Importance of Safety Checks with Oil Changes



Keeping up with regular oil changes is the key to extending the life of your vehicle and maintaining its proper performance. Not only does the fresh oil help your engine run smoother, but safety checks done at the time of the oil change will ensure that your vehicle is road-ready and free of issues. Safety checks are critical because they are the key to spotting minor problems before they become major ones and can even save you money on costly repair bills down the road. 

In addition to providing peace of mind, safety checks provide assurance that your car will remain free from dangerous wear and tear. Maintenance tasks, such as checking battery connections, brake systems, and tire pressure, can prevent more serious mechanical issues from arising and keep your car in great shape. In this post, we'll outline the importance of safety checks when doing oil changes and how these simple steps can increase the longevity of your vehicle and provide for safer driving.

When you take your car in for an oil change, the technician should perform several safety checks to ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition and free from any potential hazards. This section will go through the importance of doing a safety check during an oil change and will list the necessary steps to ensure your car remains in top shape.

1. Tire and Wheel Inspection: When having an oil change, you should have the tires and wheels inspected for any signs of wear or damage that could cause a loss of control while driving. Tire tread depth should be checked, as well as any signs of bulging, uneven wear, or visible damage to the sidewall. Tire pressure should also be checked to ensure all tires are properly inflated. Wheel alignment should be done to keep the vehicle in line and driving straight.

2. Brake System Inspection: The brake system should be checked for any signs of leakage or wear and tear. The brake pads should be inspected to make sure they are not excessively worn. Brake fluid should also be checked to make sure it is at the proper level. Taking the time to inspect the brake system during an oil change is essential in ensuring the brake system is functioning properly and safely.

3. Lights Check: Your lights are a huge factor in maximizing your visibility on the road at night. The bulbs, lenses, reflectors, and wiring should be inspected for any signs of wear or damage. Additionally, the headlight alignment should be checked to make sure the light is shining directly in the correct direction.

4. Suspension and Shock Inspection: The suspension and shock system should also be inspected for any signs of wear and tear. The suspension system should be checked for any signs of sagging, spotting, or noise. The shock system should be checked for signs of leaks, wear, or corrosion. Taking the time to inspect the suspension and shock system during an oil change will help prevent unexpected breakdowns.

5. Battery Check: The battery should be inspected to make sure it is in good condition. The terminals should be checked for corrosion, and the battery should be tested to make sure it is in good working order. Taking the time to inspect the battery during an oil change will help ensure that the car will start and remain reliable.

6. Fluid Levels Check: During an oil change, all of the major fluid levels should be checked to make sure they are at the proper levels. This includes the oil, coolant, power steering, brake, transmission, and windscreen washer. Keeping all of these levels at the correct levels will ensure the car is running properly and safely.

7. Hoses and Belts Check: The hoses and belts should be examined in detail to make sure they meet the manufacturer's specifications. Particular attention should be given to any bubbling, holes, or other visible signs of damage. The hoses and belts should also be tested for their elasticity. Finally, the hoses should be periodically checked for any leakage and the belts should be replaced if any cracking or fraying is found.

8. Exhaust System Check: The exhaust system is a very important component of any vehicle and should be regularly inspected for any signs of wear, corrosion, or exhaust leaks. Any wear and tear detected should be immediately repaired or replaced for maximum safety and efficiency. Regular inspections of the exhaust system should be done to ensure the vehicle is running safely and efficiently. 

9. Air Filter Check: The air filter should be thoroughly inspected to ensure that it is in good working order. You should look for any visible damage, signs of significant wear, or an excessive buildup of dirt on the air filter. If any of these are present, the air filter should be replaced or cleaned as soon as possible to ensure that your vehicle's air intake system is functioning properly. 

While an oil change is a great way to extend the life of your vehicle and keep it running smoothly, it is important to take the time to do safety checks as well. Safety checks will ensure your vehicle is free from dangerous wear and tear, and that all components of the car are running in a proper and safe condition. Taking the time to conduct these important safety checks with each oil change can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs down the road.

Are you looking for a reliable oil change service that provides fast, thorough safety checks? Look no further than Oil Buddy! We boast the most efficient oil changes in Mesa, AZ, and beyond. Our team of experts is dedicated to making sure every oil change is done quickly and accurately.

We understand that time is of the essence, so we make sure our oil changes can be done in 10-15 minutes without compromising accuracy. Our team is highly trained to perform a thorough safety check with every oil change. This includes checking the levels and condition of the oil, inspecting the fuel filter, and examining other components. We take pride in ensuring that everything is performing correctly in order to keep you and your vehicle safe at all times.

Don't miss out on Oil Buddy's quick and thorough oil changes. Contact us today at 480-892-4130, and get your vehicle running in top condition in no time!