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Here are a
few things to consider the next time you want a quick 10 minute oil change.
Location
Since
you’re a busy person, you want to make the most of the time you have available.
And spending a lot of time driving just to find a 10 minute oil change center
isn’t going to make your life any easier. So you want a place that can be
gotten to quickly so you can have your car serviced and be on your way. In most
cases, a ten to fifteen minute drive is ideal if you want to get in and get out
so you can take care of other matters.
Just as
important as how long it takes to get to the 10 minute oil change service
center is how easy it is to get in and out. Trying to cross 3 lanes of heavy
traffic will probably take more time than it will to get your oil changed. And
when time is precious, the last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of
the road for fifteen minutes just trying to make a left.
Convenience
Believe it
or not there are still some places that require you to get out of your car and
wait for your 10 minute oil change service to be done. And while these places
sometimes offer 10 minute oil changes, it’s really a hassle for consumers,
especially when they’re pressed for time.
Busy people
like you should look for a place that allows you to drive in, sit in your car
and drive right out as soon as the work is finished. There really isn’t much of
a reason to leave your car for a 10 minute oil change unless you’re having
other things done to it that’ll take more than 10 minutes to complete.
Services Provided
10 minute
oil change centers usually offer a variety of service packages. All will change
your oil, but many will check and top off your car’s fluids, check your air
filter, check tire pressure, check wiper blades and even lubricate vital parts.
You should
look for a place that will give your car a thorough inspection in addition to
changing your oil. It generally doesn’t take up any more time and will give you
the comfort of knowing that your vehicle is as safe as can be when you drive
away. While you may not always need those extras, it’s nice to know they’re
available and that most problems can be fixed while you wait.
Price
The sheer
number of 10 minute oil change facilities to choose from is good for you
because competition helps to keep prices down. Still, you want to find a place
that’s not going to gouge you for basic service. In my area the standard price
for a basic 10 minute oil change is around $20, which is a fair price for the
convenience, time savings and not having to get under the car myself. From that
base price you can usually opt for additional services and checks to be
performed on your vehicle.
Oil Types
Valvoline,
Castrol, Pennzoil, Lucas, 10W30, 10W40 – it’s all Greek to me, but it may mean
something for your particular vehicle. Today, cars and trucks are advanced
machines and some demand certain types of oil.
While most
10 minute oil change places offer a primary brand of oil, many stock competing
brands for those that have a preference or a special need. Just be careful
because, in many instances, if you opt for a brand that’s something other than
the primary one offered by the service center, you’ll pay extra.
So if you
have a preference of Castrol over Valvoline, then find a place that offers that
as their brand of choice.
Time
I know that
a 10 minute oil change should mean exactly that, but if you get additional
services that some centers provide you’ll probably end up being a little longer
than ten minutes. How much longer is acceptable is a matter of preference, but
ideally you should be in and out within 15 minutes, if you get the full
service. For basic oil change service 10 minutes should be the norm.
Still you
don’t want to feel as if you’re being rushed through like cattle. A 10 minute
oil change is fast, but if the company goes over because they’re being
thorough, then that’s better for you and your car.
People
It seems
like finding good customer service these days is like finding the Holy Grail.
If you can find a 10 minute oil change place that offers quick service AND has
a friendly, knowledgeable staff, then you’ve hit the jackpot.
A good
staff who knows what they’re doing is important because they not only treat you
like a person as opposed to a fistful of dollars, but they can also alert you
to problems you might not have known about – like a leaking radiator – until it
was too late.
While these
might seem like a lot of things to consider – especially for something as
simple as a 10 minute oil change – you and your car will be better off once you
find a place that offers everything you’re looking for.
AUTHOR
BIO: Tim LaGanke, Jr. is president of QuickChange Oil, a 10
minute oil change center, with locations across Cleveland, Ohio. QuickChange is
currently seeking applicants interested in the oil change franchise
business. Please contact LaGanke at gank@quickchangeoil.com for more
information.
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