Changing your own oil. Savings?

iibgdi · Jun 3, 2014

I haven't changed my own oil in years. So, I thought that with my new found interest in becoming more handy, I would start doing this again.

So I went to the store and bought the items that I would need to do it.....I also kind of stocked up so I wouldn't have to go shopping again for a while

$28 Oil pan to drain oil into. (holds 24 quarts)
$3.67 Oil filter wrench

I won't count the above in my totals below and will just count them as things I probably should own anyway.

$38.82 6 oil filters @$6.47 each(3 for mine, 3 for wife's)
$95.82 6 5 qt jugs of oil (3 for mine, 3 for wife's)

$134.64
7% Tax
$144.07 total

Divide $144.07 by 6 oil changes and that is $24.01 per oil change. Doing it myself.

Yes, I could have bought a cheaper oil filter and saved a couple dollars per change. (We have higher mileage vehicles and bought higher mileage filters. Yeah, it's probably a scam.....oh well)

I maybe could have bought cheaper oil too but it was Quaker state and was about middle of the road. There were quite a few that were $10 more per jug so I went with what I thought was a good quality synthetic.

I don't remember the last time I paid less than $25 for an oil change and I believe it is generally over $30 to get it changed now.

I guess I just don't see the benefit of savings $6 per change to do it myself.

Am I missing something here?

I know there are some on here that won't let anyone else touch their car and that's fine. That's not me and not really what this is about. A car serves one purpose to me and that is to get me where I want to go. They are a bad investment for the most part.

I'm looking at the pure economics of the thing.

(I bought the product at Walmart. I'm not sure if I can buy it cheaper elsewhere)

Thoughts?

48RON54 · Jun 3, 2014

$6 savings is enough for me as long I don't have to listen to the upsell speech.

iibgdi · Jun 3, 2014

48RON54 said:
$6 savings is enough for me as long I don't have to listen to the upsell speech.

What about your time? How much is THAT worth?

aar0s · Jun 3, 2014

I pick up wix filters when they have the yearly sale for about four bucks and buy Mobil one at wal mart, synthetic oil change cost me 30 bucks three times a year. I did the diesels at work this spring, dealership was getting 150 to change them, I did it for about 65. That don't count them lubeing the lube points.

aar0s · Jun 3, 2014

iibgdi said:
What about your time? How much is THAT worth?

Well, you can spend a minimum of thirty minutes waiting on a tech to change it or spend a half hour in your garage doing it yourself. Last time I had the Wally mart tech do mine it took an hour and a half.

48RON54 · Jun 3, 2014

iibgdi said:
What about your time? How much is THAT worth?

I do most certainly agree that a mans time is worth a certain amount. At the moment, I have more time than I do money. Were that to change, I would definately pay someone else to do it.

pattenp · Jun 3, 2014

I change the oil because I actually enjoy doing it. Plus I usually rotate the tires and do a good inspection to make sure everything else looks in good shape.

SARG · Jun 3, 2014

I'm in my sixties now and have never had anyone change my oil for me.

I just plain enjoy the chore and knowing it was done correctly.

Stinger · Jun 3, 2014

After all of the stories I hear about oil change facilities stripping or cross-threading the drain plug, not changing the filter, using cheaper oil than requested/charged for, etc, I'm just not interested in letting some random 19yo kid charge me more to do something than I can do it for myself (in the same or less time than it takes to drive to the shop and wait for them to do it and then drive home).

Colin Len · Jun 3, 2014

For me doing my oil oil changes is not about saving money, it's about having control over what's going on. I can avoid the possibility of some idiot cross threading my drain plug or over-tightening the filter. Plus I get the chance to inspect everything under the car and under the hood. Also, you can return that filter wrench - if you need a wrench then you're putting your oil filter on too tight.

One thing that I would highly, highly recommend is getting your oil analyzed. At about $25 per test it's not cheap so it does add considerably to the cost of your oil change. And considering I use synthetic (or now biosynthetic "G-Oil") and OEM filters & crush washers means my oil changes are already a bit expensive. But to me the info you gain is invaluable. Having the oil analyzed has given me the confidence to lengthen my oil change intervals in my Subaru without worrying about wondering whether or not the oil is still in good condition. I started out with a 5-8k mile oil change interval and since the analyses have been coming back clean I have been increasing that interval each time. The last one I did was at 10k and my next one will be at 12k. I don't drive this car much anymore, so it's now over a year between when I need to change the oil and thus I won't be able to step up very much more simply because I already almost never have to change it.

The analyses also give you info about what's going on inside - extra wear on bearings or rings? Fuel or coolant showing up in the oil? Analyses for my Subaru have been stellar since I started but the results for my track car (Integra) were not so good after a fresh engine was put in and I was having a hard time finding the issue - they were showing way too much of something (I forget off the top of my head) in the oil. Since that car only sees track time + the drive to/from the track I never figured out the issue and eventually had a bottom end issue that resulted in a rod thru the block. The oil results were trying to tell me something but unfortunately I didn't figure it out in time. Haven't had a chance to do an analysis on the new engine for this car but I'm anxious to see how it looks. Just bought a house though (and finally a garage!) so the car projects are on the back burner indefinitely.

I use Blackstone Laboratories for my analyses.

lars · Jun 3, 2014

aar0s said:
Well, you can spend a minimum of thirty minutes waiting on a tech to change it or spend a half hour in your garage doing it yourself. Last time I had the Wally mart tech do mine it took an hour and a half.

Same here. I can do it at home in less time than it takes to drive somewhere and wait. I can also do it during a weekday night when all the other places are closed or really backed up.

Nick Danger · Jun 3, 2014

The last time I went to an oil change place, it cost me more than $50. I save $30 each time I change my own oil.

I spend some time under the car after I'm finished looking at things like CV joint boots.

mrvm · Jun 3, 2014

More than just savings, better quality filter and motor oil used. Good time to check out what's happening under the car. Just dispose of the used oil and filter responsibly for the environment. Generally where the oil is purchased accepts used oil.

ajchien · Jun 3, 2014

I do my own owl changes. I think oil + filter + washer costs me about $18 now. Im not including my tool costs. Last I checked my dealership was charging $42.99 for conventional a oil change.

I dont think that changing my own oil really saves my much money. But it's about as basic as it gets. It's the first step leads to doing your own brakes, trans fliud, air filter, plugs and wires, door actuators, serpentine belts, valve adjustments, shocks etc. Putting it all together, it does save you money.

Does it save me time taking it to someone to do the oil change? Not really. The dealer I go to is 15 minutes away and they advertise a 30 minute oil change. That's an hour out of my time. Doing the oil change myself, plus cleanup, and a shower is also about an hour.

So my conclusion is that oil changes dont save much money or time. It comes down to whether you want to do it yourself or not. On the other hand, if you're willing to do your oil, you're more likely to do other maintenance/repair items that will save you money.

97nismo · Jun 3, 2014

Def cheaper for some shop to do it...but I love the satisfaction of knowing it's done correctly. Nissan once forgot to put oil back in my moms xterra and after that no one else touches any vehicle I drive.

brownbagg · Jun 3, 2014

an oil change wt walmart cost me $32 and hour and half of my time. changing at home using walmart product $18 and ten minute of my time. hell lot of money save

Beaumont67 · Jun 3, 2014

I often buy the following, while sometimes run Amsoil if I want to extend oil changes an easy 4-5x:
- Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic Motor Oil or Mobile1 syn.**
(from Wally World, in 5 Liter jugs / which ever one is cheaper)
- only Wix Gold Filter from NAPA/UAP

Instead of changing motor oil every 3,000 miles/5,000 Km...I extend frequency 2x to 10,000 Km.**
^^^^ That's how I save $$.
- while getting a premium oil change & added engine protection, especially in winter cold temp's
(never used high mileage expensive conventional oil, and don't ever see the need to)

3 of our daily drivers & all engines (V8, V6, inline 5 cyl.) still run perfect:
- 155,000 Km (1998-3/4 Ton GMC 4x4)
- 250,000 Km (2005 Jimmy SUV)
- 270,000 Km (2002 Volvo wagon)

Rubber_Duc · Jun 3, 2014

I've always changed my own oil since I started driving and now in my thirties I still love doing it. I've often wondered why it isn't more to change at dealers/shops honestly, it seems like it would be a lot more expensive but it isn't as you have stated. As other have said, the reason I do it is b/c I want it done right period. You wouldn't believe how some people can screw up something so simple but they do. Also I know for a fact some shops have said they have changed the filter and not done it (happened to my Dad who decided to mark the oil filter with a mark to see if they were actually changing them) although I'm sure this is rare but just another benefit to doing it yourself.

JakeKohl · Jun 3, 2014

I quit changing the oil in my vehicles myself about four years ago. I was saving $2 if I time Goodyear coupons right. I've got one within a few miles of the house and have the wife pick me up and drop me off on Saturday mornings so I don't have to hang around.

Now, that said, that little Audi TT roadster I had had to go to the dealer to reset the maintenance interval and they wanted $350 to change the oil and the cabin air filter. With the specified synthetic oil and weird Audi filter, it still cost me $80 to do it myself and I'm glad I did...good lord can people screw up a car like that with an aluminum belly pan and plastic cartridge filter housing....and then I still had to pay Audi $80 to reset the maintenance light. I sold that car shortly after having to put on a set of $1,800 tires that came with an incredible 30,000 mileage warranty (tires cost almost as much per mile as the gas did). I still don't know what I was thinking when I bought that thing. :bitchslap

Colin Len · Jun 3, 2014

Beaumont67 said:
Instead of changing motor oil every 3,000 miles/5,000 Km...I extend frequency 2x to 10,000 Km.
^^^^ That's how I save $$, getting a premium oil change & added engine protection.

Quoted even though I already touched on this above - I believe this is worth repeating and repeating. The only people that recommend 3k mile oil changes are oil companies and places like Jiffy Lube. Hmm, I wonder why they want you to change your oil more often?

I cringe every time someone tells me they change their oil every 3k miles. Very very few engines require that short of an interval so you're wasting money and our natural resources. Most people will be fine with 2-3 times that many miles with conventional oil and 3-6 times as many miles with synthetic. Obviously every vehicle is different so you should read your owners manual or better yet, get your oil analyzed.

lotsoftools · Jun 3, 2014

I'm getting to the point that doing it myself is almost more of a hassle than it's worth. I have about 10 changes worth of old oil to dispose of still. I will probably still change it myself though, just so I know that it is done right. If the drain plug gets stripped out it's because I'm the idiot that did it and I will know about it right away. Take it to a shop and you won't know they stripped it out until you start seeing oil spots on the driveway or when you try to take out the plug yourself the next time.

A_Pmech · Jun 3, 2014

It takes less time for me to do it myself, I have a chance to inspect the oil as it drains out, the oil filter element if I deem it necessary and I don't have to worry about some filthy oil change guy sitting in my car.

Win, win, win, and win!

JimVonBaden · Jun 3, 2014

brownbagg said:
an oil change wt walmart cost me $32 and hour and half of my time. changing at home using walmart product $18 and ten minute of my time. hell lot of money save

This is a good reason to do it yourself.

That said, I do mine because it takes Mobile 1 and the car is difficult to lift correctly and too low to fit over a pit. I make it easy because it has a top drop-in filter and a Fumoto valve to drain it.

My wife's Rogue gets a JiffyLube when I have time.

JimVonBaden · Jun 3, 2014

Colin Len said:
Quoted even though I already touched on this above - I believe this is worth repeating and repeating. The only people that recommend 3k mile oil changes are oil companies and places like Jiffy Lube. Hmm, I wonder why they want you to change your oil more often?

I cringe every time someone tells me they change their oil every 3k miles. Very very few engines require that short of an interval so you're wasting money and our natural resources. Most people will be fine with 2-3 times that many miles with conventional oil and 3-6 times as many miles with synthetic. Obviously every vehicle is different so you should read your owners manual or better yet, get your oil analyzed.

Very true. My wife's Rogue goes 5-6K and my Saturn with Mobile 1 runs close to 10K. It has a percentage meter and I change it at about 20%.

cashishift · Jun 3, 2014

pattenp said:
I change the oil because I actually enjoy doing it. Plus I usually rotate the tires and do a good inspection to make sure everything else looks in good shape.

Same.

I don't like anyone else touching my vehicles... I have 2 mechanics I can use in case something happens I can't fix.

wrench409 · Jun 3, 2014

I save because I was allowed to take two 55 gallon drums of 15w40 Delo free when I shut a location down in 1998.

Free oil and I'm not even empty yet. And no, there's no expiration date code on the drums.

DanarchyCustoms · Jun 3, 2014

Its all about ease for me. I can squeeze a 45 minute oil change anywhere into my schedule. I know what filter I put in, how much and what type of oil, and also give me a chance to look under the car and inspect other things.

theoldwizard1 · Jun 3, 2014

pattenp said:
I change the oil because I actually enjoy doing it.

I wouldn't say I enjoy it while I am doing it. Getting up and down (no lift) takes longer every year.

I do get a great sense of satisfaction when I am done !

FYI - I did 5 oil changes in May. My car, my daughter's car, garden tractor engine oil, garden tractor hydraulic oil (yep, 15W-40) and garden tractor rear axle (eewww - smelly chocolate milkshake)

tdkkart · Jun 3, 2014

Rubber_Duc said:
I've often wondered why it isn't more to change at dealers/shops honestly,

Because the price on the sign is a loss-leader. They lose money on a few because they charge the rest up the a** for the extras. $75 for a $20 serpentine belt, $25 for an $8 engine air filter, $50 for a $15 cabin air filter etc etc. I had a friend that worked at one of the quickie-lube joints, they got cash bonuses for the "tech" that did the most up-sells before lunch.

I still change my own, primarily because I like to do it, secondarily because it makes me nervous seeing someone else work on my vehicles. As others have said, it gives me the chance to check everything over on my own and control what gets done when.
I do however let my daughter have her's done professionally. Costs her $39, he picks it up from her work, does the service, washes and vacuums it, drops it back off and she pays when she gets around to stopping back. He doesn't try to up-sell her but does keep an eye on stuff for her and when something does go wrong it treats her right. Worth every penny a few times/year.

Rubber_Duc · Jun 3, 2014

tdkkart said:
Because the price on the sign is a loss-leader. They lose money on a few because they charge the rest up the a** for the extras. $75 for a $20 serpentine belt, $25 for an $8 engine air filter, $50 for a $15 cabin air filter etc etc. I had a friend that worked at one of the quickie-lube joints, they got cash bonuses for the "tech" that did the most up-sells before lunch.

Ah, that makes sense, can't trust anyone lol.

AndrewV · Jun 3, 2014

Rubber_Duc said:
Ah, that makes sense, can't trust anyone lol.

Thst's life on commision based pay. Can't be mad at the guy taking time to look at your stuff.

But to op. You save $6 a oil change. On 5 changes you save $30, so $$ in the gas tank.

zkling · Jun 3, 2014

A_Pmech said:
It takes less time for me to do it myself, I have a chance to inspect the oil as it drains out, the oil filter element if I deem it necessary and I don't have to worry about some filthy oil change guy sitting in my car.

Win, win, win, and win!

Money wise it is a bit of a wash I guess. ~$20 per car for mid to high grade consumables. However it gives me peace of mind and a chance to work over the car. Usually I start with a good engine wash, oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, etc, etc. The biggest inconvenience is what to do with the waste oil.

With that said I do ~98% of my own work around the house and what not. When I was younger I saw first hand the shortcuts hired "professionals" can take.

lynnbilodeau · Jun 3, 2014

I disagree with those that say it is a wash. Didn't the OP say he bought synthetic? No way does the quick/jiffy use synthetic on the base change. Last time my step daughter paid for an oil change with synthetic the bill was $70. I can do a Mobil one with wix filter for about $25 (her car only takes 4 qts) and do it much faster.

Also, most of those places use fram or equivalent filters. Junk. Get a good wix filter.

Lastly, as far as my TIME?????? Are you kidding? I can change the oil faster than I can drive to the quicky lube, wait around and drive back. It is much better use of my time.

stonesfan68 · Jun 3, 2014

I drive a BMW and even the independent shops want $100 for a full synthetic oil change. I can do it for about $45.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

captain14 · Jun 3, 2014

What about lubrication on the chassis and other recommended spots? Is this not required on newer vehicles?

Kev442 · Jun 3, 2014

Finding the time to take a car in for an oil change seems impossible for me to do.
I can do it myself by putting it up on the ramps as I get home, changing clothes as it cools, letting it drain while I eat supper and button it up before Jeopardy comes on. I consider that no time wasted and $15 saved.

outdoorsman310 · Jun 3, 2014

I used to change my own oil. I still do, but I am becoming a mechanic now so it is different. When I change people's oil, I do it correctly and use the proper oil and filter. I also check over the car and top off the washer fluid, adjust tire pressures, clean off any spilled oil, etc.

I can't stand that some shops are supposed to sell *** amount of work on each car. If it doesn't need anything else, then it doesn't need anything. That stuff really pisses me off. If you don't care about the car or the customer and will mess it up, don't work on it.

outdoorsman310 · Jun 3, 2014

captain14 said:
What about lubrication on the chassis and other recommended spots? Is this not required on newer vehicles?

most newer cars don't have grease zerks. Some cars do, and some replacement parts have zerks as well.

TractorJeff · Jun 3, 2014

I bought 5 five quart jugs of Pennzoil on clearance for $5 EACH at Autozone this past winter.
I change all the oils here except the wife's Diesel Jetta, its still under Warranty, they change it and don't upsell her. It does have certain Maintenance items that they are required to do.

cat-mechanic · Jun 3, 2014

I do full synthetic. Mobil 1 quarts at Costco, 6 pack for $38. Sometimes on sale. Filter I get from work. $6 for Donaldson. So $45. I know how to and I make sure everything is done properly. I go the extra mile and rotate my tires and then with the truck in the air, I lube the chassis. Then I can check for any problems as well.

Changing your own oil. Savings?

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