The Risks of a Cheap Oil Change
At TMJ Bimmers, we have seen first hand how the Risks of a Cheap Oil Change do not payout in the long-run. So when it comes to quickie oil changes at a discount price, you should be suspicious and ask “what’s the catch?”
For starters, these inexperienced entry-level technicians can inadvertently damage your vehicle. Next up, these service centers are installing cheap parts and using low-end fluids, which can and often does lead to serious engine issues. And finally, for customers looking to extend the timing between oil changes, or save time or money at quick drive-by oil change shops, understand that opting for the quick-fix on your high-performance vehicle can (and often does) end up costing you more in the long run. If that’s not enough to keep you away, read on to learn the nitty-gritty about why if you’re a Euro driver, you should avoid your local Speedy / Quick Stop Oil Change Shop.
What is a Speedy / Quick Stop Oil Change Shop?
Have you ever wondered what exactly a Speedy / Quick Stop Oil Change Shop? And, do they hire certified automotive technicians? While their uniforms may lead you to believe you are dealing with a professional automotive technician, in our experience, they often aren't. They typically employ new hires and require no prior automotive experience. We also find that they are incentivized to sell you services that you do not need and they may even try to cover up damage that they inflict on your vehicle. So, while these shops do serve a purpose, they are not for your high-performance vehicle. They may even turn down some oil changes if it will take them too long or if they are uncertain of how to do the service. At least, the savvy ones do… Makes sense that we regularly get vehicles towed in from these service centers who have gotten in over their heads claiming they could perform a service or repair that is WAY over their level of understanding. In short, unskilled labor endangers your car’s health.
Check Engine Oil
What to lookout for when going to a Speedy / Quick Stop Oil Change Shop
Over the years, we’ve seen major engine issues develop due to oil services being performed improperly by inexperienced non-euro "lube" technicians in a rush to meet their quota. Now we know that a 5-minute drive-by oil change shop on your way to work may seem tempting, but improperly performed oil changes by unskilled laborers is another huge area of concern that most drivers don't think twice about. Unfortunately these guys are trained to focus on the speed of the service they are performing over the quality of the work.
For example, one of the most often seen issues on BMWs is the oil filter cap assembly plastic inserts being inadvertently discarded. This key part is responsible for feeding oil directly to your vital engine components. Then, the new filter goes back in without the integral plastic insert, and you the vehicle owner never notices a thing. That is… until the check engine light comes on. And how is an untrained employee with no prior automotive experience, expected to recognize this BMW specific part integral to feeding oil into your engine? This is a perfect example of why rushing through oil services can endanger your car’s health. And, on BMWs specifically, oftentimes these cheap filters will compress around the centerpiece making it harder for an inexperienced tech to notice that they just threw away a critical component part necessary for performing your next oil change correctly. This is a dangerous combination of inexperience, too much of a focus on quick and cheap oil changes over quality and expert oil services.
The next major concern you should be aware of is using low grade parts and fluids on your high-performance vehicle. While Quick Lube shops tend to use the cheapest available parts/fluids while charging a premium price, at TMJ Bimmers, we use only manufacturer-approved oil & OEM oil filters. Choosing quality lubricants can mean a difference between long-term ownership and a lifetime of expensive engine troubles. This is particularly true with German cars. BMW engines among others don’t really take well to low-end lubricants and BMW is very picky when it comes to which lubricants they endorse. Simply stated, Quality Oil keeps your car healthy and your choice of engine oils matters. Quality oil and quality oil filters keep your high-performance vehicle performing at its best.
Our next major area of concern is that these service centers are installing cheap non-OEM oil filters. Saving a few bucks on your engine’s oil filter may seem appealing in the short term, but they do a poor job filtering dirt, metal and other particulates out of the oil, and guess what happens? These fragments end up in your engine eating away at vital components. We also find these cheap filters are often compressed so tightly that they are significantly reducing oil pressure and causing long term damage to the engines. Cheap oil filters restrict oil pressure (due to poor design & low quality materials). Turbo engines rely heavily on good quality oil at high pressure. This is a dangerous combination of inexperience, too much of a focus on quick and cheap oil changes over quality and expert oil services. So, while it may be easier on your schedule to swing into a Jiffy Lube or a Kwik Kar Lube & Tune near you, faster and easier isn't always better… especially if you drive a Euro you’ll want to avoid having your engine suffer from the long term damage caused by inadequate lubrication from a cheap non-OEM oil filter.
So now I am sure you’re wondering if there are truly benefits to getting an oil change from a skilled technician. They absolutely are! Taking your high-performance vehicle to your local trusted independent automotive shop is always a good idea. Here’s why… First off, as an independent, you will know that your vehicle is being repaired or serviced by a singularly focused expert for your vehicle make and model of vehicle. Even if you are thinking, “it’s just an Oil change.” Remember this… your engine’s oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine.
Why Choose TMJ Bimmers
Every visit to TMJ Bimmers and most other trusted independents will start with a thorough DVI (Digital Video Inspection) performed by the same technician who is performing your lube service. But at TMJ Bimmers, your service advisor will develop a customized treatment plan based on your current use and eventual plan for your vehicle. Next, prior to starting any work on your car, you'll receive detailed images and videos identifying any potential issues, color-coded by priority: Red (Needs attention now), Yellow (Will require attention soon), Green (In the clear, no action needed at this time). This allows our techs to recognize any potential problems before a minor issue evolves into a major repair or a safety concern. Planning to drive it until the wheels fall off? Want to sell it soon? We’ll work with you to ensure your vehicle’s service plan is aligned with your goals.
Oil Change performed by a TMJ Bimmers certified technician.
This allows our techs to ID any potential problems before a minor issue evolves into a major repair or a safety concern! And, it allows our customers to budget for their vehicle’s needs, in priority order. This level of knowledge is only gained through years of experience working on these vehicles and knowing the ins and outs of these Euro cars.
Everyone knows that when you specialize in just one thing, you tend to do it better than anyone else. With over 50 years of overall combined experience in BMWs, Porsche, Mini-Coopers and Mercedes, the technicians at TMJ Bimmers have been specializing in German Automotive Service and Repair and are true enthusiasts with a love for these vehicles. Finally, remember that servicing your oil regularly presents a great opportunity to keep your car running without issues.
Finally, if you are curious about how often you should get an oil change, then know this… if your dash light is on, you are WAY overdue for oil change. Your dash light is set by your vehicle’s manufacturer to come on every 10-15K miles between oil changes. And, while the dealerships may recommend you service your oil every 10,000-15,000 miles, remember that dealerships are more interested in selling you a new vehicle than they are in maintaining your used vehicle. At TMJ Bimmers, we love all the Bimmers, from the late models fresh out of warranty, to the classics. That’s why we strongly urge our customers to service their vehicles’ oil every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes sooner (especially considering late-model turbo-charged engines are especially hard on oil). Your engine's oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle so changing your oil regularly ensures your vehicle runs smoothly and keeps it out of the shop.
