The Oil Change: Tips That Will Not Steer You Wrong

It can't be overstated; the oil change is one of the most important things you can regularly do for your car to keep it running well. Not only will it extend the lifespan of your vehicle, it will keep it running smoothly, saving gas and giving you an engine that works at maximum efficiency. While there are other forms of maintenance that are nearly as important, none are as easy and inexpensive to keep up with as this. But if you're the type of person who gets extremely uncomfortable at the thought of taking your car anywhere but the dealership where you bought it, here are some tips that may help you out.

Look for Coupons

There's no need to pay full price when you check out a new shop. Look for oil change coupons online, in the newspaper, and in the mail. Once you open your eyes for them, you'll find they are everywhere. They can help you save a lot of money and they will open you up to new places you may not have considered. Of course, this comes with a caveat. Many times, these coupons offer very low prices because the service techs are trained to sell the customers on additional services. If you hate the thought of being pressured into spending more money, you may want to be careful about which coupons you take advantage of.

Study Up

Too many drivers take a perverse sort of pride in how little they know about their own vehicles. While not everyone has an interest in cars or what happens underneath the hood, it's irresponsible not to know a little. The good news is that it isn't that hard to learn. Take a week and give yourself a crash course in engine maintenance. Arm yourself with knowledge so that when the mechanic shows you the dipstick and tells you that you need this and that, you'll know whether or not he's feeding you a line. A little research can go a long way and there's never been an easier time to find all of the information you need.

Research

Don't take your car to a shop for an oil change without knowing something about the place. Because so many customers fail to do even the most cursory background check on a mechanic, it's easy for bad shops to stay in business for a long time. Don't become just another customer for them to take advantage of. Ask people you know, look online for reviews, and check with the Better Business Bureau before you bring your car in for service.