Oil changes are never “one type fits all cars” and the cost is never the cost advertised. How many times do you see an advertisement for an oil change?
- $29 for conventional oil
- $44.00 for semi-synthetic or synthetic blend (same oil)
- $59.00 for full synthetic oil
Pretty straight forward, right? When was the last time you paid the price advertised? I would venture to say never. Here are the additional items that you will be charged:
- Over 5 quarts ($6 to $12 per quart additional)
- Specialty oil for many cars (especially European makes)
- High mileage oils
- Canister oil filters ($10 additional)
- Hazard fee ($2- $4 additional)
- Sales tax ($2 to $5 additional)
Always ask what the cost will be including all fees and taxes before you visit! NEVER, EVER use oil in your car that is not recommended for it.
Do your best to be knowledgeable about what oil is recommended for your vehicle. Be informed by checking your owner’s manual; go online or open the hood and look at the oil fill cap. Feed it the fluids it needs, just as you feed your body the nutrition it needs to live a longer, heathier life.
Here is what I have observed as a professional automotive shop owner for 41 years; folks that have a local shop take care of them, will have cars that easily have 150,000 to 300,000 miles on them, because all the correct oils and fluids are being used. Folks that bounce around from shop to shop in order to get the cheapest oil change and do not use the recommended oil and fluids for their car, usually have cars that won’t make the 100,000-mile mark without major repairs.
An oil change is starting to become part of a mileage service, but again check your manual or better yet find one of the many automotive service professionals out there and get to know them, trust them and enjoy a long-lasting car.
