Oil Change at Home vs. an Auto Shop

There is no mistaking the importance of an oil change. Some people like to trust the same person to handle all of the maintenance on their vehicles. Others want to take on the responsibility themselves. Before deciding what which one works best for you, consider the positives and negatives for each option.

Handling Your Own Maintenance

If you are handy with tools and know your way around a vehicle, you can pull it into the garage and take care of an oil change. If you have never taken on the task before, do a little research before you get started. Because you do not need to pay someone else to do the work and you can pick up your own supplies, you will probably save some cash. Shops often charge fees for things like the disposal of the oils. If you can handle it, you can save.

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to do an oil change. Remember that this is a dirty job that can really mess up the garage if you aren't well prepared. Also, if you do not know what you are doing, it is possible to damage the machinery or hurt the engine. If you are planning to get under the hood, make sure you know what you are doing.

Taking it to the Shop

When you take your vehicle to the shop, you are going to pay more for an oil change than you would doing it yourself. If that is the case, why take it to the professionals? When you let an experienced technician handle your car, you know that it is in good hands. If he or she notices any potential problems, you can be notified immediately. Someone working on the job at home may not be able to spot potential problems.

Taking it to shop also provides a record of the appointment. If you have a warranty on your vehicle, it is important to make sure that the maintenance is handled by an automotive shop. They document the appointments so when something goes wrong, you have proof that you were taking care of the vehicle.

Cost is probably the biggest letdown of an oil change at an auto shop. You are going to pay more than handling it on your own. You have the ability to shop around so keep your eyes open for a deal. Some people like to stick to the same shop while others consistently look for the best deal. It does not need to cost an arm and a leg to maintain your car. Find a company that offers reliable and affordable maintenance services.