Oil Change- Cons Of DIY Oil Change

So, you think you want to venture into the world of doing some of the regular maintenance of your vehicle, namely, doing your own oil change at home. After all, you are a DIY kind of person, and really, how hard can it really be? Well, the answer is that is not difficult. However, if you are just looking to save a few bucks because you don't want to pay some shop to do the job, then you might be fooling yourself. Make sure you have considered all the things you will need in order to do the job right.

Of course, doing your own oil change is possible. Many people do it, and are successful at it. However, don't forget that if you do not have any tools of your own, the process of doing the job is next to impossible. And, unless you are planning to become a mechanic on the weekends, it may not make any sense to do this job unless you have to. Really, don't kid yourself-- it takes a little more than just draining the oil and refilling it. Sometimes, it is really a better idea to have a professional do the job.

Many people are under the impression that an oil change is so simple that you can wing it. Well, not so. First of all, you need the right tools. You need ramps and jack stands, so you can get underneath the car easily and safely. These are a must, and if you go out to purchase them, they can run you anywhere from $50 to $150. So, right there you are not saving any money by doing it yourself. But, of course, making that investment means you will always have them for future DIY mechanic work.

Because you will need to remove the oil plug when you are doing an oil change, you will also need to have a wrenches and sockets. These too can be pricey, but you will always have them for another time should you decide to make that investment. Naturally, along the way, you will be learning how to do it. And, to be sure, if you end up purchasing all the tools then, you will have them for life.

However, it really is important to weigh the initial financial and time costs of getting yourself all set up against how much it would be to get it done at a shop. Most of the time shops will charge very little for an oil change. It usually costs about $20 for the most basic service. And, it is very often the case that the shop will include a tire rotation or other services with that price. And, what is even better, is they can do the job in about 30-45 minutes or less. That is a really great deal for the price for a job that most people dread doing.