How to Save Money on Oil Changes
- 1). Look for coupons. The Sunday paper, your local "penny saver," and fliers that come in the mail are great places to find a steep discount on your oil change. Read the details, as well, as you might find one that will throw in a car wash or other freebie.
- 2). Use synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is more expensive than regular oil, but lasts much longer before breaking down. This means a longer span of time between oil changes, which will save you money. Check with your auto's manual and see what type of oil is recommended.
- 3). Bring your own oil. Purchase synthetic oil on sale or with a coupon, and take it to the shop for your oil change. Call your mechanic first to find out if they will allow you to bring your own oil. If so, find out how much they will charge you for the oil change using your own oil in comparison with using their oil, and see which is the best deal.
- 4). Become familiar with what is under the hood. The main reason mechanics recommend consumers have an oil change every 3,000 miles is that most of us don't check our cars on a regular basis. By bringing it in every 3,000 miles, your mechanic can check for other things like cracked hoses and belts, or other easily preventable problems. Get in the habit of checking your fluids and looking at belts and hoses whenever you fill up your tank, and you can easily go 5,000 miles between oil changes.
- 5). Learn how to change your own oil. You might be surprised to learn that it is not all that difficult, and the satisfaction of doing it yourself can be addictive. Make sure you change your filter every time you change your oil, as well.
