Ask any car owner, and they’ll tell you that completing their vehicle’s required scheduled maintenance is incredibly inconvenient. It’s no wonder that so many busy drivers google "oil change near me" and head to the closest corner national chain to get their oil changed. Unfortunately, the big-name chains may not have the parts and knowledge necessary to keep your vehicle running factory new.
We invite you to visit Thomas Nissan of Joliet for your next oil change instead. Why? We staff our state-of-the-art service center with factory-trained technicians who have years of experience performing maintenance and repairs on vehicles of all makes and models. We have the latest diagnostic tools and equipment, so your car is always treated to a comprehensive overview when you leave it in the hands of our skilled service team.
We now offer Express Service for routine maintenance like oil changes. No appointment is necessary, and we’ll get you in and out in a jiffy. Simply drop in at a time that works for you, and we’ll take care of your oil change while you wait. Our Express Service includes a free multi-point inspection, so we’ll let you know what’s going on with your vehicle’s major components, like the brakes and tires, at no additional cost to you.
The Thomas Nissan team is constantly looking for ways to make our customers’ lives easier. Our Express Service is one way we endeavor to honor your time and ensure that doing business with us is convenient and easy. The added benefit is that your car is in the hands of highly skilled technicians, even if it’s just for an oil change. Peace-of-mind, competitive pricing, and a quick turnaround make getting your oil changed at Thomas Nissan of Joliet a no-brainer.
Whether you’re driving a brand-new car or one that’s about to hit six figures on the odometer, it’s critical to ensure the motor oil running through your engine is clean and free from deposits and build-up. The best way to determine whether it’s time for an oil change is to keep meticulous service records and have your vehicle serviced and maintained at a single location.
When you partner with Thomas Nissan for your service and maintenance needs, we’ll keep track of your service intervals and even send you a reminder when it’s time for your next oil change. The frequency of oil changes depends on a few different criteria, including the type of oil used and the age of your vehicle. Your individual driving habits also play a role. When you work with Thomas Nissan, we’ll get to know you and your car.
Does your car have full synthetic oil? Is it a newer model year? You’ll probably be able to go longer in between oil changes. On the other hand, if your car is older, if you drive in extreme conditions such as off-roading or congested urban stop-and-go driving, you might need to have your oil changed more frequently to ensure it’s clean and healthy. The same goes for those who haul heavy loads often.
The best rule of thumb is to ask your service technician about how long you should be going between, and many modern vehicles have an indicator of oil life for you to reference as well. In addition, you’ll receive a windshield sticker from our team after every oil change, letting you know when to get another. When your vehicle’s mileage hits the number on your sticker, come on in, and we’ll get your oil and filter changed so you can get back to driving.
Many customers aren’t aware that there are several different types of motor oil. From conventional to synthetic, and synthetic blends to specialty high-mileage oil, the list of motor oil types and subtypes is extensive. Determining which oil is right for your car can be confusing, which is why we recommend consulting with one of our qualified service technicians.
Newer vehicles run on full synthetic oil, which is a little more expensive, but it also increases the amount of time you can go between oil changes. It’s very important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle, but most new cars can go as long as 5,000-7,000 miles between oil changes with no adverse effects. Full synthetic oil doesn’t break down like regular oil, so your oil change intervals can be longer.
By contrast, conventional motor oil comes directly from crude oil and isn’t as pure or long-lasting as synthetic oil. When you see $29.99 oil changes advertised by the national chain places, you can be sure they’re using cheap conventional oil. If you opt for a less expensive oil change with conventional oil, it probably won’t harm your engine, but you’ll be back more frequently––usually every 3,000 miles––and your engine won’t perform as efficiently.
Another type of motor oil, the synthetic blend oil, splits the difference. As a mid-priced oil, it’s a combination of conventional and full synthetic oil. Synthetic blend oil is ideal for cold weather driving, and if you’re not ready to move up in price to a full synthetic oil change, your engine will reap the benefits of the blend’s additional oxidation resistance properties.
Lastly, high-mileage oil is designed for drivers whose vehicles have racked up a lot of miles on the odometer. When to start using high mileage oil is largely dependent on the wear and tear your vehicle has gone through and if it needs the extra additives that are in high-mileage oil to help prevent leaks and keep things running smoothly, but it generally isn't something you'll need until your vehicle is at least over 75,000 miles. Again, we would suggest consulting with our team to see if your vehicle can benefit from a switch to high mileage oil.
Each oil change interval presents an opportunity to check on and maintain other key components of your vehicle. Our technicians will perform a complimentary multi-point inspection every time you visit our service center. During the inspection, we’ll note any red flags, such as excessive tire wear, brake component issues, or bulbs that need changing.
Our goal is for every Thomas Nissan service customer to stay safe on the road, and the easiest way to ensure your safety is to do our part to keep your vehicle well maintained. Small details like your wiper blades can make a huge difference in your driving experience, which is why our technicians carefully inspect some vital components of your vehicle, so you won’t find out the hard way that something needs replacing.
Consider having your tires rotated and balanced every time you come in for an oil change. Doing so ensures even wear, which in turn helps optimize fuel economy and ride handling. You may also need a tire alignment. If you feel a pull on the steering wheel and you constantly have to correct the steering, it’s likely your tires are out of alignment. This can happen if you hit a pothole or accidentally bump a curb. Alignments are easy and pay big dividends in the form of longer tire life.
Preventative maintenance is the best way to optimize your vehicle’s capabilities and minimize the need for more expensive repairs down the line. Oil changes are a must to protect the most expensive components, but small fixes like replacing burned-out bulbs and ineffective wipers while your car is already in for service make driving more pleasant and protect you from unnecessary hassles later on. Let our team ensure your car is always running smoothly.