Engine sludge is as nasty as it sounds, with more disgusting nicknames like “mayonnaise sludge” (soft consistency) and “black sludge” (hard consistency). Sludge is old and congealed oil resulting from excessive contamination, heat and oil additive breakdown. Sludge typically forms over a long period of time and generally builds up when a vehicle owner skips oil changes or travels many miles past the recommended oil change interval.

One day your oil is shiny and slick but, over time, that incredible lubricant can become gunky and provide less effective protection for your engine parts. This is an extreme condition, but what could turn such a vital liquid into a gunky, engine clogging mess, you ask? Here are a couple scenarios.

• Delaying your oil change is the main culprit. Over time, motor oil becomes contaminated with engine metals, acids and air humidity, eventually transforming into sludge. Waiting too long to change your oil will increase the likelihood of sludge infecting all the parts where motor oil travels. So don’t be a slacker, get it changed!
• Don’t stress out your oil. Prolonged stress and under-hood heat can lead to sludge filled consequences for your engine oil. Humidity plays a big role in oil consistency. The more humidity that enters your oil system, the sludgier and harder the oil gets. Relieve some stress by changing your oil regularly before it wears out.

Sludge is no laughing matter. Allowing it to build up could mean serious trouble for your engine. Follow your vehicle’s recommended oil change intervals, take into account your driving habits, and save yourself the aggravation engine damaging sludge creates.

Oil is kind of a drama queen. It only can withstand so much before it starts to become a hot mess.

Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these, call us. Seriously. A yes to any of these questions means you could probably benefit from an oil change more frequently to ensure your engine’s protected.

• Do you constantly drive in high temperature conditions? Excessive heat causes the oil to breakdown resulting in sludge and engine deposits. High temperatures also cause oil to thin out; typically resulting in metal on metal grinding or wear in your engine. Ouch. Trust us, it’s as bad as it sounds. This problem typically can become even more severe if you tow heavy loads or if you leave your car running idle for extended periods of time. A higher grade oil will greatly benefit your vehicle in this situation. And that’s why we offer a full range of quality motor oils, honed by the liquid engineers at Kendall motor oils.
• Do you frequently drive short distances? Get this: Repeated short distance driving means your oil may not have time to reach optimal operating temperatures. This enables water (condensation) and combustion bi-products, such as smoke, to dilute oil, accelerating the breakdown of your oil and shortening the lifespan of your engine components.

Find out more about our oil change services that help protect your engine.

It’s all about the extremes. Very hot or very cold temperatures will cause faster oil breakdown, requiring oil changes sooner. Here’s why.

• Surviving frigid temperatures requires thinner oils. If you live in a very cold climate your oil gets thicker as the temperature drops. The end result? Oil is harder to pump during startup, potentially leading to accelerated engine wear and difficulty starting your vehicle. Remember, thinner oils are ideal during winter. The lower the grade (0W), the thinner the oil, the easier your car will start during those deep freezes.
  Note: Always make sure you are adding the proper Motor Oil to your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or call us to determine the proper oil grade for your vehicle.
• Thrive during hotter temperatures with heavier oils. For hotter climates, constant towing or idling, thicker oils are a must. That’s because hot under-hood temperatures can cause your motor oil to breakdown and thin out. If you don’t have a thick enough oil running through your system, your oil can become too thin, leaving engine parts exposed to metal-on-metal contact. Trust us, you don’t want to hear that sound.

Oil is a fickle friend. Make sure to double check your owner’s manual and check with your oil technician for the proper oil for your region.

Unfortunately, simply looking at the oil or rubbing it between your fingers won’t tell you everything that is going on inside your engine. Wouldn’t that be convenient? Some symptoms that may indicate a problem with your oil are: low oil pressure, engine overheating or difficulty starting in cold weather.

Check it yourself: Visually examining oil on your oil dipstick may help identify excessive oil thickening or water contamination.

• Step 1: Park your car on a level surface. Parking on an incline will give you an inaccurate reading of your oil level when you pull the dipstick out.
• Step 2: Wait until the engine is cold (oil expands when it is hot).
• Step 3: Is the engine cold? If not, go back to Step 2.
• Step 4: Withdraw the dipstick, wipe it with a paper towel or rag, and reinsert it all the way back until it’s back in place. Now, withdraw the dipstick again, hold it horizontally, and read the oil level on the dipstick (every dipstick has a safe oil level indicator).
• Step 5: How does the oil look? Before you reinsert the dipstick, check the oil consistency. If your dipstick has a white, milky discoloration, this means excessive moisture has entered your motor oil. In this case, set up an oil change as soon as possible.
• Step 6: Add oil as necessary by unscrewing the oil filler cap, which is about 3 inches in diameter and located on the very top of the engine and typically labeled ‘Engine Oil.’
• Step 7: Recheck the oil level with your dipstick to make sure you’ve added enough oil.
• Step 8: Screw on Engine Oil cap and make sure it is secured tightly.
• Step 9: Get an oil change. If your oil level is low, how long has it been since your last oil change? It may be time to schedule one.

Have more oil change questions? Ask one of our techs.

It’s a matter of thickness. The thicker the oil, the more energy (fuel burned) needed to pump it. More energy usage equals less fuel efficiency. That’s why newer vehicles are designed to operate on lower viscosity oils. The lighter the oil, the less energy required to pump it.

Caution: Always make sure you are using the right oil for your car so your engine doesn’t have to work harder than it needs to, resulting in sluggish performance.

Quick Fact: Added ‘friction modifiers’ in our Kendall oil require less energy. Friction modifiers help oil flow through your engine with greater ease, requiring even less energy than traditional oils. Again, less energy to pump oil equals greater fuel efficiency for you.

Some may call it ‘black gold,’ but we all know disposing of oil improperly is damaging to the environment. You’ve seen the effects an oil spill has on wildlife. Now imagine if we disposed of oil the same way. And, believe us, people have, and sadly, still do.

Here are the wrong ways to dispose of oil:

• Emptying it in the trash
• Pouring it down sewers and, consequently, into our water supply
• Dumping it on the ground

The only proper way to dispose of oil is to take it to a facility that accepts used oil for proper disposal or recycling — like us. We make it easy. Every time you bring your vehicle in for an oil change, we’ll make sure your old oil is disposed of properly.

Note: If you do your own oil change, we’d be glad to take care of your old oil, too.

It could mean a few things. But, in most cases, it means you need an oil change. ASAP. Don’t ignore the change oil soon light. It’s time for a fresh oil change.

Many vehicles are now equipped with high tech ways to constantly monitor your driving conditions and mileage to determine the life expectancy of your oil. When the Oil Life System light appears, your computer system has determined you’ve reached the life expectancy for your current oil. Don’t doubt your oil life system indicator. It’s very reliable, accurate and always looking out for your engine’s best interests.

After an oil change, we reset your oil light. Your car computer can now restart the process of counting the miles traveled since your most recent oil change. Ah, intelligent vehicles, where would the automotive world be without them? Your car computer is extremely accurate, so don’t second guess or disregard its analysis.

Quick Tip: This system is not universal for all vehicle manufacturers. Check your owner’s manual for an explanation about how the system functions in your vehicle.

Learn more about warning signs that indicate an oil change is needed.

These may surprise you. But, rest assured, these myths are, in fact, myths.

• Change your oil every 3,000 miles. The myth to end all myths. There once was a time when this mileage interval was the standard. However, times have changed. Today’s oils and vehicles are of higher quality and capable of handling longer mileage intervals for most vehicles.
• Synthetic oils are bad for seals. Engine seals are the little rubber parts that prevent oil leaks, and there’s a rumor out there that seal failure is caused by synthetic oils. Though that was a possibility many years ago when synthetics were first formulated, today’s synthetic oils have advanced greatly in makeup and engine protection. Bottom line: seals do age with time but not because of synthetic oils. So use synthetic all you want. We even have a Kendall GT-1® High Mileage Synthetic Blend Motor Oil that is specially formulated with a seal swell additive to help minimize seal deterioration and oil leaks.
• Synthetic Oils Leak. This is a rumor that just won’t go away. But, rest assured, Synthetic oils don’t create or cause leaks. Now, to set the record straight, oil leaks can occur with synthetics if there’s already an opening. That’s because synthetics contain smaller molecules than conventional oils and can enter smaller crevices. But, take note, all the synthetic is detecting is a pre-existing and evolving leak — not creating it. In fact, the leak would eventually be exposed by conventional oil as the crack becomes larger.

View the Kendall engine oils we use.

Every driver wants fewer oil changes. Luckily for you, the time between oil changes has increased with the increased sophistication of newer cars. The future is all about increasing engine endurance. That’s why Kendall Oils is always improving their oils to protect your engine over longer intervals. As engine technology and oil keeps improving, the time that can pass before an oil change will be longer and longer.

Oil Life Systems are a recent addition by automobile manufacturers. The oil life system constantly monitors your driving conditions and mileage to determine the life expectancy of your oil. Although it measures mileage traveled and outside condition factors such as heat, double check your owner’s manual as well. It will provide you with a very accurate oil change schedule based on your vehicle and driving conditions.

Learn about the advantages of Liquid Titanium®.

Learn more about Kendall motor oil technology.

Enough to keep the tin man lubricated. All joking aside, some automobiles only need three quart capacity while bigger vehicles can need up to 15 quarts — quite the range. Your auto manufacturers list the oil quantities required for your engine in your owner’s manual.

So, you want to know the industry’s best kept secret, eh? Well, from our experience, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the best days to stop into Firestone Complete Auto Care. Now that we’ve said that, we can’t guarantee those will not become the most popular days as a result. But you asked. And now the cat is out of the bag. See you Tuesday or Wednesday.

We even have extended evening hours and most stores are open Sundays. Schedule an oil change for any day of the week.

You don’t need one. But, we know how much you value your time. Scheduling an appointment will give you the benefit of servicing your car on your schedule. While we can change your oil on a whim, we can’t guarantee you’ll be serviced on the spot. That will depend on if — and how many — customers arrived before you. We can give you a heads up beforehand, just call us. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the best days to stop in without an appointment. Appointment or not, you’ll receive the impeccable service and the same attention and care we provide each and every vehicle we service.

Have your oil changed on your schedule by scheduling yours today.

A whole slew of things. We don’t just perform the basics like a lot of oil change shops. We inspect your vehicle too, so you can avoid future problems.

All our oil change services include:

• Installation of up to 5 quarts of Kendall® motor oil
• Installation of new filter
• lubricating chassis (if necessary
• 3-month/3,000-mile warranty

With service we also offer each customer a courtesy check, a 19 point inspection which includes inspection of:

• wiper blades
• head, tail and mini lights
• air filter
• fluid levels
• belts and hoses
• battery
• tires

Schedule an oil change today.

We’ll never recommend anything we wouldn’t recommend to our mothers. We care about your automobile, and that includes the worn parts that typically go unnoticed and undetected at the in-and-out oil change shop.

We’ll offer you a free courtesy 19 point inspection. The inspection is designed to detect obvious signs of wear and tear. It’s a very simple way to take care of the services you need at the store, instead of requiring you to schedule another appointment. A more comprehensive inspection is available as well.

We care about your car, but most importantly, we care about you. Small problems can become big problems. We’ll keep tabs on your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance, to help keep your vehicle maintained.

We train our technicians to perform oil change services using a combination of our own e-learning and training guides along with on-the-job coaching and mentoring. We also have over 2,200 technicians on staff ASE certified in general maintenance.

• Know-how and expertise. Firestone Complete Auto Care technicians are instructed to follow manufacturer and industry approved servicing procedures while following the most stringent safety precautions.
• Sticklers for detail. Using the latest technology, Firestone Complete Auto Care electronically provides technicians with individual vehicle specs for exact oil quantity and viscosity for your make and model.

Just as a water filter traps tiny particles from entering your drinking water, an oil filter catches dirt and other harmful debris before it can enter your engine. It’s replaced when we perform an oil change.

Our oil filters are Champions in name and quality. Champion Labs is our trusted supplier of oil filters. Their oil filters not only meet, but typically exceed original equipment requirements for fit, function and quality construction.

Champion Labs is the world’s largest supplier of filters, offering filters for everything from air to fuel to transmission filters. They’re the go-to-choice for many industries including: heavy-duty trucking, construction equipment and mining industries as well as the marine, farm machinery and industrial engine markets.

Learn more about Champion Labs oil filters at champlabs.com

Many states mandate disposal of oil in certain ecological ways. And we’re a big advocate of protecting the environment by providing an oil filter disposal service everyone can count on.

Get this: the disposal fee we charge goes directly to paying the recycling cost to the recycling service we use. This fee covers the cost of labor, handling, storage, space, utilities and more. All in the name of providing you with sweet service and doing our part to protect the environment.

They say one man’s disposed oil is another man’s treasure. After properly recycling your oil with our vendors, it’s given a second life as fuels and lubricants. It even becomes re-refined motor oil in our EcoPower oil, which we use in select stores.

You see, used oil isn’t useless oil. It means less oil being pulled out of the ground and a lesser impact on the environment. It just takes the right engineers to refine and reuse the oil components. We accept used oil at no charge. Bring in your used oil during store hours and allow us to dispose of it properly.

More info on our EcoPower oil.

Oil changes come with a 3 month, 3,000 mile warranty. It’s also the reason a sticker is placed on your windshield telling you to come back in 3 months or 3,000 miles.

Now, you can operate past 3,000 miles on your current oil if your car manufacturer states a longer oil change interval. Check your owner’s manual to learn more about your particular vehicle’s oil specifications. Many cars today are designed to maintain oil for more miles.

We treat your car like we’d treat our own, with the utmost attention. From fender covers to floor mats to steering wheel and seat covers, we take pride in delivering stellar service and care while your vehicle is in our hands.

The short and honest answer: no. Most oil changes are completed within 30 minutes, but can run longer depending on how busy we are at the moment. Scheduling an oil change appointment is the best way to shorten the wait time.

Our goal is to keep your car running newer, longer. And that takes a little extra care. Just think of us as your car doctor. You wouldn’t see a doctor whose goal is to get you out as fast as possible so he can move on to the next in line. Same philosophy applies to your vehicle. Allowing proper time to fully service your vehicle during an oil change is our way of providing you with the best and most complete service.

Quick Tip: Request our free courtesy check and we’ll visually inspect all fluid levels, belts, hoses, tires and air pressure. While that may take a few extra minutes, we think it will save you a few headaches too, should anything need to be replaced.

No. Who told you that nonsense?! As long as you’re using the manufacturer recommended oil grade (i.e. 5W20) and get oil changes on schedule, you’re good to go.

Here, let us grease your engine towards future savings.

Save yourself some money by following any one of these tips:

• Only get an oil change every 3,000 miles, if necessary. Bet you didn’t think we’d say that. Newer vehicles have been engineered to handle longer maintenance intervals. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended intervals for your vehicle. However, pay attention, factors such as driving conditions and driving habits can determine how frequently you’ll need to change your oil. Learn about oil warning signs.
• Be a coupon watcher. We’re always looking out for your wallet. If you’re on a tight budget, keep an eye out for our latest oil change deals.
• Do it yourself. Do you enjoy the smell of hot burnt oil and the feeling of it dripping down your arms? What about the hassle of disposing of the old oil properly? Talk about time consuming. If those scenarios aren’t your cup of tea, allow us to get our hands dirty for you. Bring it to us and we’ll have you ready to go in no time.

Learn more about our Kendall engine oils with Liquid Titanium®.

Schedule an oil change.