If there are issues that you would like us to address, we will provide options and pricing before we perform any repairs or maintenance other than the oil change service.
10. Start the engine: After we finish topping off all the fluids and oil, we will lower the vehicle down to the ground and start the engine. We are listening for any abnormal or unusual engine noise to make sure it is running optimally. We then turn off the engine and wait for it to cool. Then we check again for any oil leaks or potential problems before we finalize our oil change procedure.
11. Final check: Once we finish the oil change and lube procedure, we will pull the vehicle out of the oil change bay and park it in our lot. We will remove the plastic seat cover and discard it, but we like to leave the paper floor covering in the car until we return the car back to you. Our technicians will then discuss the procedure and any potential problems or issues we may have noticed with our front sales staff so they can go over these with you in person. We will also show you photos of the areas of the vehicle we worked on, usually before and after the service.

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