Unless you’re willing to get down and dirty with a do-it-yourself oil change, you could avoid scams and save money by asking around and comparing prices. Moreover, shops and garages typically offer discount coupons for preventative maintenance services like oil changes and brake inspections.
If you have a newer car, the dealership might have oil change packages that include the oil, labor, and other genuine parts. We have no qualms about DIY oil changes, but newer cars are typically more complex and have more parts to inspect, replace, or remove. Dealerships have trained technicians and sophisticated tools to finish the job efficiently.
Another way to save money is to refer to the owner’s manual to determine the type of oil required. Older car engines would typically need cheaper conventional or synthetic-blend motor oils. Lastly, it helps to scrutinize service add-ons like engine additives and pre-inspections that could raise the cost further. Regular oil changes are essential to maintain a smooth-running, clean-burning engine, but it doesn’t mean you need to spend big bucks to get it right.
