Oil Change Service

Top Oil Change Service in Pottstown, Pennsylvania

When you buy a new or used car from us at John Kennedy Ford Pottstown in Pennsylvania, you can look forward to many years of trouble-free driving. However, a key aspect of vehicle ownership is routine maintenance to help ensure optimal performance. One of the most crucial but often underestimated maintenance tasks is an engine oil and filter change. In this guide, we look at the importance of oil changes and how and when to get them done.

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At John Kennedy Ford Pottstown, an oil change is a relatively quick and straightforward process. Our factory-trained technician will drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, and refill the engine with fresh, clean oil. We use the exact grade and type of oil recommended by the manufacturer and genuine Motorcraft oil filters to ensure a perfect fit.

Maximizing Your Oil Change Experience

Here at John Kennedy Ford Pottstown, we make routine oil changes as hassle-free as possible for you. Scheduling a service is easy with our online appointment booking form. Alternatively, give us a call to book an oil change, or if you walk in, we may be able to help you without a prior appointment. 

You can relax in our waiting lounge and take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, and refreshments while we service your vehicle. If you need to get on with your day, we offer a shuttle service and loaner vehicles where applicable. If you can't get to us, ask us about Ford Mobile Service. We can come to you and change your Ford's oil at home.

When Do You Need an Oil Change?

In the past, it was recommended to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles. But with advancements in synthetic oils and engine technology, modern cars can go a lot longer between oil changes. 

If you drive an older car, you can find the oil change intervals in the owner's manual. They may range between 3,000 and 7,500 miles, depending on the specific vehicle and your driving habits. If you regularly drive in severe conditions, your oil may need changing more often. Severe driving includes:

• Frequent stop-and-go traffic 
• Long periods of idling
• Frequent short trips
• Driving in hilly areas
• Towing or hauling heavy loads
• Off-road driving

If you mostly drive in normal conditions and avoid heavy acceleration and braking, you may be able to extend your oil change intervals. 

Fortunately, modern Ford vehicles take the guesswork out of when to have the oil changed with the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor. This system monitors the remaining life of the oil based on the car's use, driving conditions, extreme temperatures, and the time since the oil was last changed. When it's time for an oil change, you'll be alerted by a message on the instrument cluster display. It will show one of two messages:

• Change engine oil soon: This means the oil life is down to around 5%, and you should schedule an oil change.
• Oil change required: At this point, the oil has 0% life left and needs changing urgently.

Failing to get the oil changed when recommended can lead to poor performance, lower fuel economy, and engine damage. Your vehicle warranty could also be voided.

Why Are Oil Changes So Important?

The operation of your car's engine involves many fast-moving, precision-made components that work together, and these parts generate a lot of friction and heat. The engine oil lubricates the moving parts and creates a protective barrier to reduce friction and minimize the wear and tear on components such as the pistons, crankshaft, and camshaft.

The oil also dissipates heat to help keep the engine at the correct operating temperature and prevent overheating. In addition, engine oil picks up dirt and contaminants as it circulates around the engine, and the debris gets caught in the oil filter. Fresh oil keeps the engine running smoothly, helps improve fuel economy, and extends the engine's life span.

As the engine oil ages, it deteriorates and becomes less efficient at lubricating the engine and dissipating heat. The contaminants in the oil can form a sludge, which clogs crucial areas of the engine. Failing to change the oil in time can lead to increased friction and heat, resulting in excess wear and tear on the moving components. 

If you neglect oil changes for a prolonged period, you could notice poor performance, more trips to the gas station, and engine overheating. In the worst case, you could experience a catastrophic breakdown, resulting in very costly repairs and a void warranty.

Trust in Our Expert Knowledge and Experience

It's advisable to use an authorized dealership for oil changes and other services. At our state-of-the-art service department, our highly experienced technicians know your Ford better than anyone, and we have cutting-edge diagnostic systems and tools to provide the expert service you expect. 

We only use genuine Ford components or original equipment manufacturer parts. These parts are made to the same precise standards as those used when your car was built to ensure a perfect fit and operation. The oil and other fluids we use meet the manufacturer's recommended specifications.

It might be tempting to try and save a few dollars by taking your car to a local lube shop for oil changes and other services, but it could be a false economy and cost you more in the long term. The mechanics won't be as familiar with your car as a certified Ford technician. Additionally, they may use aftermarket parts that are designed to fit several makes and models of vehicles, which might not fit or work as well as genuine components.

Schedule an Oil Change at John Kennedy Ford Pottstown Today

Contact us today to schedule an oil change in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. For great value, ask us about our The Works oil change package. It includes an oil and filter change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, a multipoint inspection, battery test, fluid top-off, and checks of the filters, belts, and hoses. You'll get peace of mind at a competitive price.