Going to the dentist is a biannual event that most of us despise doing.
The automotive equivalent of getting your teeth pulled is taking your beloved vehicle in for an oil change. One of the main reasons this task inflicts so much pain on us the consumer is that we really aren't sure what is best for "our babies" when it becomes time to make that change. There is a small percentage of car enthusiasts who are very adept at, and find it very enjoyable, to do their own oil changing. For the rest of us who are not so mechanically savvy, there are questions that need to be answered before sinking our hard earned money into lubing our cars.
Years ago, about the only place to take your car for a complete oil change was the dealer where you purchased your prized possession. Over the past couple decades more and more quick lube shops have popped up offering ten minute service while you sat in your car and, more importantly, discounted prices. It's hard to determine which avenue is the better one driven, but there are some things you should consider before choosing between the dealer and "Mr. Quickie."
Money, as is usually the case, is a great place to start this conversation. A normal oil change will cost anywhere between $19.99 and $39.99. Now there are exceptions such as the sensible shopper who clips coupons that may save them as much as 20%, to the paranoid person who always seems to think what they are receiving in service is never enough and tends to buy "add ons" that increase the final total. For argument's sake let's assume the average cost for an oil change will be $30.
So what should I expect for that decent sized fee? No matter where your oil change is done, it should always include a few standard procedures. The mechanical metamorphosis will start with draining the old engine oil. Removal of the old oil filter and replacing that dirty part with a new one will be the next step. A new crush washer should now be installed followed by proper torquing of the drain plug. One important detail to remember is that the new oil that is poured into your engine should always be filled at proper weight. We are now out with the old and in with the new.
While staying strapped in your seat and spending less time getting your car serviced than it normally takes to get through a Starbucks drive-thru may sound appealing, waiting at the dealership does have its advantages. First off, most dealerships are equipped with state-of-the-art waiting rooms that offer big screen televisions, comfortable leather chairs and free wi-fi. Secondly, complimentary refreshments are on hand to keep you satisfied. While your sipping a soft drink and checking the internet, your vehicle is going through a thorough examination by someone who is trained to take his or her time. The specialist at the quick lube is proficient at changing oil and filters and filling tires, but the mechanic at the dealership is certified to find other things that may be happening to your car that is totally unbeknownst to you. If a part is needed to fix that unforeseen ailment, there's a great possibility it's in stock at the dealership and you won't have to come back to get it serviced again. Also, these same mechanics get paid and graded by the job meaning their performance may be taken more seriously. Some dealerships also offer free car washes with each oil change, a discount on tire rotations and a "discount card" that has you pay for a certain amount of oil changes before receiving a free one.
If managed well, the quick lube shop is still a viable option too. Although, a lot of dealerships offer no appointment oil changes you still may have to wait up to an hour before your car is completed. There is a lot to be said for cruising into the quick lube at lunchtime, getting the oil changed and still having time for a sandwich and fries before heading back to work. Just make sure that quick lube establishment you choose is reputable, the service technicians are knowledgeable and you get the complete service you are supposed to be getting without any up-sale.
That leads us to our final piece of advice on oil changes, which is avoiding a rip off. We all work too hard to spend our money foolishly. Spending too much when you are falsely advised it is necessary is downright aggravating. Whether you go to the quick lube or dealership, there is usually a basic oil change and a signature oil change offered. On most occasions the basic one gets the job done, but if the signature satisfies you more make sure it is worth the extra money you are spending.
It is important that a new filter replaces the old one so before you go for the oil change put an X on the old filter with a sharpie. If the "replacement" filter still has that mark on it, make sure you speak up. If you are paying for extra services that are not part of the basic plan, get proof that those services are performed.
The good thing these days is that, unlike in our father's time, our new cars don't need to have the oil changed before 5000-7500 miles. In most cases that cuts our trip to the quick lube or dealership's service department down to twice a year. A lot of vehicles even alert us when our oil needs replaced giving us something that is valued by us all.....one less thing to worry about.
Fred Martin's award winning service department is here to answer any additional questions you may have about your car. Feel free to call us at 330.793.2444.
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