Oil Change - Making an Appointment

When it comes to regularly scheduled maintenance like an oil change, you want to make sure that you take the time to keep track of the scheduled date for the maintenance and make an appointment. Because this is something that you don't want to overlook, take the time to do all that you can to make sure that you know when you need to go in and call in advance. Even through the appointment usually doesn't take long, by making an appointment, you save yourself some time.
Make the Call
If your automotive maintenance is largely handled at a full-service station, you will want to call the shop to schedule an appointment to change the engine oil. Because there are numerous customers coming in every day, you will want to make sure that you are seen. When you just drop by, you become someone that is not necessarily a priority. Find a time that works well for you. Remember that depending on how busy that facility is, you may need to wait, or you may be in and out in thirty minutes. It isn't always easy to know. Bring something to do or make arrangements for someone to pick you up if it looks like it'll take a while.
Picking Up Your Vehicle
When your oil change is complete, you will pay your bill. Usually, a service person will let you know if there were any problems that they noticed when they completed an inspection. At this time, you can choose to make an appointment to have these issues examined or just wait until later. Most of the time, you will be reminded about the next time or mile interval during which you will need to come in again.
Planning for Next Time
Check the windshield to see if there is some type of sticker or note card to let you know when you need to come in again. Most people don't go ahead and make their next appointment. You don't always know when your car will be at the right mile or time interval. However, think about making a note on a calendar or planner to remind you to check the vehicle and see if it is time for your oil change.
Skipping an Appointment
If you do look up and notice that you have missed an oil change appointment, don't just wait until you think the next one will be due. You should take it in immediately and get the car back on its schedule. There are a multitude of easily avoidable problems that are directly related to not taking care of a car and neglecting its maintenance.
If you have just purchased a vehicle and have no record of the last oil change, take the time to take it into a repair shop to have them check it out. It may be that one was just done, or it may be that it is well overdue and needs to be handled right away.