Oil Change in Germantown, MD

One of the most important preventive maintenance services that can protect your engine and extend the life of your vehicle is a regular oil change. With the demands of careers and families, many people put off changing their oil far too long because they fear the amount of time it will take from their schedules or how much it will cost. At Cochran Automotive in Germantown, Maryland, customers can walk-in for the Express Lube special when they have a free moment, and can either drop off their vehicle or enjoy free coffee and wifi while they wait, since the Express Lube Special only takes 30-45 minutes! Call us at (301) 972-4120 to learn more or find us at 19961 Aircraft Road. Either way, patrons can be sure they’ll get superior customer service, honest work, and a fair price.

Oil 101: The Basics

Your car’s engine has a lot of moving parts. Oil is critical to keeping those parts moving smoothly without generating too much friction or heat as they rub against one another. Your car’s oil drains down into the oil pan for storage when not in use. The pan on most passenger vehicles holds between 4 and 6 quarts of oil. Your trained technician will verify the manufacturer’s specifications for your car. When you crank your engine, oil travels from the pan through the pick-up tube. The oil pump enables the lubricant to move and have adequate pressure to reduce the friction between parts, and the pressure relief valve prevents the pump from building up too much force. An oil filter catches dirt that might be present in the oil and prevents it from circulating. As the oil circulates, it passes through spurt holes in the crankshaft so that it can coat the cylinders and bearings. Those components must stay lubricated with motor oil. Once the lubricant has passed through the system, it drains back down to the oil pan so that it is available to begin the cycle again. Because oil breaks down and loses its protective properties over time, it is important to change your vehicle’s oil at regular intervals to be sure your engine is protected. It’s also crucial that you check your oil often to ensure that there is enough to properly lubricate the engine’s moving parts.

Oil Change Services

A reputable service center, Cochran Automotive provides reliable oil change services. One of their certified technicians can review your manufacturer’s recommendations with you and help you make decisions about oil change intervals. The staff can also guide you in your choices of conventional or synthetic blend oils. Once you establish a routine, the Cochran team will work to suit your convenience and budget. You can choose from customer services such as shuttle service (within 5 miles of the shop), after-hours key drop-off, and text message reminders. The staff can also offer you a choice of online, telephone, or in-person scheduling as well as walk-in service with the popular Express Lube special. Additionally, they offer several ways to save money, including an oil change as part of a complete service package and discounted pricing based on the amount of your purchase.