The most basic level of automotive maintenance is washing and waxing your car. After that, changing your vehicle’s oil and filter is the simplest form of maintenance. 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?

First, let’s look at 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. You will also need a number of accessories prior to getting started. 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.

What are the benefits of paying to have the oil changed?

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.

When should you change your oil and filter?

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.

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. Considering this, how much do you really save by waiting to change your own oil and filter every 5 or 6,000 miles without the benefit of having a professional mechanic look at your vehicle on a regular basis?

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