Oil changes are one of the most common and important maintenance tasks for your car. They help keep your engine clean, lubricated and efficient. But how do you decide where and how to get your oil changed? Here are four of the most popular answers to the question. Oil changes can be costly if you aren’t careful. We outline some of the cheapest ways to go about getting one.
Car Dealerships
Getting your oil changed at the dealership is one of the best ways to ensure quality service specifically for your car’s make and model. The disadvantage of the dealership is that it may be the most expensive way to get your oil changed. Keep your eyes peeled in local bulk mailers as well as driving by the dealer to see if they have any oil change specials advertised. Doing oil changes at the dealer ensures future buyers of your car that it has been properly maintained, and it may help you preserve your new car warranty if it still has one. Dealerships may also offer other perks such as free car washes and even loaner cars.
Do-It-Yourself
If you want to save some money, you can learn to do oil changes yourself. Ample tutorials exist on YouTube, and many detailed instructions exist for specific car models on both car forums and YouTube. You may need to purchase some tools such as a floor jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks to keep the car elevated while changing oil. You will also need a pan for dirty oil and a funnel, as well as the correct size tools to remove the drain bolt and sometimes a small oil filter wrench or a good grip glove. While initial investment in these tools may be $150-200, it can add up over the lifetime of your car, and it can also be rewarding to do. Be forewarned that changing oil in your garage can be very dangerous, and if you don’t properly support the vehicle with jack stands that are in good shape, it can even result in your death if the car falls on top of you.
Local Mechanics
Local auto mechanics, often referred to as “indy” shops (for independent) may specialize in your make and model of car at a more affordable price than a local dealership. Many people opt for indy car mechanics, in particular for vehicles where the dealership is especially costly (such as BMW, Porsche, or Mercedes). Local review sites such as Yelp are a good place to find a reputable local mechanic, keeping an eye out for a high average star rating and a good number of reviews. Finding a mechanic you trust may leave you feeling more assured that you are getting the proper service, and not getting upsold on things you don’t need.
Auto Service Repair Chains
If you just want to get simple oil changes done, local auto service repair chains may be one of your best bets. This is because many of these chains run national advertising campaigns featuring attractive coupon deals to get new customers. Some of these chains specialize in oil changes, such as Jiffy Lube, while others are offshoots of specializations such as tires or brakes. These chains include Meineke, Midas, Pepboys, and even tire stores such as JustTires or Big O. JustTires even advertises their “Good Oil Change” for just $20, $40 for Better, $60 for Best, and $80 for Ultimate, though their terms and conditions apply (though all include new oil and new filter). Make sure you stick to your guns to get the best oil change deal and pass on unnecessary services or upsells.
Conclusion
There is no one best way to do an oil change. It depends on your personal preferences, budget, convenience and trust. The best way to choose is to do some research, compare prices, and look for deals. No matter what option you choose, make sure you follow your car’s recommended oil change interval and use the right type and amount of oil for your car per the manual. This will help keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently for many miles to come!