How can an oil change reduce my total cost of ownership?
How often should I change my oil?
Is changing my oil more often better for my car?
Where should I put my best tires, on the front or the back?
Will you honor my extended warranty?
Where should I put my best tires, on the front or the back?
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How often should I change my oil?
Most modern cars should have their oil changed approximately every six months, or after 5000-7500 miles. Depending on your driving habits, your car's computer may allow you to go a lot longer between oil changes, but we feel that even modern cars should not go more than six months without being inspected by a qualified mechanic.
One of the most important benefits of having your oil changed regularly is the opportunity it provides for your car to be inspected for potential problems. Small problems can easily become very expensive if they are not tended to in a timely manner. As a full service garage, Blue Moon can advise you of the need for repairs and upcoming maintenance to help reduce the inconvenience of surprise breakdowns.
See our Semi Annual Service Package
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Is changing my oil more often better for my car?
No. Fresh oil (even oil that meets manufacturer's standards) contains a lot of lightweight components that burn off quickly after the oil is installed. These components can reduce the lifespan of your catalytic converter, an essential (and expensive) part of your car's emissions control system.
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Should I use synthetic oil?
You should use oil that meets the standards set forth by your car's manufacturer. For some cars, these standards can only be met by synthetic oils, while others can be met by traditional oils. The term “synthetic” doesn't have any particular meaning in the marketing world, so oils labeled as “synthetic” are not always better than traditional oils.
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What is flat rate pay?
We do not use or support the flat rate pay system, as we believe it leads to poor quality workmanship. Often the “book” time for a repair is excessive, in which case we will reduce the amount we charge. In cases where we believe there will be complications that will extend the time necessary to perform a proper repair, we may charge more than “book” time. For details on how the flat rate system works at most repair facilities, click here.
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What is your labor rate?
We do not have a set labor rate. The current average labor rate for the metro area is near $100 an hour. We feel that rate is too much for installing a battery, and not enough for diagnosing a CAN network failure. Our charges are results-based, and tied directly to the level of expertise and equipment necessary to produce those results.
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Will you honor my extended warranty?
We will be happy to negotiate with your warranty company on your behalf. Please be aware that most warranties do not cover the entire cost necessary to properly repair your vehicle, and that you will be responsible for the difference. The automotive extended warranty business is notoriously unstable, and Blue Moon does not extend credit to warranty companies under any conditions; the bill must be paid in full before your car will be released. For more information on the problems often associated with extended warranties, click here.
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