Does Changing Your Own Oil Really Save You Money?

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?

Changing your own oil and filter does seem to be a pretty cheap with the oil being under two dollars a quart and the filter under five in most cases. There is of course the purchase of the necessary accessories needed for changing your oil and filter. A basic kit will include a drip pan, funnel and wrench. The whole process probably only takes half an hour and then to discard the filter and the old oil is a small cost usually around two dollars. It is unlikely that you will save any money on the first change.

Are there any benefits to having a professional change your oil?

Your choice of garage and any coupons you have will affect the price of having your oil and filter professionally changed. Somewhere between twenty and forty dollars is a good estimate. Any good service garage will do more than just change the oil and filter. They will do a quick check on your tires, wash windows, refill the windshield washer tank, and do a check for any potential problems. The cost of paying for an oil change may be worthwhile when considered in conjunction with these extra services. 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 many miles between oil changes?

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. Some manufacturers of the newer model automobiles recommend 6,000 miles. Your oil filter, on the other hand, may only need to be changed on every other oil change.

Many mechanics do not consider it to be a good idea to change your oil and leave a dirty filter in your vehicle. 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. Leaving dirty oil in your engine is obviously going to prevent your vehicle from performing as efficiently as it would if it had all clean oil.

In fact, there is no reason not to change your oil and filter more often. Clean oil and a clean oil filter will help to keep your car running more efficiently which will save you money in the long run by avoiding repairs and saving on gas consumption. With all of this in mind, is there really any benefit in changing your own oil and filter after 6,000 miles? Or is it more cost effective in the long run to allow a mechanic to service your vehicle on a regular basis.