Does It Really Save Money To Change Your Own Oil?
When you think of automotive maintenance, your first thought is probably washing and waxing your car and the next is probably changing the oil and filter. Changing your own oil is not only easy, it is one of those tasks that is considered to be a very acceptable weekend DIY project. But do you really save money by doing it yourself?
What are the costs involved?
In most cases, changing your own oil and filter seems to be fairly cheap. Oil itself is under two dollars per quart, and an oil filter is usually under five dollars. However, there are a number of accessories that you will also need to purchase in order to perform this maintenance. You will need a drip pan, funnel and a wrench designed for removing the oil filer. In most cases it should take only half an hour to complete the whole process. When you discard the oil filter and oil you will also need to pay a small fee which is usually around two dollar. The first change will probably end up being a wash money wise.
Are there any benefits to having a professional change your oil?
Paying to have your oil and filter changed will vary depending on the garage and if you have a coupon. On average you are looking at somewhere between twenty and forty dollars. In most cases, a mechanic will perform a number of additional checks on your vehicle, such as tires and general safety, while changing your oil and filter. If you are not a mechanic this may prove to be well worth the money you spend on paying to have your oil changed. It is always cheaper to fix minor issues before they turn into major problems, and a mechanic may spot these during a routine check.
How often should the oil and filter be changed?
There are a number of disparate views as to how often you should change your oil. When you take your car to a garage they will automatically put a sticker on your windshield to remind you when 3,000 miles are going to be up and expect to see you back then. However, in the case of some newer model vehicles, manufacturers actually recommend 6,000 miles. Your oil filter, on the other hand, may only need to be changed on every other oil change.
In many cases, mechanics will still recommend that you change your filter whenever you change your oil. 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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