Oil Change at Home in Kansas City, MO
There are many different motor oils and your vehicle manufacturer would specify which type should be used on your vehicle. Even oils used on diesel or gasoline vehicles use a different type of oil. But when it is time for an oil change, the process is the same for any car, regardless of type, make, or model. Our Mobile Mechanics in Kansas City come directly to your home or office — no shop visit needed.
When you schedule an oil change with us, the technician will:
- Change the vehicle motor oil and use the recommended type as a replacement.
- Replace and properly dispose of the vehicle's used oil filter.
- Inspect all other filters (cabin filter, air filter, etc.) — and if any need attention, we can address them as part of your tune up.
- Top up other important fluids, including brake fluid. If your brakes need attention too, ask about our brake service.
This may seem simple, but engine oil plays a crucial role in the running of the engine. If this one element is ignored, you can find yourself with many more engine problems later and potentially need a more involved car diagnostics visit to track down the damage.
Why Is Oil Important?
Engine oil has a limited lifespan. Over time it starts to get worn down and can become full of microscopic contaminants. Staying on top of your oil changes is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly repairs down the road including issues with your fuel pump or internal engine components.
Why Does Oil Break Down?
Oil is less effective over time. With continual exposure to heat, moisture, and air, the oil will become thick and sludge-like. At that point it can no longer be pumped around the internal components of your engine and will cause wear. Kansas City summers in particular put extra strain on engine fluids the same reason we always check your radiator and coolant levels during a service visit.
What Parts Are Used in Pumping Oil Around the Engine?
Oil Pan — This is where the oil waits before it sets off on its journey around the engine.
Oil Pump — This is one crucial component for the whole lubrication of the engine. The oil pump creates the pressure which pushes oil around all the moving parts. If this fails, the oil doesn't move and what oil remains in the engine will soon overheat and stop lubricating. If you suspect a pump issue, our car diagnostics service can confirm it quickly.
Oil Filter — This captures any harmful deposits and tiny metal pieces that have found their way into the oil system. Filters should always be replaced with every oil change.
How to Check Your Oil Yourself
- Park the car on a level surface. Uneven ground will give you inaccurate results.
- Wait until your engine has cooled down and the oil has settled.
- Make sure the engine is cool or cold — overfilling with oil can cause as much damage as not having enough.
- Remove the dipstick and wipe it on an old cloth or paper towel, then push it back into place.
- Remove the dipstick again and hold it horizontally. Check the oil mark against the minimum and maximum safe fill level markers.
- Check the clarity of your oil. If it is white and creamy, you have moisture in the engine — this should be changed as quickly as possible and may indicate a deeper problem worth having checked through our car diagnostics service.
- Add oil as required by unscrewing the oil filler cap, located at the top of the engine, usually labeled "Engine Oil."
- After a few minutes, recheck the oil level against your dipstick to confirm you've added the correct amount.
- Screw the cap back on tightly.
Schedule Your Oil Change
If you found that your oil level was low — when was the last time you had an oil change or top up? It is recommended to change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles to keep your engine running at peak performance.
Give us a call or contact us and let us save you time. We'll get your oil changed while you wait at home, anywhere in Kansas City.