We change engine oil and oil filters at our workshop in Lasnamäe. The oil must meet your car manufacturer’s requirements — the approval and viscosity, not the brand. After the change, we check the oil level and look over the car.
Priisle tee 18, Tallinn
Mon–Fri: 09:00–18:00
Cars and minibuses of all makes
What an oil change includes
Engine oil loses its properties over time: the additives wear out, and wear particles, soot and fuel build up in the oil. That is why we replace the filter along with the oil and check the result once the work is done.
Check before the change
We check the level of the old oil and the condition of the oil and filter. If there is too little oil, or it contains emulsion or foreign particles, we let you know: these signs point to engine problems.
Which oil is needed
We determine which oil your engine needs according to the manufacturer’s requirements: approval, ACEA or API class and viscosity. The service book, the registration number or the VIN help with this.
Draining the old oil
We drain all the used oil from the engine. Fresh oil mixed with old oil loses its properties faster.
New oil filter
We replace the oil filter together with the oil. The old filter is full of the dirt it has trapped: if only the oil is changed, the fresh oil flows through a dirty filter.
Filling with new oil
We fill the engine with new oil, start it and check the level: it should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Vehicle inspection
While we work, we visually inspect the car and tell you if we notice leaks or other faults. Any repair only after your approval.
When it is time to change the oil
Book an oil change if at least one of these applies. If the oil level drops quickly, a change alone is not enough — the car needs diagnostics.
The change is due by mileage or by time. The interval is given in the service book. Whichever comes first applies: mileage or time.
The service indicator is on. A spanner symbol or a service message on the dashboard reminds you of scheduled maintenance.
The service history is unknown. After buying a used car, it is best to change the oil and filter straight away.
Lots of short journeys. The engine does not have time to warm up, so condensation and unburnt fuel build up in the oil.
You often have to top up the oil. Increased oil consumption is a reason for diagnostics: the cause may be a leak or engine wear.
Oil stains under the car. Leaks can come from gaskets and oil seals. Fixing them is covered on the Engine and fuel system repair page.
Which oil to put in your engine
What matters most is the manufacturer approval, not the oil brand. The required approval is given in the service book or owner’s manual, and the oil’s approvals are printed on the container. For example: VW 504 00 / 507 00, MB 229.51, Renault RN0720, PSA B71 2290, BMW Longlife-04. An oil without the right approval may have the right viscosity but still not withstand the loads of a particular engine.
SAE viscosity, for example 5W-30, has two parts. The number before the W shows how the oil behaves in the cold, when starting in winter. The second number is the viscosity at the engine’s operating temperature. What else we look at:
- diesel and petrol engines with a particulate filter need low-ash oils (ACEA C classes);
- on engines with a wet belt (a timing belt running in oil), such as the Peugeot and Citroën 1.2 PureTech or the Ford 1.0 EcoBoost, the wrong oil speeds up belt wear;
- for topping up, it is best to use the same oil that is already in the engine, or an oil with the same approval and viscosity;
- additives and engine flushes are no substitute for changing the oil on time.
When not to keep driving
Stop in a safe place and switch off the engine if:
- the red oil pressure warning light is on;
- the oil level on the dipstick is below the minimum;
- the engine has started knocking;
- there is smoke from under the bonnet or a smell of burning oil.
Without oil pressure, an engine can be destroyed within minutes. If the level has dropped below the minimum, top up with oil of a suitable approval and find out where it is going.
How an oil change works
We follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations.
Preparation
Using the registration number, VIN or service book, we determine the right oil, its quantity and the filter.
Check and drain
We check the condition of the old oil and filter, then drain all the oil.
Replacement
We fit a new oil filter and fill the engine with fresh oil.
Final check
We check the oil level, inspect the car and tell you about any faults we have noticed.
How often to change engine oil
The interval is set by the manufacturer in kilometres and in years, whichever comes first. It is usually 10,000–20,000 km or one year, and up to 30,000 km or two years for engines with an extended (Longlife) interval. However, such an interval is designed for normal conditions. It is worth changing the oil more often if:
- the car is driven mainly in town, in traffic and over short distances;
- you often have to start a cold engine in winter;
- the engine idles for long periods, for example while warming up;
- the car carries heavy loads or tows a trailer;
- a diesel engine often regenerates its particulate filter — during regeneration, fuel gets into the oil.
Oil ages even when the mileage is low, so the time limit matters too. Many service books give a shorter interval for severe operating conditions.
Frequently asked questions about oil changes
How much does an oil change cost?
The cost depends on the car, the amount and type of oil and the filter. Current prices for our work are on the Prices page. Give your registration number or VIN when booking — this makes it easier to determine the right oil and filter.
How often should engine oil be changed?
At the interval given in the service book: in kilometres or years, whichever comes first. With town driving, short journeys, frequent winter starts and carrying loads, it is better to change the oil more often.
Which oil should go in my car?
Oil with the manufacturer approval and the recommended viscosity. Both are given in the service book and owner’s manual. If you have no documents, we will determine the right oil from the registration number or VIN.
Can different oils be mixed?
For topping up, it is best to use the same oil that is already in the engine. If you do not have it to hand, an oil with the same approval and viscosity will do. At the next change, we drain all the oil and fill the engine with new oil.
Why does the oil level drop between changes?
Some oil consumption is normal, but if you have to top up often, the cause may be a leak, engine wear or a faulty turbocharger. Book diagnostics to find the cause.
How do I book an oil change?
Fill in the form on this page or call +372 5552 7985. Give your registration number or VIN and a convenient time.
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