Does Carvana Change Oil or Tires? (The Truth About Vehicle Prep)

When you're in the market for a used car, consider Carvana. This online platform has revolutionized car-buying with its simplified approach and convenient home delivery.

But as a potential customer, I'm sure you've got one burning question about the vehicle's service: 

"Does Carvana change oil or tires?"

The short answer is YES, but it depends. 

Oil changes and tires can quickly add up, and as a potential buyer of a Carvana vehicle, you want to know if they are automatically included with every vehicle. 

From my own experience, I did get four new tires but no oil change. 

How did I know?

I checked the inspection report, which detailed what their technicians found based on the condition.

Carvana's thorough inspection process includes checking the quality of oil and tires. However, it's important to understand that while they ensure these are up to standard at the time of sale, they only typically perform an oil change or replace tires if a clear safety issue is detected during their inspection. 

Some Carvana owners have reported that a fresh oil change did come with their vehicle. Like I said earlier, in my case, my Carvana purchase came with four brand-new tires. 

Let's not forget about Carvana Care! As part of your purchase, you can opt for this extended vehicle service contract, which covers certain repairs for peace of mind on the road.

I opted for this as a backup for the first 6 months of ownership. The standard offering covered the first 3 months, and we opted for another three months. As of 2023, I have canceled the coverage and put that money away for future out-of-pocket repairs.

Remember, there's also Carvana's 7-day return policy and 100-day warranty, which we used to address a PVC issue with the engine – both add an extra layer of security to your investment. So, while they may not specifically offer services like a brake job or tire changes post-purchase, they do provide robust support options should any issues arise with your car later on.

Understanding Carvana's Services

My overall experience has been positive. Carvana has been a game-changer in car-buying, delivering customers a unique and straightforward experience. But you might be wondering about the specifics of their services. Let's dive into what they offer.

Does Carvana Provide Oil Change Services?

Regarding oil changes, Carvana isn't your traditional dealership or repair shop that provides oil services to all their vehicles. While they do ensure each vehicle goes through an extensive inspection process before being listed for sale, routine maintenance like oil changes is separate from the package once you've made your purchase. 

A good tip from experience is to check the vehicle history report for any oil service records. If they were done in less than 2 years and preferably in the last year, then you should be good until the next oil change interval. 

While some may see this as a drawback, it's important to note that every Carvana-certified vehicle has a 100-day warranty. This is extremely helpful if you encounter ANY issues with your new vehicle.

This means any issues related to essential components, such as the engine that could require an oil change as part of any repair within your first few months of ownership, are likely covered under their warranty.

I am not 100% sure if Carvana covers oil leaks, but I know they cover emissions-related repairs under their warranty. 

Research shows that third-party warranty companies typically categorize seals and gaskets as wear and tear and usually won't cover them as a warranty item. So keep that in mind. 

However, for regular upkeep like oil changes after purchasing your car from Carvana, you must turn to local repair facilities or do it yourself.

Does Carvana Change Tires?

Carvana's Tire Replacement and Repair

So now, let's tackle tires! Does Carvana cover tires or provide tire-related services? The answer lies in their extended protection plan known as "Carvana Care." Under this vehicle service contract, flat tire assistance includes other benefits like brake job coverage (brake pads and rotors).

This clearly shows that routine tire replacement isn't part of their business model directly; they have taken steps towards ensuring that clients can get help when needed.

Yes, all vehicles they sell undergo a thorough pre-purchase inspection that includes tires and other components for any safety issues. This ensures you're not buying a car with worn-out tires right off the bat. 

If any of the tires are 4/32 or below, they typically will replace them with comparable tires but not the tier 1 brands like Michelin or Bridgestone. Overall, the performance has been good. 

Additionally, under specific circumstances, tire replacements are tied to their 7-day money-back guarantee policy. But again, regular tire rotations and replacements post-purchase are on you.

It's clear that while Carvana doesn't offer direct oil change services or routine tire replacements, they do have measures to ensure your purchase's quality. Their extended warranty options, like Carvana Care Plans and the 100-day warranty, provide some security against unexpected repair costs.

Do your homework and take advantage of the warranty window from Carvana and Silver Rock. 

Does Carvana Change Oil: A Closer Look

As we delve into the heart of Carvana's maintenance policies, we must understand what they entail.

Understanding Carvana's Maintenance Policy

Carvana operates primarily as an online platform for buying and selling used cars, unlike traditional dealerships. Their approach to vehicle maintenance is unique. They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee and a 100-day warranty on all vehicles sold through their platform.

This means that within this period if any covered repairs are needed due to safety issues or mechanical defects, these will be handled by one of Carvana's approved repair facilities.

The Importance of Regular Oil Changes (Real-World)

When I'm on the road, there's one thing I can't emphasize enough - the importance of regular oil changes.

A good rule of thumb is that you should change your oil at least once a year, depending on how much you drive. BMW recommends 15,000 miles, and Mercedes-Benz recommends 10,000 miles each year, whichever comes first. Most modern vehicles use synthetic oil, which lasts longer and doesn't degrade as fast as regular oil. 

It's more than just a routine car care task; it plays a crucial role in maintaining and extending the life of your vehicle.

Regular oil changes are the lifeblood of your engine, and an oil change is cheap compared to potential damage from sludge buildup or carbon buildup in the engine. 

The Role of Regular Oil Changes in Vehicle Longevity

Imagine running a marathon without hydrating. That's exactly how your car feels when you skip an oil change.

With time, engine oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating your vehicle's engine components, increasing friction and causing wear and tear.

Over time, this can lead to expensive engine damage and even failure. But with regular oil changes, you ensure that all those moving parts glide smoothly against each other. This reduces heat buildup and helps keep everything under your hood humming along nicely.

Now, let's talk numbers for a moment. Studies show that cars receiving regular oil changes tend to run longer - some up to 200,000 miles or more!

So, if you want to maximize your investment in that sweet ride from Carvana, take the oil changes seriously. 

In addition, today's fuel-efficient engines are now being turbocharged 4-cylinder variants, so oil changes are even more critical to ensure the longevity of your engine components. 

Strategies for Scheduling Your Car Maintenance with Carvana

But what about getting these services done through Carvana? Well, here's where things get interesting.

Carvana doesn't necessarily provide direct car maintenance services like oil changes or tire rotations as part of their 7-day return policy or 100-day warranty package known as Carvana Care Plans.

However, they partner with nationwide repair facilities where customers can have covered repairs completed post-purchase – including essential maintenance tasks like an overdue brake job or brake pads wearing thin.

Nationwide Coverage at Pepboys?

Typically, they select Pepboys Auto Centers for their warranty work. I suggest you look to a dealership or a specialized independent shop that works on your make and model. 

So, while it might seem like a bit of extra work to schedule these services independently, remember that with Carvana's support and their network of repair facilities, keeping up with maintenance doesn't have to be a hassle, just think of it as part and parcel of the online car-buying process - an essential step in ensuring your ride stays in top shape for all those miles ahead.

Carvana's Stance on Tire Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, tire maintenance is a vital aspect. So, what's Carvana's approach to this? Let's delve into the specifics.

Carvana's Approach to Tire Maintenance After Delivery

Carvana takes a proactive approach when it comes to tire maintenance. Every vehicle that goes through their system undergoes a rigorous 150-point inspection process, including the tires. As I mentioned earlier, they ensure each car is road-ready before it's listed for sale.

In case of any significant issues with the tires during the pre-purchase inspection, they're replaced. It shows how seriously Carvana takes safety issues about tire wear and tear.

However, once you've bought your car from Carvana, the responsibility for regular tire maintenance falls in your court. 

Customer Experiences with Carvana's Services

Many people turn to Carvana for its simplicity and convenience when navigating the car-buying process. But what about after the purchase? Let's dive into customers' experiences with Carvana's maintenance services.

Other Customer Experiences Regarding Carvana's Oil Policy

In my deep dive into customer reviews, I noticed a recurring theme: there is confusion over whether or not Carvana offers oil change services.

To clarify, it appears that while they do have inspection centers where cars are certified as "Carvana Certified," these don't typically include an oil change service based on the inspection reports I have reviewed. This is something you'll need to handle separately post-purchase.

On a positive note, many customers rave about their 7-day return policy and the 100-day warranty package in their vehicle service contract. These give you peace of mind knowing that if a major safety issue is discovered during your pre-purchase inspection, you're covered for repairs at approved repair facilities.

Customer Satisfaction: A Look at Carvana's Maintenance Services

Moving on from oil changes, let's take a look at other maintenance services offered by Carvana. Flat tire assistance is one aspect that gets praise from customers. Those who found themselves stranded due to a flat tire reported swift and efficient help under the extended warranty package known as "Carvana Care."

One caveat is that 1 year of oil change and tire repair are included under their highest tier, called CarvanaCare® Premier.

Brake jobs also come up frequently in customer feedback - specifically brake pads and rotors replacements, which are only sometimes covered under Carvana Care Plans.

However, when it comes down to bumper coverage or any cosmetic damages like scratches or small dents - those generally fall outside the purview of both basic warranty and most extended plans.

In a nutshell, while Carvana provides a smooth car-buying experience and some solid post-purchase support options through their warranty and Carvana Care plans, there are areas like oil changes or tire coverage where customers might need to seek services elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Is Carvana Worth It?

Throughout this article, I've dissected the ins and outs of Carvana's maintenance procedures. I've specifically addressed whether they change oil or tires. Let's wrap up by asking ourselves, is it worth using Carvana for your car maintenance needs?

Sadly, that's not part of their service menu when it comes to changing tires or oil. But it is a good first step in vehicle ownership. 

As an automotive expert, I give its services two thumbs up. While some customers have reported a stellar experience, you should take full advantage of the 7-day trial period and do your homework and inspection on time.

However, don't let that discourage you from considering them in your car-buying process.

Carvana has a robust 150-point inspection process to ensure every vehicle sold is Carvana Certified. This means that while they might not change your brake pads or brake rotors after purchase, you can have peace of mind knowing the car passed through a pretty good and solid INITIAL pre-purchase inspection.

Additionally, with each vehicle purchase, customers receive a 100-day warranty as part of their 7-day money-back guarantee policy. The warranty covers repairs at certified repair facilities - ensuring any safety issues are promptly dealt with.

But what about those unexpected flat tires? Or an unforeseen bumper coverage needs? You can opt for Carvana Care extended packages. I suggest you get it for a few months for more time and coverage. Then, if you are comfortable, you can cancel the monthly anytime. 

This review helps steer you towards making an informed decision regarding your Carvava ownership journey!