One of the inevitable things about owning a vehicle is car maintenance, such as regular oil changes. While older cars need to be changed every 3,000 miles, newer ones can often go 5,000 miles or more in between oil changes. This makes it one of the most consistent types of maintenance you will need to do. Perhaps you have considered doing this yourself, but if you do so are you gambling with your car? Let’s take a look at issues with doing oil changes yourself.
High Upfront Investment for DIY Oil Change
Unless you are already an at-home mechanic, there are several specialized tools you will need to do an oil change that you likely do not have. You will need a set of ramps, or a good jack and jack stands, as well as a specialized tool to remove the oil filter and an oil drain pan.
Of course, you will need gloves, funnels, towels, an oil filter, and oil. If you use synthetic oil, as many newer cars do, it will cost around $45 to purchase oil and an oil filter alone. This places the cost of materials close to the cost of paying to have your oil changed professionally, so you will realize very little savings. In addition, you will have to pay to dispose of the old oil.
No Professional Eye
Unless you are a professional mechanic, there is likely a lot you do not know about cars. When you bring your car in for an oil change, the professionals do more than just change your oil. They check your fluid levels and the condition of your fluids, such as transmission fluid, to see if they need to be changed or indicate other issues an untrained eye wouldn’t notice. They also check your tires and tire pressure.
Oftentimes, they will rotate your tires if needed. Finally, they check for any leaks in your oil lines or gaskets. This can save you money in the long run, as they find and allow you to fix these leaks early, before your engine is negatively affected by a shortage of oil.
Visit Deals on Wheels for an Affordable, Quick Oil Change & Other Car Maintenance From Qualified Vehicle Techs
When you need an oil change near West Palm Beach, call us today at (561) 847-4097, or swing by and see us – no appointment necessary! Our maintenance techs get you in and out quickly, and at a great price too!
