Oil Change for Import Cars in Athens, GA
Clean oil is the best thing you can do for your engine. But imports are picky about which oil they get. Athens Import Auto Repair does an oil change for import cars in Athens, GA. We do it just the way the factory wants.
Oil Change and Fluids done right, by people who know imports
European brands list an oil spec, a code that says what the oil must do inside the engine. Use the wrong one, and the engine wears faster. So we stock the right oil for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, VW, Porsche, Volvo and the Japanese brands too.
While the car is up, we also check your other fluids and look under it. Call 706-353-3880 to book a visit.
BMW and Mini need an oil that meets the BMW LL-01 or LL-04 spec, depending on the year. Mercedes-Benz uses its own 229 series spec. Audi and VW ask for oil that meets VW 502 or 504. Porsche lists an A40 spec, while Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Lexus mostly use thin 0W-20 full synthetic. Each brand also lists its own miles between changes. We keep all of these oils in stock at our shop on Winterville Road in Athens.
Signs your import is due for an oil change
- The oil life or service light is on.
- It has been 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your brand.
- It has been a year, even if the miles are low.
- The oil on the dipstick looks black and thin.
- The engine ticks more than it used to at idle.
- The low oil light flickers when you turn.
What our oil service includes
Correct spec oil
We match the oil to the spec in your manual, which means full synthetic for most imports.
Quality oil filter
Many imports use a paper cartridge filter in a housing, so we replace the filter and its seals.
Drain plug and washer
Most imports need a new crush washer each time. We always use one, so the plug does not leak.
Fluid check and top off
We check coolant, brake fluid, power steering and washer fluid, then fill what is low.
Look underneath
While the car is up, we look for leaks, worn tires and loose parts.
Service light reset
We reset the oil life counter so the light goes off and the next reminder is right.
How an oil service works
Give us a call
Tell us the year, make and model so we can pull the right oil.
We lift and drain
We drain the oil while it is hot, so more of the old oil comes out.
We fill and inspect
Your car gets a new filter, new washer and the right oil. Then we check fluids and look underneath.
We reset and report
We reset the service light and tell you what we saw.
Why drivers trust us with oil change and fluids
We stock import oil specs
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, VW and Porsche each list their own spec, and we have them on the shelf.
Cartridge filters done right
A cartridge filter housing has O rings that must be replaced, because skipping them causes leaks. We never skip them.
A real look at the car
An oil change is a good time to catch small things, so we tell you what we see.
These guys are amazing and great at what they do!!!! I had a problem with my mercedes E320 wouldn't start, AFTER leaving it here to be fixed I'M NOW ABLE TO START IT WHEN I'M READY TO GO. THANKS A MILLION AND I WILL RETURN FOR FUTURE SERVICES!!! GOD BLESS THIS BUSINESS!!!
Scott, J., customerOil Change and Fluids FAQ
Where can I get an oil change for import cars in Athens, GA?
Athens Import Auto Repair on Winterville Road does oil changes for imports only. We use the oil spec your brand lists, then reset the service light. Call 706-353-3880 to book.
What oil does my BMW need?
Most BMW engines need a full synthetic that meets BMW LL-01 or LL-04. That spec is printed in your manual, and we use the right one for your year and engine.
How often should I change the oil in a Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz says every 10,000 miles or once a year. Short trips and hot weather are hard on oil, though, so some owners go a bit sooner. We can help you pick a schedule.
Can I use regular oil in my Honda or Toyota?
Probably not, because most newer Honda and Toyota engines call for 0W-20 full synthetic. That thin oil helps fuel economy and protects the engine, so we use what your manual lists.
Why does my import leak oil after a quick lube oil change?
Many imports use a cartridge filter with rubber O rings. If the rings are not replaced or seated right, oil seeps out. That is why we replace the rings every time.
Do you top off the other fluids too?
Yes, we do. We check coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid and washer fluid at every oil service. Then we top them off and tell you if one was low.
Related services
Due for an oil change?
Call us or book your visit, and we will use the right oil and look the car over.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.