I can not remember how many times a service person at a quick lube shops asked me to take benefit of this service they provide. Engine oil analysis. Almost everyone of us has encountered this situation at least once. The first time I was encountered with this question, I wondered about the real purpose of the analysis.
Instead of refusing immediately, I asked the service person,”what purpose is this going to help?”. His immediate replay was, “we will send your motor oil to our labs, and for 14.99 you can have it inspected for problems, and abnormal condition.” I replied, “so, how much does it cost to do an oil change?” “19.99 sir”. I smiled and told him “last I changed the oil was 3200 miles ago, therefore, you are now telling me that I need to spend 15 dollars on top of the oil change, for you to come back and tell me that it was the right time to change the oil!”"But we can find out if there is anything wrong with the oil, and you can protect your investment.”
My go on this, unless you own a truck or a fleet, it would be a waste of your money and time to do such a service. Such vehicle get the oil periodically analyzed to test the oil’s viscosity and acid content. Using a spectrometer, a device that would burn the oil to identify the impurity of the oil. Fleets and trucks holding big quantities of oil find it necessary for such a service. On the other hand, for most consumer cars it is very hard to justify the cost. why spend your money on a report that will suggest changing your oil. All you need to do is change your oil every 3000 miles and you’ll know the exact timing of your next oil change by reading the odometer.
Tags: abnormal condition, acid content, best insurance, engine oil analysis, exact timing, oil analysis services, oil change, oil changes, quick lube shops, service person