At Applewood Auto Care, we’ve been keeping Lakewood drivers safely on the road since 1989. For more than three decades, we’ve seen just about everything — from engines that run like a dream at 300,000 miles to ones that failed long before their time. And one of the biggest differences between those two stories? How the owner approached something as simple — and as critical — as an oil change.
We get it. Life is busy. You see a big sign for a “10-minute oil change” or a coupon for a rock-bottom price, and it’s tempting to swing in, get it done, and move on. But here’s the truth: when it comes to your engine’s health, “quick” and “cheap” can be a very expensive combination.
Let’s talk about why your oil change should be done at a full-service shop — and why it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your vehicle.
🛢 Oil Changes Are More Than Just Oil
Oil is your engine’s lifeblood. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, carries away heat, and traps contaminants. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its ability to do those jobs. That’s why regular oil changes are essential.
But here’s the thing: a proper oil change isn’t just about draining old oil and pouring in new. At Applewood Auto Care, every oil change includes a complimentary safety inspection — at no extra cost. We check brakes, tires, suspension, belts, hoses, lights, and fluid levels, so you leave knowing your vehicle is safe and road-ready.
Quick lube shops? They typically don’t offer a full safety inspection. In fact, they often charge more money for less work — and the “inspection” they do perform is usually focused on a short list of easy-to-sell repairs with high profit margins. That’s why so many customers feel pressured to approve services they didn’t come in for.
⚙️ Quality Parts, the Right Oil, and No Shortcuts
Not all oil — or oil filters — are created equal. Your vehicle’s manufacturer specifies the correct oil type, viscosity, and filter design for a reason. Using the wrong oil can affect performance, fuel economy, and even void your warranty.
At our Lakewood shop, we only use semi-synthetic or full synthetic oils — never cheap conventional oil. The days of pouring in low-grade conventional oil are over. Modern engines are built to tighter tolerances, run hotter, and demand higher-quality lubrication to protect against wear and sludge. Semi-synthetic and full synthetic oils last longer, perform better in Colorado’s extreme temperatures, and give your engine the protection it needs.
📈 Why Oil Selection Is More Complex Than Ever
Here’s something most drivers don’t realize: in the last decade, the variety of motor oils used in modern vehicles has expanded dramatically. It’s no longer a simple choice between “5W-30 or 10W-30.” Automakers now design engines with very specific oil requirements to meet fuel efficiency, emissions, and performance goals — and using the wrong oil can cause real damage.
Take Toyota as an example. Over the past 10 years, Toyota has specified a wide range of oils across its lineup, including:
- 0W-16 full synthetic – Found in many of Toyota’s latest hybrid and high-efficiency gasoline engines (e.g., newer Corolla, Prius, and Camry Hybrid models).
- 0W-20 full synthetic – The most common spec for many late-model Toyotas, including Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Tacoma, and Sienna.
- 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic – Used in certain older Toyota models and some V6 engines in the early 2010s.
- 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic – Still specified for some older trucks and SUVs, such as earlier Tundra and Sequoia models.
- 0W-30 and 10W-30 – Less common, but still specified in certain markets or for specific performance or climate conditions.
- Special low-ash or GF-6 rated oils – Required for some direct-injection and turbocharged Toyota engines to prevent low-speed pre-ignition and protect emission systems.
That’s six or more distinct oil types in just one brand’s lineup over a single decade — and that’s before factoring in the different API and ILSAC service categories (SN, SN Plus, SP, GF-5, GF-6) that have rolled out in that time.
This is why trusting a certified, trained technician matters. At Applewood Auto Care, we look up your vehicle’s exact year, model, engine, and manufacturer specifications before we pour a single drop of oil. You’ll never get a “close enough” substitute that could shorten your engine’s life.
🔍 The Value of a Trained Eye
Our technicians aren’t just “oil changers.” They’re experienced, ASE-certified professionals who know what to look for under the hood. They’ve been trained to spot the small things that can turn into big problems — a cracked serpentine belt, a seeping gasket, a loose suspension component.
And here’s where being an independent, full-service shop really benefits you: if we identify a few repair or maintenance needs, we’ll help you prioritize them over the next few oil service visits. That way, you can address the most urgent items first, plan ahead for the rest, and keep your vehicle in top shape without blowing your budget. This approach saves you time, prevents surprise breakdowns, and increases the longevity of your car.
🏘 A Relationship, Not a Transaction
One of the best parts of being a neighborhood shop is that we know our customers and their cars. We remember that you just had new tires installed, or that your teen is learning to drive in the family sedan. We know the roads you drive, the weather your car faces, and the way Colorado’s seasons can be tough on vehicles.
That relationship is built on trust – and it’s reflected in the hundreds of exceptional customer reviews we’ve earned over the years. Our neighbors consistently share stories of honest advice, quality workmanship, and friendly service that goes above and beyond.
It’s also why we’ve been voted a Nextdoor “Neighborhood Faves” award winner every single year the award has existed — a recognition that comes directly from the people who live and drive right here in our community.
When you choose Applewood Auto Care, you’re not just picking a place to get your oil changed. You’re choosing the local, trusted neighborhood shop that your friends, family, and neighbors already rely on. We’ll give you honest, personalized advice, explain what’s urgent and what can wait, and help you plan repairs in a way that works for your schedule and budget.
💎 The Extra Value of Premium Oil Service Add-Ons
For drivers who want to go the extra mile — literally — we offer premium Wynn’s oil service enhancements that protect your engine even further:
- Wynn’s High Mileage Oil Treatment – Specially formulated for vehicles with higher mileage, this treatment conditions seals, reduces oil consumption, and helps prevent leaks.
- Wynn’s Premium Oil System Cleaner – Before fresh oil goes in, this cleaner gently removes harmful sludge, varnish, and deposits from inside your engine.
- Wynn’s Friction Proofing+ – This advanced additive reduces internal friction, protects against wear, and improves lubrication under extreme conditions.
These aren’t gimmicks — they’re proven products that extend engine life, improve performance, and give you more value from every oil change.
📊 The Longevity Advantage of Timely Oil Changes
Here’s a fact that surprises many drivers: engines that receive oil changes on time — or slightly early — can last up to twice as long as those that are consistently serviced late. That’s the difference between a vehicle retiring at 150,000 miles versus running strong past 300,000 miles. Fresh oil keeps internal parts clean, reduces friction, and prevents the heat and sludge buildup that slowly destroy an engine from the inside out.
💸 The Real Cost of “Cheap”
Say you save $20 by going to a discount oil change place. But they skip a full safety inspection and miss a small coolant leak that we would have caught. That leak leads to overheating, which warps your cylinder head. Now you’re looking at a $2,000-plus repair.
That’s not an exaggeration — we’ve seen it happen right here in Lakewood. The “cheap” oil change ends up being the most expensive service you’ve ever had.
🚗 Your Car Deserves Better
Your vehicle is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. It carries your family, gets you to work, and takes you on adventures. It deserves more than the bare minimum.
At Applewood Auto Care, we treat every oil change as an opportunity to protect that investment, extend your car’s life, and keep you safe. That’s why we include a complimentary safety inspection with every oil change, use only semi-synthetic or full synthetic oils, select the exact oil your manufacturer specifies, help you plan and prioritize repairs over time.
