How Strickland Brothers structures its oil change service
Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change and Inspection Station operates as a quick-service oil change facility, meaning the work happens while you wait in or near your vehicle rather than requiring you to drop the car off for hours. The company has multiple locations across the United States, primarily in the Southeast and Midwest, though the exact number and addresses change as franchises open and close.
The core service is an oil and filter change paired with a multi-point inspection. Technicians check fluid levels, belts, hoses, wipers, lights, and tire condition while your oil drains and the new filter installs. The stated goal is to complete the entire visit in roughly ten minutes, though actual time varies based on how busy the location is and whether your vehicle needs additional work.
You remain in your vehicle during the service at most locations, or you can wait in a small waiting area. The technician will report findings from the inspection verbally and sometimes show you items that need attention, like a worn belt or low coolant level.
Key Takeaways
- Strickland Brothers charges for the oil change and filter based on the oil type your vehicle needs, with synthetic oil costing more than conventional.
- The inspection is included with the oil change service and covers belts, hoses, fluids, wipers, lights, and tires, but additional repairs cost extra.
- You can expect to wait roughly ten minutes, though busy locations may take longer and you should call ahead during peak hours.
- The company operates franchises across multiple states, so pricing and exact service offerings may differ slightly between locations.
- Strickland Brothers does not typically perform major repairs; if your vehicle needs transmission service, brake work, or engine repairs, you will be referred elsewhere.
What oil types and filter options cost
Strickland Brothers offers three main oil grades: conventional mineral oil, synthetic blend, and full synthetic. Conventional is the least expensive option and works for most older vehicles and those with no specific manufacturer requirement. Synthetic blend sits in the middle price range and is suitable for vehicles that tow or operate in extreme temperatures. Full synthetic is the most expensive but lasts longer between changes and is required or recommended by many newer vehicle manufacturers.
The price difference between these options varies by location and current supplier costs, so you should call your local Strickland Brothers or check their website for exact pricing. A conventional oil change typically costs less than a synthetic one by $15 to $30, though this range is not fixed. The filter is included in the quoted price, not charged separately.
Your vehicle's owner manual specifies which oil viscosity (the number like 5W-30) your engine needs. Strickland Brothers technicians know these requirements and will use the correct grade for your make and model. If you are unsure what your vehicle needs, bring the manual or ask the technician to look it up.
The inspection checklist and what happens next
During the oil change, a technician walks through a standard multi-point inspection. This includes checking engine oil level (before the change), coolant level and condition, brake fluid level, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, battery terminals, belts and hoses for cracks or wear, wiper blade condition, all exterior lights, and tire tread depth and pressure.
If the inspection finds something that needs attention — a worn serpentine belt, low coolant, or bald wipers — the technician will tell you about it. Strickland Brothers does not force you to authorize repairs on the spot. You can decline, get a second opinion elsewhere, or schedule the work for later. However, some findings, like severely worn brake pads or a battery that is failing, are safety issues that you should address soon.
Strickland Brothers can perform some additional services beyond the oil change, such as filter replacements (air, cabin, fuel), fluid top-offs, and wiper blade installation. Major work like brake service, transmission repair, or engine diagnostics is outside their scope, and they will refer you to a full-service shop if needed.
Pricing structure and what affects the final bill
The base price covers the oil change and filter for your vehicle's oil type, plus the inspection. Additional charges explore only if you authorize extra work — a new air filter, wiper blades, or a fluid top-off, for example. The technician should quote any add-on work before performing it, not surprise you at the register.
Pricing varies by location because franchises set their own rates within the Strickland Brothers system. A conventional oil change at one location may cost $29.99, while another location charges $34.99. Synthetic blends and full synthetic oils carry proportionally higher prices at each location. Some locations offer discounts for multiple services or loyalty programs, so it is worth asking when you call.
Payment is typically cash or card at the register. Most locations accept major credit cards and debit cards. Some franchises may offer online booking or coupons through their website or local advertising, which can reduce the base price by a few dollars.
How to find your nearest location and what to bring
Strickland Brothers locations are concentrated in the Southeast and Midwest, with franchises in states like Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and others. You can search for a nearby location on the company website by entering your zip code. The search returns addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation for franchises in your area.
When you arrive, bring your vehicle keys and your driver's license. If you have your owner's manual, bring that too — it confirms your oil type and any service intervals the manufacturer recommends. You do not need an appointment for a basic oil change at most locations, but calling ahead during lunch hours or Saturday mornings can save you a wait.
If your vehicle is under warranty, check the owner's manual to confirm that quick-lube service meets the manufacturer's requirements. Most manufacturers accept oil changes at any facility that uses the correct oil grade and documents the service, but some have specific rules about where work can be done.
Common reasons customers return and service intervals
Most vehicle owners return to Strickland Brothers for routine oil changes on a schedule set by their vehicle's manufacturer. This interval is typically every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on the oil type and the vehicle. Conventional oil usually requires a change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Synthetic blend extends that to 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Full synthetic can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles or longer, depending on the vehicle.
Your owner's manual specifies the correct interval for your car, truck, or SUV. Following this schedule keeps your engine clean and helps prevent premature wear. Strickland Brothers technicians often note your mileage and can remind you when your next change is due, though you are responsible for tracking it yourself.
Some customers also use Strickland Brothers for quick checks between scheduled changes — for example, if a warning light comes on or they notice a fluid leak. The inspection can identify whether the issue is minor (low fluid that needs topping off) or serious (a leak that requires repair elsewhere).
What to do if you have concerns about the work or recommendations
If a technician recommends a repair that you are unsure about, you have the right to decline and seek a second opinion. Strickland Brothers cannot legally force you to authorize work, and reputable locations will not pressure you. Write down what the technician said, ask for it in writing if possible, and take that information to another shop for a second look.
If you believe work was done incorrectly or a charge was unfair, speak to the location manager before you leave. Most franchises want to resolve complaints on the spot. If the issue is not resolved, you can contact Strickland Brothers corporate through their website to file a formal complaint, though corporate involvement in franchise disputes varies.
Keep your receipt and any paperwork the technician gives you. This documents what service was performed, what oil was used, and the mileage at the time of service. This record is useful if you sell the vehicle, file a warranty claim, or need to prove service history for insurance purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for an oil change at Strickland Brothers?
Most locations accept walk-ins for oil changes and do not require an appointment. However, calling ahead during busy times — lunch hours, Saturday mornings, or before holidays — can tell you the current wait time and help you plan your visit.
What if the technician finds something wrong during the inspection?
The technician will describe the finding and explain why it matters. You can authorize the repair, decline it, or ask for a written estimate and time to think about it. You are never obligated to approve additional work on the spot.
How do I know if Strickland Brothers uses the right oil for my vehicle?
Tell the technician your vehicle's year, make, and model, or bring your owner's manual. The technician will confirm the correct oil viscosity and type before starting the service. If you have questions, ask to see the oil bottle before it goes in.
Can Strickland Brothers handle major repairs like brake work or transmission service?
No. Strickland Brothers is a quick-lube facility and handles only oil changes, filter replacements, and minor fluid top-offs. If your vehicle needs brake service, transmission work, or engine repair, the technician will refer you to a full-service shop.
What should I do if I disagree with a charge on my receipt?
Ask the location manager to explain the charge before you leave. If you believe it is incorrect, ask for an itemized receipt showing what work was done. If the issue is not resolved at the location, contact Strickland Brothers through their website to file a complaint.