Does it Really Save Money to Change Your Own Oil?

When most people think of maintaining their vehicle they think first of keeping it washed and waxed. Then they think of changing the oil and filter. To change your own oil is pretty simple and a very acceptable do it yourself kind of weekend warrior task but does it really save you money?

What are the costs involved?

The process of changing our own oil and filter is fairly inexpensive on the surface. Oil is generally under two dollars a quart and a filter is under five. There is of course the purchase of the necessary accessories needed for changing your oil and filter. You will need a drip pan, funnel and a wrench designed for removing the oil filer. You should be able to change the oil and oil filter in about half an hour. It then costs another couple of dollars to discard the filter and oil oil. The first change will probably end up being a wash money wise.

Why should you pay to have your oil changed?

Your choice of garage and any coupons you have will affect the price of having your oil and filter professionally changed. It can be anywhere between twenty and forty dollars. Most mechanics will also check for any potential problems as well as washing your windows and filling your windshield washer tank rather than simply changing your oil and filter as instructed. These additional checks may be worth the price of your oil change if you are not a mechanic yourself. It is always cheaper to fix minor issues before they turn into major problems, and a mechanic may spot these during a routine check.

When should you change your oil and filter?

You will find any number of answers as to how often you should change your oil. For the most part mechanics recommend that you have your car serviced and oil changed every 3,000 miles. However, in the case of some newer model vehicles, manufacturers actually recommend 6,000 miles. You may not need to have the oil filter changed with every service as it is often recommended that they are changed every second oil change.

Most mechanics do not feel it is a good idea to change the oil and not change the filter as well. The argument for changing your filter with every oil change is based on the fact that doing so leaves a full quart of old oil in the engine. This old oil is, of course, dirty. Considering that the reason for changing your oil is to enable your vehicle to function more effectively, it is reasonable to assume that leaving a quart of dirty oil in engine is going to negatively affect your vehicle’s performance.  

Your oil and filter can actually be changed even more frequently. By ensuring that you vehicle is running with clean oil and a clean filter, you will save money on gas consumption and also avoid potentially expensive repairs. When you look at the benefits of having a professional mechanic change your oil and oil filter on a regular basis, is there really any cost benefit in waiting 6,000 miles and then changing your own oil and filter?

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