Is It Worth It To Change Your Own Oil?

[USCGamecocks]

Could you save money in the long term by changing your own oil?

I think you can get an oil change from Wal-mart for like $15-20 bucks. Would it be worthwild to change your own oil?

Yall's thoughts.

[RickLee]

I think that if you have the tools and know-how, go for it. I used to change my own oil, filter, tires, even brake pads, on my Chevette, back in high school...when money was scarce and time was plentiful.

Doing my own oil changes was also a point of pride, as not everybody could do it.

It's like being able to cook my own gourmet meals, rather than getting it done for me at a restaurant.

Mes deux cents.

[rabidpotatochip]

Depends on whether the cost of oil + the cost of your time is less than the cost of paying someone else to do the work.

Personally, I think it's worth the money to make someone else do it while I take a nap. On the other hand, I know people who consider doing it themselves a zen experience and look forward to changing their oil.

Things will always cost time, money or both. The trick is to decide which ratio works best for you.

[amyschiff]

Here in the Midwest it's worth it to change your own oil..... at least in the spring and summer.

My boyfriend has all the tools and showed me how to do it and it really takes no time at all... The bonus is you don't have to listen to the Jiffy Lube guy try to sell you extra services like changing the air filter for $16 when the part itself literally costs only $5.

If you don't have a heated garage, however, changing the oil in the winter isn't really worth it. Crawling around on the cold cement garage floor and trying to remove the oil filter with numb fingers just doesn't seem like a good time.... more like an opportunity to catch a cold.

[wildgift]

When I've paid to have it done, it's cost around $30 after all the fees and whatnot. DIY and it's around $15. Also, when I DIY, it's usually done faster, but I have to get dusty and drop the oil off at the auto parts store.

[BethT]

i think the big part of what youll save doing it yourself, will be the extras... all the bs that certain places try to tell you you "have" to get done, is crap and will cost you alot.

if you know what your doing... do it yourself. if you dont know.. google it first! then do it.

[Cubicle Person]

I actually enjoy changing my own oil, so even though I only save a couple of bucks, it is worth it to me. Also, you get to where you know what the old oil should look like when you change it, so if you notice any change in color, you might be able to head off a bigger problem.

[khorrell]

I think it also depends on your vehicle - some are notoriously difficult to get to all the right places, and some are pretty easy. Once upon a time, I had a Honda that was challenging to change. When my frugal grandfather told me to take it to have it done, I figured I'd do that.

Also, if you are a procrastinator and won't do it, popping into a quick change shop might be a good idea.

[FrugalNYC]

I think its really up to the skills you already have and the cost of the items.

[MoneyTrev]

My family has a friend doing it for us. He charges $10 per labor so it only costs 10 bucks for us and the only thing we care about, he does it correctly.