Getting one’s oil changed is a necessary evil of owning a vehicle. None of us really enjoy take the time of doing it, but it does have to be done every few thousand miles. There’s always the question of whether or not to get the tools and do it yourself, or to take it to your dealership or one of those quick change places. A lot of us go and pay the $20 for a quick change, a few gear-heads go and change their oil, but which one is the right way to go?

For most of us, it just makes sense to go and get our oil changed. After paying for the cost of the raw materials, including the actual oil and the oil filter, and all of the equipment, such as a jack, axle stands, an oil bucket, and the like, it’s going to take quite a bit to get started in changing your own oil. There’s also the issue that you might not do it right and cause damage to your car. You’ll also have to properly dispose of your old oil. Usually it just makes sense to pay the $20 or so fee and just let someone else do it.

If you go to a quick change place, ask around among your friends who are inclined and ask them which is the best place to go. You don’t want to go to just any place at random. Some of them don’t have a ton of expertise and only understand the basics of automobiles. If you can find a good place to go in your town, it’s definitely a good idea to do so.

Chances are you can even get away with spending less than the $20.00 fee by using some of these money saving tips.

Look for Coupons – You can easily get $5 or $10 off with mailers or coupons

Refuse Add-Ons – Say no to changing the air filter or getting new windshield wipers, they charge a huge markup for these things and they’re easy to change yourself

Loyalty Programs – If a quick change place offers a free oil change for every 5th oil change or so, you’ve just cut the cost of your oil changes.

Read Your Manual – A lot of places suggest that you get your oil changed every 3000 miles or so, but the reality is that a lot of car manuals say its okay to change less than that. I know someone who owns a Honda accord, and they only have to change their oil once every 7500 miles.



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