Cars are not only a luxury, fancy convenience, but also a necessity. For daily commuting, vacations, and long drives, we need our car. Especially for older adults and working professionals, a car is a savior. However, it has both purchasing and insurance cost implications. On top of that, maintenance costs are an added burden for most car owners. One such costly maintenance requirement is regular oil changing. To cut down the cost of changing oil, switching to do-it-yourself oil changing methods is a better option. However, although there are financial perks, DIY also involves certain disadvantages. The following article will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of DIY car oil change.
Merits and Demerits of DIY Car Oil Change
Maintaining your car allows you to be in full charge of your vehicle. Additionally, you do not need to depend on external help every time your vehicle runs out of gas. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of do-it-yourself car oil change.
Advantages:
DIY Car Oil Change is Cost Saving
On average, a standard oil change costs around $35 to $75. The cost of synthetic oil would be around $65 to $125. However, it is profitable to use synthetic oil as synthetic oils comparatively last longer than standard oils. By canceling the labor cost, the average cost of materials, that is, oil filters and five quarts of oil, would come to around $30 to $45 and tax. The price would also vary depending on the type of oil you choose.
For DIY car oil changes, one needs to have certain basic tools. They are floor jack, latex gloves, replacement drain plug washer, funnel, jack stands, oil filter wrench, oil drain pan, socket wrench and wheel chocks. These requirements might be costly for the first few times you have to oil your car. However, according to most manufacturers ‘ recommendations, oil changing is required every six months or after every 7,500 miles, and it would eventually become cost-effective.
DIY Oil Change is a time-saving
A DIY oil change is obviously more time-saving. You can fill your oil anytime without having to wait a long time during peak hours. For instance, if you need to change your oil before an emergency, like an urgent meeting or medical appointment, then you can easily do it yourself without having to worry about availability and wait time at the gas station. The more you change oil, the more skilled you become. Experienced oil changers typically finish off oil filling within 30-45 minutes. However, it is important to ensure that you have all the essential tools ready for oil change all the time.
Disadvantages:
Maintaining Oil Changing Time Table
It is important to keep track of when you last changed your car oil. After every six months or 7,500 miles, your vehicle needs an oil change, and it is important to keep note of the next session. Professional oil changers normally put a tag on your car mentioning the next date for an oil change. In the case of DIY, you need to keep that track yourself to avoid inconveniences.
Implicit Risk Factors
You need to be extra cautious about the oil type being compatible with your vehicle and also the amount of oil you need to refill. The wrong grade of oil can affect the car’s hydraulic pressure and lead to engine damage. On the other hand, overfilling can lead to leakages in engine seals and gaskets, and underfilling can lead to insufficient engine lubricants.
Additionally, forgetting to tighten the oil drain plug and removing the old oil filter gasket would lead to oil drainage. Thus, it is extremely important to be aware of all these technicalities while changing oil. Any minor mistake can lead to serious damage, and you need to change the engine altogether.
Bottom Line
A car oil change is required every six months or after 7,500 miles of driving. For DIY car oil changing, it is important to remember all the technicalities for maximum benefit and safety purposes. You might consider taking proper training from professional technicians at any wheel shop in Monroe, LA, to gain sufficient expertise before you start changing the oil for your vehicle.
