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OIL CHANGES · MAINTENANCE · COLORADO SPRINGS
OIL CHANGES IN COLORADO SPRINGS
Full synthetic, synthetic blend and conventional oil changes with the oil and filter your engine is built for, plus a digital safety inspection with photos on every visit.
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✓ 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty
✓ ASE-certified technicians
✓ Female-led, family-owned
What we do
MORE THAN A DRAIN AND FILL
Clean oil is the only thing standing between your engine’s moving parts and a very expensive failure.
01
The right oil
We check the maker’s specification for your exact engine. No guesswork on type or amount.
✓ Full synthetic or blend, as specified
✓ Diesel oils for Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins
✓ Quality filter installed correctly
✓ Oil life monitor reset
02
Inspection
While the oil drains, our techs go over the vehicle and photograph what they find.
✓ Air and cabin filters checked
✓ Belts and hoses inspected
✓ Fluid levels topped off
✓ Tires and brakes measured
03
Report
You get a digital report showing what is in good condition and what to plan for. No pressure.
✓ Photos of every finding
✓ What can wait and what cannot
✓ Next service reminder
✓ Leak check before it leaves
CARS, SUVS & LIGHT TRUCKS
WHAT DOES YOUR CAR ACTUALLY NEED FROM AN OIL CHANGE?
It needs the oil your manufacturer specifies, the right filter, and a fresh set of eyes on the rest of the vehicle. Modern engines are built around specific oil approvals, and some run oil as thin as 0W-16.
THE RIGHT SPEC
Why does the exact oil spec matter so much now?
Many modern engines are designed around a specific oil approval, not just a viscosity number on the cap.
WHAT WE MATCH
GM: most GM gas engines call for oil licensed to dexos1. The current version, dexos1 Gen 3, adds tougher limits on turbo deposits and low-speed pre-ignition.
European makes: Mercedes-Benz (MB 229.51, 229.52, 229.71), Volkswagen/Audi (VW 502 00, 504 00, 508 00) and BMW (Longlife-01, LL-17 FE+) publish their own approvals. An oil can be the right thickness and still not carry the approval your engine was tested with.
Industry standards: API SP and ILSAC GF-6 added protection against low-speed pre-ignition and timing chain wear, and newer categories keep raising the bar.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We look up the spec for your year, make and engine before we open a bottle, and we put that spec on your record.
THIN OILS
Is 0W-16 or 0W-20 oil too thin for my engine?
Not if your engine calls for it. Engines built for thin oil have tighter clearances and oil systems designed around it.
WHAT TO KNOW
Why it exists: thinner oil flows faster at start-up and helps fuel economy. 0W-16 oils have their own category because they are not meant to replace thicker grades.
The rule: use the grade in your owner's manual. Going thicker 'for protection' can hurt engines that rely on oil pressure to run variable valve timing or cylinder deactivation.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We fill to the grade your manufacturer lists, not a one-size-fits-all bulk oil.
WHEN TO CHANGE IT
Should I follow the oil life monitor or change it by miles?
Follow the oil life monitor if your vehicle has one, and don't let it go past the time limit in your manual.
WHAT TO KNOW
How monitors work: most estimate wear from engine revolutions, temperature and run time. They don't sample the oil, but they account for how you actually drive better than a fixed mileage sticker.
Time still counts: oil ages even when the car sits. Many manufacturers set a maximum of about one year no matter what the monitor says.
The old 3,000-mile rule: for most modern vehicles running synthetic oil, it's more often than needed. Your manual is the authority.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We reset your oil life monitor after every service and leave a reminder based on your manufacturer's schedule.
SEVERE SERVICE
Does my driving count as severe service?
It might. Many owner's manuals list conditions that call for shorter oil change intervals, and plenty of Colorado driving fits them.
COMMON SEVERE-SERVICE CONDITIONS
Short trips: engines that rarely reach full temperature, especially in freezing weather, collect moisture and fuel in the oil.
Towing and hauling: trailers, campers and loaded beds put more heat and stress on the oil.
Dust and dirt roads: gravel roads and dusty job sites load up air filters.
Mountain driving and idling: long climbs, heavy stop-and-go and extended idling are often on the list too.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Tell us how you drive and we'll show you which schedule in your manual applies. We won't push you onto a shorter interval your vehicle doesn't need.
Colorado Springs: cold mornings, short trips around town, mountain grades and dirt roads are all common here. Check whether your manual's severe-service schedule fits how you drive.
TURBO & DIRECT INJECTION
Are turbocharged and direct-injection engines harder on oil?
They can be. Small turbo engines with direct injection put demands on oil that older engines didn't.
WHAT TO KNOW
Low-speed pre-ignition: under heavy load at low rpm, some turbo direct-injection engines can have fuel ignite too early. Oil chemistry plays a part, which is why newer oil standards test for it.
Fuel dilution: direct injection can wash small amounts of fuel into the oil, especially on short trips and cold starts.
Turbo heat: turbochargers spin on oil and run hot. Old or wrong oil can leave deposits in the bearings.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We use oil that meets your engine's current approval and watch for signs of dilution, like a rising oil level or a fuel smell on the dipstick.
ENGINE HEALTH
Can skipping oil changes lead to timing chain or lifter problems?
Oil condition is one of several factors in timing chain and lifter wear, and it's the one you control.
GOOD TO KNOW
Timing chains, tensioners, variable valve timing parts and hydraulic lifters all rely on clean oil at the right pressure. Stretched chains, start-up rattles, ticking lifters and cam timing codes can have several causes, including design issues on some engines. Old, thinned or wrong-spec oil doesn't help.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
If we hear start-up rattle or ticking, see sludge, or find a cam timing code, we'll tell you what we found and what it may mean.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What's included in a Westco oil change?
The correct oil and filter for your engine, a fluid check, a visual inspection, and a reset of your oil life monitor.
EVERY TIME
Oil and filter to spec: the oil approval and grade your manufacturer lists, and a filter that fits your engine.
Fluid check: we check your other fluid levels and look for leaks.
Visual inspection: a free inspection with the service, with photos of anything worth your attention.
Reset: we reset your oil life monitor and leave a reminder for next time.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
You get a clear report, and nothing extra gets done without your okay.
DIESEL PICKUPS & WORK TRUCKS
WHAT MAKES A DIESEL OIL CHANGE DIFFERENT?
Diesel engines hold more oil, run it harder, and depend on the right oil category. Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins, Isuzu NPR and Sprinter diesels each have their own specs.
CK-4 VS FA-4
What's the difference between CK-4 and FA-4 diesel oil?
CK-4 is the backward-compatible heavy-duty diesel oil. FA-4 is a thinner oil made only for certain newer engines, and it is not a drop-in replacement.
WHAT THE MANUFACTURERS SAY
CK-4: designed for 2017 and newer diesel engines and can generally be used in older ones that called for earlier categories.
FA-4: a lower-viscosity oil for select 2017 and newer highway engines. API states FA-4 is not backward compatible with CK-4 and earlier diesel oils.
Ford Power Stroke: when FA-4 was introduced, Ford said it should not be used in any Ford diesel, and it specifies oil meeting its own standard for many Power Stroke engines.
GM Duramax: GM diesel engines that called for dexos2 now use dexosD-licensed oil in the grade listed for your engine.
Ram/Cummins: follow the oil standard and grade in your Ram owner's manual.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We match the oil to your truck's manual and engine, not to what's on sale.
CAPACITY
Why does a diesel take so much more oil?
Diesels hold much more oil than a car engine, and the extra volume helps carry soot and heat.
GOOD TO KNOW
Diesel oil holds soot from combustion in suspension, and that's why it turns dark fast. Dark oil is normal. Overfilling or underfilling is not.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We fill to your engine's listed capacity, then check the level after the engine runs and the filter fills.
FUEL SYSTEM
Should I change my diesel fuel filters at the same time?
If they're due, an oil change is the ideal time. Modern high-pressure fuel systems have very little tolerance for water or dirt.
WHAT TO KNOW
Water separator: most diesel pickups have a water-in-fuel separator that should be drained on schedule. Water in the fuel can damage injectors and high-pressure pumps.
Fuel filter intervals: each manufacturer sets its own. Ours are based on your manual and your records.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We check when your fuel filters were last done, drain the water separator where your truck has a serviceable one, and let you know before replacing anything.
Colorado Springs: winter here can gel fuel and freeze water trapped in a separator. Fall is a good time to service the fuel filters.
DEF
Can you top off my DEF during an oil change?
Yes. Just ask.
GOOD TO KNOW
Most 2010 and newer diesel pickups use diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Running low brings warnings, and running out can limit your speed. DEF also has a shelf life and doesn't like heat.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We check your DEF level and top it off with fresh fluid if you'd like.
RV CHASSIS
HOW IS AN RV OIL CHANGE DIFFERENT?
RVs rack up time and engine hours faster than miles, and they often sit for months. The oil should be changed on the schedule the chassis manufacturer sets, not just by the odometer.
SCHEDULE
How often should I change the oil in my motorhome?
Follow the chassis manufacturer's schedule, and pay attention to the time limit, not just the miles.
WHAT TO KNOW
Time: many RVs never reach a mileage interval before a year goes by. Oil still ages, collects moisture and loses additives while it sits.
Hours: diesel pushers and some chassis track engine hours. Long idling adds hours without adding miles.
Heavy duty: a loaded motorhome is working hard all the time. Many chassis manuals treat that as severe service.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We set your next service on whichever comes first: time, miles or hours.
STORAGE
Should I change the oil before or after storing my RV?
Changing it before storage is usually the better choice, since used oil carries acids and moisture that sit on engine parts the whole time.
GOOD TO KNOW
An RV that sits for months can also develop dry-rotted belts, weak batteries, and mouse damage to wiring or air intakes. The first start after storage is when those problems surface.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We inspect belts, hoses and fluid levels along with the oil change and look for leaks and critter damage under the hood.
Colorado Springs: RVs here often go from summer camping into a long winter of storage. A fall oil change means fresh oil through the cold months.
ENGINES
Do you service big-block gas RVs and diesel pushers?
Yes. We service the chassis engines in gas Class A and Class C coaches and in diesel pushers.
GOOD TO KNOW
Big gas V8 and V10 engines in motorhome chassis work harder than the same engines in a pickup. Diesel pushers have large oil capacities and filters that can be hard to reach. Both need the correct oil spec and a careful check for leaks.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We handle the chassis engine and its fluids. House systems like the coach generator are separate.
FLEETS
HOW DO YOU KEEP A FLEET'S OIL CHANGES ON TRACK?
By putting every vehicle on a preventive maintenance schedule based on how it's used, and keeping records you can check. Downtime costs more than the oil change does.
SCHEDULING
How do you schedule fleet oil changes?
By miles, engine hours or idle hours, depending on the vehicle and how it works.
THREE WAYS TO SCHEDULE
Miles: right for most highway vans and pickups.
Engine hours: better for trucks that run equipment or spend a lot of time running while parked.
Idle hours: idling adds engine wear with no miles to show for it. Many manufacturers count idle time toward service intervals.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We work with you to set intervals for each vehicle type in your fleet, including gas, diesel, Sprinter, Isuzu NPR and heavy-duty pickups.
RECORDS
Can you keep track of service for my whole fleet?
Yes. Every service is documented with the date, mileage or hours, what was done, and what we found.
GOOD TO KNOW
Good records help with warranty claims, resale value, compliance and budgeting. They also show patterns, like one vehicle using oil or one truck wearing brakes early.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
You get a digital report with photos after each visit, so you can see what we saw and plan repairs before they become breakdowns.
OIL CHANGE FAQ
OIL CHANGE QUESTIONS WE HEAR MOST
OIL TYPE
Do I need synthetic oil?
If your owner's manual or oil approval calls for it, yes. Most newer engines effectively require it.
GOOD TO KNOW
Oils that meet specs like dexos1 Gen 3, European approvals, or 0W grades are almost always synthetic. Synthetic handles heat better and flows better in the cold. Some older engines are fine on conventional or synthetic blend oil.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We'll tell you what your engine requires and what the options are if it doesn't require synthetic.
WARRANTY
Will I void my warranty if I don't get my oil changed at the dealer?
No. The Federal Trade Commission says it's illegal for a dealer to deny warranty coverage because routine maintenance was done somewhere else.
WHAT TO KNOW
The law: the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects your right to choose who maintains your vehicle.
What still matters: use oil and filters that meet your manufacturer's spec, follow the schedule, and keep records.
Exception: if the warranty provides the maintenance free, the dealer can require it be done there.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
Every Westco oil change is documented with the date, mileage and oil spec, so your records are ready if you ever need them.
OIL USE
Is it normal for my engine to use oil between changes?
Some oil use is normal, and manufacturers publish their own limits. A sudden increase is worth a look.
GOOD TO KNOW
Leaks, worn piston rings, valve seals, a failing PCV system, or turbo seals can all raise oil use. Running an engine low on oil is hard on it.
WHAT WESTCO DOES
We check your oil level at every visit and note changes over time. If use increases, we'll find the cause.
OUR PROCESS
WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR OIL CHANGE
Every oil change follows the same steps, so nothing gets skipped.
1 · PROTECT
Before we start
• Vehicle condition noted
• Seat covers and floor mats
• Maker specs looked up
• Correct oil and filter pulled
2 · DRAIN
Old oil and filter out
• Oil fully drained
• Drain plug threads checked
• Filter housing inspected
• Multi-point inspection starts
3 · FILL
New filter and oil
• Filter gasket lubricated
• Exact amount and type
• Oil pressure verified
• No leaks at plug or filter
4 · REPORT
Before you leave
• Final level check
• Oil life reset
• Reminder sticker
• Digital report with photos
OIL CHANGE QUESTIONS WE ANSWER EVERY WEEK
Straight answers from our techs
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY OIL?
Follow your vehicle maker’s interval or the oil life monitor. Towing, short trips, dusty roads and idling shorten it.
When to change it
Oil life monitor low · Towing · Lots of short trips · Dark, thick oil
What we do
We look up the interval for your engine and set a reminder based on how you drive.
Colorado Springs: Dusty dirt roads and mountain towing count as severe service. Change the oil sooner.
DO I NEED SYNTHETIC OIL?
Many newer engines require full synthetic, and using the wrong oil can affect warranty and engine life. Older engines may run fine on conventional or a blend.
Signs you need it
Turbocharged engine · Newer vehicle · Maker calls for it · Towing or heat
What we do
We use the oil type and grade your engine is built for, checked against the maker’s specification.
Colorado Springs: Climbing and towing work a turbo hard. Use the oil grade the maker specifies.
WHY IS MY ENGINE LOW ON OIL BETWEEN CHANGES?
Some engines use a little oil by design. More than that points to a leak or internal wear.
Warning signs
Low oil light · Oil spots on the driveway · Burning smell · Blue smoke
What we do
We check for leaks at every oil change and can run an oil consumption test if it keeps happening.
DO DIESEL TRUCKS NEED A DIFFERENT OIL CHANGE?
Yes. Diesels hold more oil, need diesel-rated oil and filters, and some have extra filters and checks.
What is different
Large oil capacity · Diesel-rated oil · Fuel filter intervals · Coolant checks
What we do
We service Power Stroke, Duramax and Cummins trucks with the correct oil, filters and checks for each engine.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE INSPECTION?
Filters, belts, hoses, fluid levels, battery, tires, brake pads, lights and wipers, with photos of anything worth your attention.
What we check
Filters · Belts and hoses · Tires · Brake pads
What we do
You get a digital report showing what is in good condition and what to plan for, with no pressure.
Colorado Springs: Cold starts are when oil matters most. The right grade gets oil moving faster on a freezing morning.