We all love a good DIY project, but when it comes to changing your car’s oil, it might be best to leave it to the professionals. We’ll look at ten convincing reasons not to change your own oil, including the time-consuming process, safety concerns, and potential warranty issues. Discover why your next oil change should be left to the experts, so you can spend your valuable time on other endeavors while ensuring the best care for your vehicle.
1) Limited Savings
People often turn to DIY oil changes because they think it will save them money. However, the cost savings are minimal (if any) compared to a professional drive-thru oil change. The cost of materials and equipment, such as the filter and oil you need to buy, can be more expensive than simply taking your vehicle to an oil change service center. On top of that, you’re trading your time for money in this scenario — investing hours into performing the oil change yourself instead of only minutes at a drive-thru location. How much is your time worth?
2) Time-Consuming Process
Speaking of time, a professional drive-thru oil change takes only minutes — just 10 in some cases, to be exact. When you decide to DIY an oil change, however, the process can take several hours or even an entire day to complete if you’re unseasoned. This is because a successful oil change requires the proper tools and equipment and enough workspace to perform the job safely and efficiently. Finding, gathering, and setting up these items for a DIY procedure can take a lot of time. Not to mention if you’re not quite sure what you’re doing, you’ll likely be flipping back and forth to that YouTube video, trying to figure out which step comes next.
3) Equipment & Space Requirements
DIYers need the right supplies and plenty of space to perform an effective oil change. Ensuring that your car has been properly jacked up and secured is essential for safety, but it also requires a lot of room. If you’re trying to do this in the cramped garage of your home or apartment complex, you may end up putting yourself and your vehicle at risk. Is that really worth it?
4) Improper Techniques & Mistakes
The most common mistakes made when DIYers change their own oil are over-tightening the oil filter, failing to dispose of used oil properly, and forgetting to check other fluids like transmission fluid or coolant. Changing oil without changing the filter can be disastrous for your car’s engine. It can even lead to more costly damage down the road because the filter is designed to keep dirt and debris from entering the engine, and when it’s neglected, the engine may not last as long.
5) Disposing of Used Oil
An often-overlooked aspect of DIY oil changes is properly disposing of used oil. Not only can improperly discarded oil contaminate soil and water sources, but there are also varying requirements for how to properly discard used oil in compliance with local and federal regulations. Many drive-thru oil change services have eco-friendly practices for disposing of used automotive fluids to ensure no environmental contamination. Make sure to look up drive-thru oil change near me so you can take advantage of these safe disposal methods. In addition to being a time saver, they’re also an environmentally friendly option.
6) Vehicle Warranty Issues
Doing your own oil changes can void your vehicle’s warranty if not done properly or frequently. Most manufacturer warranties require that oil changes be performed using specific oil types and in set intervals to remain valid. If you’re performing your own oil changes and don’t adhere to these guidelines, it could void your warranty and leave you on the hook for any future repairs. Professional oil change services are typically up-to-date on the latest requirements for warranty maintenance and will be able to advise you on the most appropriate oil and filter type for your particular make and model.
7) Safety Concerns
Attempting an oil change requires tools like jacks, stands, and ramps, along with physical strength and knowledge to use them safely and effectively. Without proper training or experience in using these items, there is potential for serious injury or even death – something you don’t want to risk when it comes to auto maintenance. It’s important to leave vehicle maintenance up to experienced professionals trained in safely using the right tools and techniques.
8) Incomplete Maintenance
When you get a drive-thru oil change at a 10-minute oil change near me, your vehicle also receives other services, such as fluid top-ups and inspections that can’t be performed with a DIY procedure. These additional services are essential for any vehicle maintenance job and should not be overlooked. So how long does it take to get an oil change? Most experts will tell you that a professional drive-thru oil change takes only about 10 minutes — with a few extra minutes for all of the necessary inspections and fluid top-ups — making it a much more comprehensive service than what you could do at home.
9) Lack of Expertise and Experience
There are certain aspects of a vehicle maintenance job that only an experienced professional can identify and address. However, a trained technician will know what to look for regarding potential issues and how to prevent costly repairs by addressing them early on. Professional oil change services also include additional vehicle optimizations such as tire pressure adjustments, fluid checks, and more — all of which are essential for optimal vehicle performance and should have you searching for an oil change near me if you haven’t already done it.
10) Missed Opportunities for Vehicle Optimization
Regular professional oil changes not only keep your car running smoothly but also allow experts to identify any areas where you may need further optimization. That way, you’ll never miss out on the opportunity to improve your vehicle’s condition and overall performance.
Save Time, Money, and Hassle: Trust the Pros with Your Oil Change
After exploring the many reasons why changing your own oil may not be the most efficient or cost-effective decision, it’s clear that trusting professionals with your vehicle’s maintenance is the way to go. Not only can you save time and avoid potential safety hazards, but you’ll also benefit from the additional services and expertise that come with a professional oil change. So next time your car needs an oil change, ditch the DIY approach and visit a trusted service center for a comprehensive and efficient experience that will keep your car running smoothly.
