In the busy world we live in, everyone wants things done yesterday. We get asked all the time: “How long will this take?”
The short answer? At Dial-A-Tire Halifax, a proper oil change typically takes about 20 minutes.
You might be thinking, “But I saw a sign for a 10-minute oil change down the road.”
We see those signs, too. And unfortunately, we see the results of those “10-minute” jobs in our shop weeks later. Here is the honest truth about where your time goes during an oil change, and why you should be wary of anyone promising to do it in the time it takes to brew a coffee.
The Physics of Draining (You Can’t Rush Gravity!)
The most important part of an oil change is getting the old, dirty oil “out”. To do this right, the engine needs to be warm, and the drain plug needs to be open for several minutes. If a shop is rushing to meet a 10-minute timer, they often plug the drain back up while dirty oil is still dripping out. That means a cup of old, sludge-filled oil is left in your engine to mix with the clean new oil you just paid for!
At Dial-A-Tire, we let gravity do its job completely. Most oil changes are done in about 20 minutes fast, but still done the right way by experienced technicians. The goal isn’t to keep you waiting; it’s to protect your engine with the correct oil, a quality filter, and a process that doesn’t cut corners – proper drain control, correct filter installation, correct oil spec and quantity, and a leak check before you drive away.
The Halifax Factor: Salt, Rust, And Stuck Hardware
Halifax roads are rough on vehicles. Road salt and coastal moisture can accelerate corrosion underneath, and that’s where small shortcuts can become big problems.
A drain plug that’s either forced open or closed off using the “quick way” – i.e. a hurried technician might blast it using an impact gun, often leading to stripped threads, leaks, or an oil pan repair you didn’t budget for. A rushed filter install can also mean a pinched gasket or the classic “double-gasket” mistake that causes sudden leaks down the road.
What A “Fast But Proper” Oil Change Looks Like?
A well-run shop can be quick and careful. Here’s what we focus on in that ~20-minute visit:
- Verify the correct oil viscosity and specification for your vehicle
- Loosen stubborn plugs by hand. If it feels tight, we stop, clean the threads, and carefully work it out. This takes an extra 5 minutes, but it saves you a $400 oil pan replacement.
- We also tighten by hand and use a new crush washer (if equipped)
- Replace the oil filter and confirm the old gasket came off cleanly
- Fill to the correct capacity, then check the level after start-up
- Perform a quick leak check and reset the maintenance reminder (when applicable)
- Complimentary check of tire pressure and looking for uneven tire wear that indicates you might need a Wheel Alignment.
When Your Oil Change Might Take Longer?
Some vehicles simply take more time underbody shields, cartridge-style filters, tight access, or rusted components can add minutes. If we see something that needs extra care, we’d rather take a bit longer than risk damage.
Your Time is Valuable: Making the Wait Easy
We know you have places to be. That’s why we’ve designed our experience to be as smooth as possible.
- Relax: We have a welcoming waiting area and our convenient location on the main Herring Cove road is also surrounded by coffee shops (Starbucks), quick serve restaurants (A&W, McDonalds etc) and shopping options (Shoppers Drug Mart). This ensures you can either grab a bite, catch up on emails while we work or finish your grocery run!
- Drop & Go: Located conveniently in Halifax, many of our customers drop their keys off on the way to work and pick up a fully serviced car on their way home.
Conclusion
Fast isn’t the problem, rushed is. If you want an oil change in halifax that fits your schedule and protects your engine, book online with Dial-A-Tire Halifax. You’ll be in and out quickly, with the confidence that the job was done properly for Halifax conditions.
At Dial-A-Tire, we prioritize quality over quotas your vehicle deserves better.
FAQ’s
Q.1 Is A 20-Minute Oil Change Safe?
Ans: Yes if the shop follows the right process (correct oil spec, filter installed properly, correct fill level, leak check).
Q.2 Why Do Some Oil Changes Go Wrong?
Ans: Drain plugs opened by impact guns, Over-tightened plugs, incorrect oil spec & quantity, filter gasket issues, skipped leak checks, not letting the old oil drain out completely.
Q.3 Does Halifax Weather Affect Oil Changes?
Ans: Salt and corrosion can make drain plugs and fasteners harder to service; cold starts also make correct oil spec more important. We always recommend synthetic oil changes.
