Regular oil changes are among the simplest and most effective ways to protect your engine and extend your vehicle’s lifespan. As you drive, engine oil naturally collects dirt, debris, and contaminants that reduce its ability to lubricate critical engine components properly. Over time, old oil can increase friction, reduce fuel efficiency, and lead to premature engine wear.

Routine oil change services help keep your engine clean, improve overall performance, and reduce the risk of costly repairs down the road. Considering that engine replacements can cost thousands of dollars, staying on top of your manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule is one of the smartest investments you can make in your vehicle.

A regular oil change just makes sense. Over time, as you drive, the oil inside your engine collects dirt and grit. That dirt and grit wears down the engine parts and makes your engine work harder. When left untouched, all that grime affects your gas mileage and ultimately ruins expensive parts. 

When the average engine replacement costs in the thousands, bringing your car in regularly for oil changes is the right choice.

Photo of mechanic inspecting a vehicle at McCormick Automotive Center in fort collins colorado

What Makes McCormick’s Oil Change Service Different?

At McCormick Automotive, an oil change is more than routine maintenance, it’s an opportunity to help protect your vehicle. Our experienced technicians treat every car and truck that enters our shop as if it belonged to a member of their own family. Rather than simply replacing your engine oil and sending you on your way, we take the time to inspect your vehicle, identify potential concerns, and help you stay ahead of costly repairs. We believe every oil change should provide peace of mind, giving you confidence that your vehicle is safe, reliable, and ready for the road.

Our Oil Change Process:

  • An Initial Test Drive: Every oil change begins with a short test drive. One of our technicians will listen to how your engine is running, evaluate braking performance, and observe how your vehicle accelerates and handles. This helps us identify any concerns that may not be visible during the inspection alone.

  • A Complimentary Digital Safety Inspection: When your vehicle returns to the shop, we perform a complimentary digital safety inspection. In addition to changing your oil, we check and top off essential fluids, inspect your brakes, evaluate tire condition and tread wear, and examine key suspension and steering components to help ensure your vehicle is safe and performing at its best.

  • A Complete Oil Change Service: We drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter with a new quality filter, and refill your engine with the correct oil recommended for your vehicle. Every oil change is completed with attention to detail to help protect your engine and maximize its performance.

  • A Comprehensive Vehicle Report: Before you leave, we’ll review everything we found during your visit. Most of the time, your vehicle gets a clean bill of health. If we notice normal wear or maintenance items to keep an eye on, we’ll let you know so you can plan ahead. And if we discover an issue that requires more immediate attention, we’ll explain exactly what we found, why it matters, and what your options are.

    Our goal isn’t to sell you repairs you don’t need; it’s to help you stay informed. Whether it’s budgeting for brakes in the coming months or fixing a small leak before it becomes a costly repair, we’ll provide honest recommendations so you can make the best decision for your vehicle.

Photo of mechanic conducting an oil change at McCormick Automotive Center in fort collins colorado

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

The answer depends on your vehicle’s make, model, engine, and the type of oil it requires. Your driving habits also play an important role—frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, towing, and extreme temperatures can all affect how often your vehicle needs an oil change.
As a general guideline:

Conventional motor oil: Every 3 months or 3,500 miles
Synthetic oil: Every 5 months or 5,000 miles
Diesel engines: Every 5 months or 5,000 miles

If you’re unsure when your next oil change is due, our experienced technicians are happy to help. We’ll recommend the right oil change interval based on your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and the way you drive, helping keep your engine protected and performing at its best.

Photo of Mechanic Conducting Work on a Car Engine at McCormick Automotive Center in Fort Collins, Colorado

How often should I be getting oil changes?

That depends. It depends on your cars make and model and what type of oil your engine needs. For standard motor oil, the industry standard is every 3 months or 3,500 miles. For synthetic oil, the industry standard is every 5 months or 5,000 miles. And for diesel engines, the industry standard is also 5 months or 5,000 miles.

What Type of Oil Does McCormick Automotive Use?

At McCormick Automotive, we use the oil that’s recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer to help ensure optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term engine protection. The right oil depends on your vehicle’s make, model, engine, and the driving conditions it experiences.

When you bring your vehicle in for an oil change, our technicians will verify the manufacturer’s specifications and use the correct oil and filter for your vehicle. Depending on your vehicle’s requirements, this may include:

  • Synthetic Blend Oil – A reliable option for many vehicles requiring conventional-style maintenance.
  • Full Synthetic Oil – Provides enhanced engine protection, improved performance, and longer-lasting lubrication, making it ideal for many newer vehicles.
  • Diesel Engine Oil – Specifically formulated to meet the unique demands of diesel engines and help maximize performance and durability.

Not sure what type of oil your vehicle needs? Our team is happy to answer your questions and recommend the best oil change service based on your vehicle and your driving habits.

Antique Car Decorations at McCormick Automotive Center in Fort Collins, Colorado

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