Three Tips for a Cost-Effective Oil Change and Filter Replacement
After every time you drive your car, you risk exposing it to various environmental hazards, such as engine wear and dust. The frequency of these exposures, combined with the age of the car, will determine how often you need to have your car’s oil changed. The most frequent oil changes will be every 3,000 miles. If you drive your car more often than that, you will need a more frequent oil change. If you’re not sure how often you need to have your car’s oil changed based on the mileage and driving conditions of the vehicle, you should start with a standard oil change every 3,000 miles and go from there. When it comes to the filter, you’ll want to replace the element every 12 months. Here are three ways you can save money and time when performing your oil and filter replacement.
Schedule Your Oil Change and Filter Replacement at the Same Time
The best time to have your oil changed is during the same visit that you’re having your tires rotated or your brakes inspected. This will ensure that the technician has enough time to inspect the oil and replace the filter. Because it’s likely that any issues with the oil will cause the technician to recommend an oil change sooner than the 3,000-mile mark, you’ll be saving money by doing both services at once. However, you don’t have to schedule your oil change and filter replacement at the same time. That said, if you opt to have your oil change and filter replaced later in the 3,000-mile timeframe, it will be more expensive. That’s because the oil in your engine will have turned very dirty, making it more difficult for the mechanic to inspect it without taking the car out of service.
Know Exactly What Services You Need When Booking an Appointment
If you’re unsure about what services you need at your oil change appointment, bring a printout of your car’s service schedule and ask the technician what he or she recommends doing. Not all mechanics will be familiar with all the services listed in a vehicle’s maintenance schedule. And that can lead to unnecessary work. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what services you need when booking your appointment. And, more importantly, what you don’t. While most oil changes and filter replacements are straightforward, there are certain things that you will want to avoid. – Make sure the technician knows which oil type you’re using. If you don’t know your car’s oil type, ask the mechanic to write it down. – Make sure the technician knows your car’s filter type. If you don’t know, ask the mechanic to write it down. – Make sure the technician writes down how long your last oil change and filter replacement was, as these numbers can help determine when you next need to have your oil changed. – Make sure the technician knows your car’s age. The older your car, the more often you should be having it serviced.
Ask for a Price Quote Before You Make a Deal
When getting your service needs scheduled, you should also request a price quote for the services you want. This will help you determine whether it makes more sense to have your oil changed and the filter replaced at the same visit or at different times. As a rule of thumb, it’s always cheapest to have your oil changed and filter replaced at the same time. This is true even if you have them done by different shops. That said, if you have other more urgent car maintenance needs, you can manage them while waiting for your oil change and filter replacement. This includes having your tires rotated, inspecting your brakes, and flushing your windscreen washer jets.
Bottom Line
The best time to have your oil checked, your oil changed, and your engine filter replaced is during the same visit. This will ensure that the technician has enough time to inspect the oil and replace the filter. The good news is that you will save money by doing both services at once. However, if you want to have them done later in the 3,000-mile timeframe, it will be more expensive. That’s because the oil in your engine will have turned very dirty, making it more difficult for the mechanic to inspect it without taking the car out of service.