Toyota Tercel Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection at your home or office.

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Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection Service

How much does a Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Toyota Tercel Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection is $105 with $0 for parts and $105 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1991 Toyota TercelL4-1.5LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$124.99Shop/Dealer Price$133.39 - $139.69
1998 Toyota TercelL4-1.5LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$104.99Shop/Dealer Price$113.41 - $119.72
1985 Toyota TercelL4-1.5LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$104.99Shop/Dealer Price$113.41 - $119.72
1981 Toyota TercelL4-1.5LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$104.99Shop/Dealer Price$113.39 - $119.68
1990 Toyota TercelL4-1.5LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$104.99Shop/Dealer Price$113.42 - $119.75
1994 Toyota TercelL4-1.5LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$104.99Shop/Dealer Price$113.41 - $119.72
1996 Toyota TercelL4-1.5LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$124.99Shop/Dealer Price$130.87 - $135.28
1997 Toyota TercelL4-1.5LService typeEngine oil is black and gritty InspectionEstimate$124.99Shop/Dealer Price$131.24 - $135.94
Show example Toyota Tercel Engine oil is black and gritty Inspection prices

Car engines need oil to operate smoothly and efficiently. Engine oil helps lubricate the dozens of moving and interacting parts, helps prevent rust and corrosion as well as aiding in removing the heat that an engine generates. Modern oil also helps keep an engine clean by removing sludge and build-up. An engine without oil simply will not function.

Brand new engine oil is a lovely amber color but over time it will turn black and in some cases will get gritty. Fortunately, this is usually not a problem, it is simply a result of the oil doing the job it was designed to do.

How this system works:

The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the various moving parts of an engine. The constant contact between these moving parts generates both heat and wear and tear. Engine oil keeps friction to a minimum and dissipates the heat.

Engine oil is stored in the oil pan. The pan holds between 4 and 6 quarts of oil. When an engine is started, an oil pump sucks the oil from the pan through the pickup tube. The oil then travels to the oil filter, which removes any dirt and debris that has accumulated in it and then sends the oil into the engine via spurt holes. The oil moves through the engine and eventually makes it way back to the oil pan where the process starts again.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Normal Wear and Tear: Regardless of how often oil is changed, eventually it becomes black and slightly gritty. This simply means it is doing its job. Modern detergent engine oils which have detergent additives are designed to disperse the tiny particles or engine sludge and hold them in suspension in the oil so they do not build up on engine parts.

This will make the oil darker in color, and slightly gritty but it’s better for the build up to be trapped in the oil then building up on the vehicles engine parts. Oil can only hold so much sludge and eventually it will need to be replaced.

  • Dirty Oil Filter: An oil filter’s primary function is to filter out contaminants in the oil that it picks up while cycling through the engine. Over time an oil filter will become full and will need to be replaced. If it is unable to filter the oil the contaminants will remain in the oil and possibly damage the engine.

  • Overdue for an Oil Change: Oil needs to be changed on a regular basis. While oil turning black and getting slightly gritty is normal, extremely black oil that develops globs on the dipstick needs to be changed immediately. The interval between oil changes will vary depending on the type of oil being used but it is a good idea to follow the manufacturers recommendations.

While 3,000 miles used to be the recommendation, most modern oils, especially synthetics can go between 7,000-10,000 before an oil change is needed.

  • Oil Light Comes On: In most vehicles, if the Oil Warning light comes on, it is reason for immediate concern. In most cases this will indicate a low oil pressure situation, which could be the result of a failing oil pump or a leak. This can do severe damage to the engine. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired immediately.

  • Oil Level is Dropping: If the vehicle is consistently low on oil or the level is dropping sharply over a short period of time, there is probably an oil leak somewhere in the system. An oil leak can lead to a dangerously low amount of oil in the car and should be repaired immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the Oil is Black and Gritty issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic look for normal wear and tear of the engine oil, along with the oil filter, oil level and other indications that will help determine if any problem exists or if additional procedures are required in order to provide you with an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

In most cases black and gritty engine oil is normal. Engine oil should be changed on a regular basis according to the manufacturers recommendations. Going too long between oil changes can affect the performance of the engine and lead to expensive repairs.

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(46)

Rating Summary
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Ejnar

29 years of experience
107 reviews
Ejnar
29 years of experience
Toyota Tercel L4-1.5L - Car is not starting - Milpitas, California
Friendly, knowledgeable, and straightforward.

Grzegorz

41 years of experience
473 reviews
Grzegorz
41 years of experience
Toyota Tercel L4-1.5L - Oil Change - San Francisco, California
This was a fabulous deal, and Grzegorz was first-rate. He really knew what he was doing and communicated the things I needed to know about my car extremely well. I would recommend him in a minute. I don't know how much it would cost me to have this service performed again, but it was extremely convenient, with the service being very good from a mechanic who was personable and professional.

Jason

20 years of experience
69 reviews
Jason
20 years of experience
Toyota Tercel L4-1.5L - Serpentine/Drive Belt - Fresno, California
Jason was super professional. He was on time and communicated with me in a timely matter. Using your mechanic was a great experience and I would recommend Jason to everyone.

Alfred

13 years of experience
519 reviews
Alfred
13 years of experience
Toyota Tercel L4-1.5L - Oil Change - San Francisco, California
Alfred was early for the appointment, a plus. He was courteous and efficient. The work was performed in about 30 minutes and Alfred went over everything he noted for possible future work and let me know my tires needed air. I am very happy with the service and would use Alfred again and/or recommended him to others.

Excellent Rating

(46)

Rating Summary
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Number of Toyota Tercel services completed
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