Below are key auto oil change and auto maintenance terms that are frequently used by local oil change and lube centers.
air filter
A paper or synthetic filter that prevents dust, dirt and debris from entering the engine.
Also known as: auto air filters, car air filter, performance air filter, auto air filter replacements, auto cabin air filter
aftermarket oil change parts
Auto oil change parts not made by the original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made by a secondary company to fit and function like the original parts, but are generally less expensive because they are not made by the car manufacturer.
auto oil change shop
An automotive shop that specializes in auto oil changes and may offer other services to maintain automobiles.
Also known as: auto oil change garage, car maintenance shop, auto maintenance shop, automotive maintenance facility
auto engine oil service
Provision of engine lubrication and filter replacement. Fresh engine oil reduces wear and power loss in internal combustion engines by providing a layer of lubrication between engine parts, and clean engine oil filters improve the removal of contaminants.
Also known as: motor oil service, lube and oil change service, oil filter change, change oil filter
auto transmission oil service
Provision of transmission lubrication and filter replacement. Fresh transmission oil reduces wear and power loss by providing a layer of lubrication between transmission parts, and clean transmission oil filters improve the removal of contaminants.
Also known as: transmission lube and oil change service, transmission fluid change, transmission oil filter change
engine oil
The substance that lubricates and cools engine parts. Oil eventually becomes contaminated by moisture, soot and fuel, and moisture causes build-up. Additives in engine oil account for nearly a third of engine oil volume, and their deterioration is a key reason for frequent engine oil changes.
Also known as: motor oil, engine lubrication, auto lubrication
engine oil additives
Additional substances in motor oil. About a third of motor oil volume is engine oil additives which fight contamination and suffer wear between oil changes.
Also known as: motor oil additives, engine lubrication additives, auto lubrication additives
engine oil filter
The device that strains and removes dirt from the engine oil to improve engine lubrication. Oil filters eventually become full of contaminants such as particles and sludge, and need to be replaced.
Also known as: motor oil filter
engine oil consumption
A fact of automobile engines; engine oil gets past rings and seals and is burned in the fuel chamber. Although some motor oil consumption is normal, a given amount may also be too great. Engine use of no more than a quart of oil in 3000 miles indicates good condition, and use of no more than a quart in 1500 miles is also fairly good. Blue exhaust and excessive use of engine oil may indicate the need for engine repair.
Also known as: motor oil use, motor oil consumption, engine oil burning, engine oil loss
engine oil gauge
The dashboard indicator of oil pressure. A warning light means a low oil level requiring immediate refill, and is a serious automotive emergency.
Also known as: engine oil pressure gauge, engine oil warning
engine oil pan
The pan at the bottom of the automobile crankcase. In the engine oil change process, used motor oil is drained away by removal of the oil drain plug at the bottom of the engine oil pan.
Also known as: engine oil plug
foreign auto oil change shops
Foreign auto oil change shops may be available to perform maintenance on vehicles manufactured by foreign car companies, including some models built in the United States.
synthetic engine oil
Synthetic oils provide engine oil fluidity in sub-freezing conditions. They also have lubrication advantages at high temperatures.
Also known as: synthetic lubricants
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