You can check your owner’s manual to see how often your vehicle needs an oil change. For most cars, it will range between once every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Some places charge as much as $100 for this maintenance, but if you are crafty, then there are ways you can save money.
Stop Getting Oil Changes Too Frequently
Years ago, it was common knowledge that cars needed oil changes once every 3,000 miles. However, vehicles manufactured today are more resilient. You can go for longer stretches of time in between oil changes. There are even some cars that can go without an oil change for 10,000 miles. It all comes down to what specific vehicle you own. With this knowledge, you may go much longer without having to ask yourself, “Where can I find oil and good auto parts near me?”
Get Quotes
Before you take your car into the closest shop, you should call ahead of time to get a quote. Each phone call should only last a minute, and you just need to provide the make, model and year of your vehicle. You can call a few places close to you to see which mechanic offers the best deal. It is all the same oil, so you are not benefitting by going somewhere else for the same oil.
Use Coupons
Once you know where to take your car, you should search online to see if any coupons are available. Major auto maintenance shops, such as Jiffy Lube and Pep Boys, often have coupons online for you to take advantage of. Even if you go to a smaller shop, it never hurts to see if they are currently offering a Yelp deal. You can even search on Groupon to see if coupons are available there.
Avoid Add-Ons
When you go to a mechanic, you should be ready for the upsell. You may go in only wanting an oil change but leave with a dozen other things done to your car. In many instances, these other actions are inconsequential. You should know when your car needs other basic maintenance done. If you genuinely need your tires rotated, then you can have that done at the same time. Otherwise, you need to know when to say, “No.”
Do It Yourself
Have you ever taken your car to a mechanic and waited so long you asked yourself, “How long does an oil change take normally?” Now, you can take care of an oil change in your own driveway with the right tools. You can purchase the perfect oil for your car from your local auto parts shop. Simply ask an associate what variety is best for your make and model of car. With some other basic supplies, you can change your own oil and save a lot of money in the long run.
If you find yourself spending upwards of $100 on every oil change, then it is time to do something different. With some simple steps, you can spend half as much. For additional advice, head over to your local auto shop for the tools and expertise you need.