How Much Do Consumers Really Save Doing Their Own Oil Changes?

Some automotive DIY jobs may seem like a good idea, but they can be more hassle than you think. Doing your own oil changes falls into this category. We examine a few key points that explain why letting your garage take care of your oil change is the smarter choice. Let’s answer the question: Do I save money doing my own oil change?

Having The Right Tools For The Job

Most home garages lack the specialized tools and equipment that professional shops use. Unless you are properly equipped, you may damage your vehicle or spend hours doing otherwise simple jobs. Doing an oil change correctly requires a jack or car lift, oil filter removal tool, oil pan, and ratchet set.

DIY Challenges:

• The car can be damaged by using incorrect tools
• A simple job can take hours without the right tools

Benefits Of Using A Garage:

• They have all the right tools to hand
• A job can take minutes instead of hours
• There is no mess in your garage

Doing The Job Right

Even a small mistake, like using the wrong oil type or over-tightening the drain plug, can become an expensive mistake. Did you know that every car has a different oil sump capacity? If you over or under fill it, you can cause engine damage.

Garage mechanics will have years of experience working on vehicles. They can sort out potential issues before they become a problem.

DIY Challenges:

• The sump plug may strip – this can cause oil leaks or require a drill to remove
• The oil filter can get damaged – overtightening the oil filter can make it difficult to remove and/or damage the casing. Under tightening it can lead to leaks.

Benefits Of Using A Garage:

• Mechanics have the right tools and parts to hand if something breaks – this can be a new oil filter, gasket, or sump plug.
• A garage will know what type of oil to use in your vehicle – using the wrong weight oil can be disastrous to engine components.

Disposing Of Old Oil

Used motor oil is hazardous and must be disposed of correctly. Garages handle disposal for you. This saves you the trouble of finding a proper recycling facility and ensures that it’s done safely.

DIY Challenges:

• Disposing of old oil is a hassle
• Need to find a suitable disposable facility

Benefits Of Using A Garage:

• Disposing of old oil is included in the oil change service
• A professional garage will safely dispose of the oil, saving you the trouble of transporting dirty oil to a disposal facility

General Vehicle Inspection

A professional oil change often includes a basic inspection of other vehicle components. Having a trained mechanic inspect your brakes, belts, and fluid levels can help prevent future issues.

DIY Challenges:

• Unless you are a trained mechanic, you may miss potentially dangerous mechanical issues
• Most DIYers won’t have a car lift or the knowledge to sort out any issues, even if they can identify them

Benefits Of Using A Garage:

• Your service book will be stamped – helping keep a record of vehicle maintenance
• You can have other service items sorted out without having to book your car in twice

Do You Save Money Doing Your Own Oil Change?

It is always best to let professionals take care of your vehicle. This is the best way to keep your vehicle running as it should and keep you safe on the road.

GMB stocks a wide range of automotive oils and oil filters. Our current fully synthetic oil range is available in 1qt and 5qt capacities in the following grades:

• SAE 0W-16
• SAE 0W-20
• SAE 5W-20
• SAE 5W-30
• SAE 10W-30
• SAE 20W-50

Never settle for subpar or unproven automotive oil brands. GMB has been an industry-leading manufacturer of OE and Aftermarket automotive products since 1943.

We have locations on both the East and West Coasts of the US. Look at our range of products and contact us to order your replacement oil and oil filter today.