---
title: "Oil changes and maintenance in Fanwood, NJ"
canonical: "https://franksautorepair.net/services/oil-changes-maintenance/"
description: "Oil and filter changes with a 31-point courtesy check, plus tune-ups, filters and fluid flushes, at Frank's Auto Repair in Fanwood, NJ."
---

Oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles (5,000–6,000 for synthetic), each with a 31-point courtesy check, plus tune-ups, filters and fluid flushes.

## At a glance

- Warranty: 12 months or 12,000 miles on our repairs and services, nationwide through AnywhereCare

Making sure your car maintenance is up to date doesn't just improve the performance of your vehicle. It can also help parts last longer and reduce the risk of an unwanted breakdown. Our experienced, skilled technicians carry out a full range of scheduled maintenance, from oil and filter changes to tune-ups, filters and fluid flushes.

## Oil and filter changes

Although car manufacturers feel that oil changes are not needed every 3,000 miles, I have been in the business for over 30 years and do not agree with this. I recommend that vehicles using regular grade oil change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles, and every 5,000–6,000 miles for synthetic oil. In my professional opinion, infrequent oil changes can still lead to sludge buildup and may cause internal engine problems.

At our shop, every regular oil and filter change comes with a 31-point courtesy check. A professional mechanic looks at your engine, [tires](/services/tires/), belts, hoses, [battery](/services/batteries-starters-alternators/), [brakes](/services/brakes/) and more, then gives you a full report on when your scheduled maintenance is due. That way, problems are addressed before they cause a mechanical failure that might leave you stranded.

## Tune-ups and scheduled maintenance

Tune-ups are part of your vehicle's scheduled maintenance. We check out your vehicle and recommend service based on the wear and need of the individual parts. That may include spark plugs, wires and filters.

Bad spark plugs can cause misfires, which you may feel as a jolt when you accelerate. Replacing them as part of your scheduled maintenance helps prevent that failure, and a [check engine light](/services/check-engine-light-diagnostics/) along with it.

## Filters

**Fuel filter.** A fuel filter traps large particles to keep them from going into the engine. As a general rule, I recommend changing this filter regularly, or every 15,000–20,000 miles.

**Air filter.** The air filter cleans the air coming into the engine, so cleaner air runs through it. I recommend replacing it at least once a year, or sooner if it becomes dirty or clogged. Changing it regularly also helps keep the mass air flow sensor, one of the most common causes of a check engine light, from failing.

**Cabin air filter.** Most people haven't heard of this filter. It traps dust, pollen, bacteria and exhaust gases that may find a way into your vehicle's ventilation system, which makes the air inside your car a healthier place. I would recommend changing it once a year, or more often if you or your family members suffer from allergies and dust.

## Fluid flushes

**Coolant flush.** A coolant flush and fill is basic maintenance, and a vital one at that. It keeps your vehicle's heating and cooling system performing at its best. How often you need it depends on the type of coolant in your vehicle. More on the cooling system is on our [air conditioning and heating](/services/air-conditioning-heating/) page.

**Power steering fluid flush.** I feel this service is not imperative unless the fluid is contaminated. If the fluid is contaminated, though, there is most likely a problem with the rack and pinion or the power steering pump.

Brake fluid and transmission fluid have their own schedules: see [brakes](/services/brakes/) and [engine, transmission and exhaust](/services/engine-transmission-exhaust/). When you're ready for an oil change or your next scheduled service, [request an appointment](/appointment/).

## Questions

### How often should I change my oil?

I recommend changing the oil and filter every 3,000 miles for vehicles using regular grade oil, and every 5,000–6,000 miles for synthetic oil. Car manufacturers may say otherwise, but in my professional opinion, infrequent oil changes can still lead to sludge buildup and may cause internal engine problems.

### What comes with an oil change?

Every regular oil and filter change comes with a 31-point courtesy check: a professional mechanic looks at your engine, tires, belts, hoses, battery, brakes and more, and gives you a full report on when your scheduled maintenance is due.

### How often should I replace my cabin air filter?

I would recommend changing it once a year, or more often if you or your family members suffer from allergies and dust.