The oil and filter your engine calls for, plus a straight answer on how often your vehicle actually needs a change based on how you drive.
An oil change means draining the old engine oil, replacing the oil filter and refilling with the type and amount of oil your engine calls for. It's simple maintenance, but skipping it is hard on an engine.
Oil does more than lubricate. It keeps moving metal parts from wearing against each other, carries heat away, and holds dirt and combustion byproducts so the filter can catch them. Over time, heat breaks oil down and it fills up with contaminants. Worn-out oil doesn't protect as well, and that leads to sludge, extra wear and eventually expensive engine repairs.
How often you need a change depends on your vehicle, the type of oil it uses and how you drive. The owner's manual is the place to start. Many newer vehicles also have an oil life monitor that tracks how the engine is used and tells you when a change is due. Either way, the right interval is the one your manufacturer recommends for the way you actually drive.
Towing, lots of short trips, dusty roads and mountain driving usually count as severe service, and that often means changing oil sooner. Short trips are harder on oil than they sound, because the engine never gets warm enough to burn off the moisture and fuel that collect in the oil. Between long grades, towing and cold winter starts, a lot of driving around Missoula falls into the severe category.
Using the right oil matters too. Engines are designed around a specific oil viscosity, and many newer ones require synthetic oil that meets a particular specification. We use what your manufacturer calls for.
Between changes, check your oil level now and then, using the dipstick if your vehicle has one. Some engines use a little oil between changes, and running low is hard on any engine. If the oil pressure light comes on while you're driving, pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it's safe.
If we notice anything while your vehicle is in, like a leak or a worn belt, we'll tell you what it is and whether it needs attention now or can wait.
Your oil life monitor or maintenance reminder is telling you a change is due. It's worth taking care of soon.
Some engines use a little oil, but a level that keeps dropping can mean a leak or the engine burning oil.
Oil darkens with normal use, so color alone isn't the test. Oil that feels gritty or looks sludgy is past due and no longer protecting the engine well.
A leaking drain plug, filter, gasket or seal lets oil escape, and an engine running low on oil wears faster.
Pull over and shut the engine off. It can mean the oil level or oil pressure is dangerously low.
An engine that sounds louder or ticks more than usual may be low on oil or overdue for a change. Check the level and have it looked at.
Fast service and a good price! Would recommend!
Taylor H. · Google
Excellent Service! I took my car to them for a full transmission fluid flush and refill, brake fluid full flush and replace, and an oil change. These are Good People...Read full reviewShow less
Excellent Service! I took my car to them for a full transmission fluid flush and refill, brake fluid full flush and replace, and an oil change. These are Good People. They do Great Work for a Fraction of the Price the Dealership wanted to charge me. They are now my go to shop.
Mike W. · Google
I’ve got both my suspension and my clutch replaced in my WRX by them, and they were super quick! Quoted me up to a week both times, but I got my car back within 2 days, both times. Really great work!!
Tristan P. · Google
The PTU in my car had a hole in it and they got my car in super quick and had the work done within no time. Theu did a great job and made a very stressful situation easier then I could have hoped for.
jennifer C. · Google
John is a top-notch mechanic and an honest person. Instead of charging me for a lot of parts that I didn’t need, he told me he couldn’t diagnose the exact spot in my suspension that was making noise...Read full reviewShow less
John is a top-notch mechanic and an honest person. Instead of charging me for a lot of parts that I didn’t need, he told me he couldn’t diagnose the exact spot in my suspension that was making noise. We agreed that I would drive my car a little longer and see if it gets worse. He used suspension ears and spent a lot of time trying to diagnose my car. Many shops would’ve just told me I needed struts and would’ve charged the normal labor and mark up on parts. He might not have solved my problem but kudos to John and his team for not just throwing parts at it. I would HIGHLY recommend them if you’re looking for a trustworthy shop in the Missoula area.
Tony D. · Google
Had a great experience at UCDI. Great communication and quality service!
Carson C. · Google
Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM
Sat to Sun closed
2603 Industry Street, STE D1Missoula, MT 59808
Mon to Fri 9 AM to 5 PM
Sat to Sun closed
Something else on your mind? Call the shop.
Pick the service and a day that works. We'll call to confirm a time. In a hurry? Call the shop.
