A proper oil change from a shop that tells you the truth about your car. The right oil for your engine, a new filter, and a quick look-over while it's on the lift.
Clean oil is the cheapest insurance an engine will ever get. At Walnut Smog & Repair, an oil change is done the way it should be: drain the old oil, install a new filter, refill to your manufacturer's exact grade and capacity, and check that nothing is leaking before your car comes off the lift.
Most late-model cars and trucks call for a specific viscosity, often 0W-20 or 5W-30, and many now require full synthetic. We go by your owner's manual and the oil cap, not by whatever is on sale. Turbocharged and direct-injection engines need synthetic to protect the turbo and resist deposits. Older, higher-mileage engines, like the 1990s Toyotas and Nissans our customers bring in, often do well on a high-mileage oil.
Most maintenance schedules have a severe-service interval in the fine print. Stop-and-go on the 210 and Colorado Boulevard, short trips around town, long idling in traffic, and summer heat waves all count. That describes a lot of daily driving in the San Gabriel Valley, so the shorter interval is often the smart choice. We'll tell you honestly what makes sense for how you drive.
Old, fuel-diluted oil can actually raise hydrocarbon readings on an older car's tailpipe test. If your smog check is coming up and the oil is overdue, change it first. Leaking oil can also cause a visual-inspection problem. While the car is up, we can see a leaking strut, thin brake pads or a cracked hose, and we'll tell you what can wait. Need filters too? We handle those in the same visit.
Follow your owner's manual, but many modern cars on synthetic run 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes. Stop-and-go traffic, short trips and heat count as severe service, which can shorten that.
If your manual or oil cap calls for it, yes. Many newer engines require full synthetic. Older engines may do fine on conventional or a high-mileage oil.
Usually under an hour. Call (626) 449-6252 and we'll let you know the best time to stop by.
On older vehicles it can. Fuel-diluted oil can raise hydrocarbon readings on a tailpipe test, so fresh oil before the test is a good idea.
No. We'll tell you if we notice something worn, and what can wait. You decide what gets done.
Smog checks, failed smog repair, check engine diagnostics and complete auto repair on E Walnut St. Honest answers and fair prices.