Is it worth it to change your own oil?

[Luke Warm]

It cost me $55 for oil and a filter to do it myself. It can't be more than that to get it changed at Jiffy Lube can it?

[RWD]

It's easy for Jiffy Lube to be cheap when they don't actually do the work paid for...
https://www.google.com/search?q=jiffy+lube+didn%27t+put+oil+back+in
https://abc7news.com/california-undercover-agents-allege-pattern-of-fraud-at-dozens-bay-area-jiffy-lubes-lube-investigation-in/1372636/

I wouldn't trust my car at any quick-lube place. In addition to saving money, changing oil yourself makes sure it is done right with quality oil (preferably synthetic) and filter and not the cheapest disposables possible. It also gives you an opportunity to take an oil sample if you wish.

[sonofsven]

I cruise the oil section at Costco and buy a few jugs of Kirkland synthetic when it's on sale, and order filters from Rock Auto; just two ways to save a little money.
I also like the chance to take a close look at my vehicle: check the battery connections, add washer spray, check fluid levels, clean air filter, check for any leaks.
I've never taken a vehicle to a quick lube type place because I've heard so many horror stories, and I enjoy diy.

[SpareChange]

It's easy for Jiffy Lube to be cheap when they don't actually do the work paid for...
https://www.google.com/search?q=jiffy+lube+didn%27t+put+oil+back+in
https://abc7news.com/california-undercover-agents-allege-pattern-of-fraud-at-dozens-bay-area-jiffy-lubes-lube-investigation-in/1372636/

I wouldn't trust my car at any quick-lube place. In addition to saving money, changing oil yourself makes sure it is done right with quality oil (preferably synthetic) and filter and not the cheapest disposables possible. It also gives you an opportunity to take an oil sample if you wish.

Lol. A friend was just telling me a story last week about a Jiffy Lube. Years ago, they were sitting near the window and could see the bay pretty well. She watched an employee take a an air filter out, reach down to the ground to grab "dirt", and rub it on the air filter. The employee then came in and showed another customer how dirty their air filter was. Sheesh.

I started changing my own oil years ago when a place stripped my drain plug.

[scottish]

I found a good mechanic and they get all my work.   My last oil change came to $87.50 (Canadian).  Our cars are 15 and 19 years old though, so they often need a bit more than just an oil change.

I don't like working on cars so I don't mind paying the extra $$ for a shop.

[cool7hand]

Do whatever works for you. Who cares how other people cut their cake.

[ChpBstrd]

I started changing my own oil years ago when a place stripped my drain plug.

Yes, this is also my problem with quick lube places. When they impact wrench the drain plug on, it takes an impact wrench to get it off. They've effectively prevented you from working on your own vehicle next time, not to mention potentially stripping the plug threads or bolt head.

One might save $5 changing one's own oil, but at least you know you're getting the right oil for your car. The PITA is making the trip to the auto parts store to recycle your old oil. I have a big tub and small cars so I can usually make it 3 changes before having to do so.

[Just Joe]

I'm (unnecessarily) picky about my oil and filters. Picky about our cars too. TCO is the metric I consider the most.

I prefer Mobil1 synthetic and Wix (aka Napa Gold) filters. I watch for sales on oil and our local NAPA store has Filter Fridays once a month where you can buy two and get one free. Three filters lasts me a long, long time. That's for our "good" car.

Our "fleet" of 20+ year old daily drivers get either a Napa Gold filter or a Purolator filter and Havoline conventional oil. Sometimes the auto parts store brand oil. None of them go too far so I just do an oil change in the spring and the fall. Actually I change the oil in my own car, our offspring change their own oil. At their cost. I make sure it gets done correctly.

Doing my own oil changes gives me a chance to inspect everything. It is a task I don't mind doing as long as the weather is mild. Put on some garage music, break out the tools, and I'm done in no time. Cars are a hobby for me so we have daily drivers and a few antiques.

When the drain pan tub is full, it's just a quick trip to the dump transfer station (5 mins) where they will accept batteries, oil and antifreeze at no cost. The auto parts stores will do the same with oil.

I have a platform that slides into the rear receiver on our car (two of them anyhow) and I strap the tub down there. Or toss it into the utility trailer and drag that along.   

Buying the materials isn't that much cheaper than the dealer or the quickie places but the damage the quickie places can't do to my car is worth alot to me as we keep our cars forever.

If I lived in a different part of the country with onerous rules (HOAs), metro city distances, and general lifestyle complexity or if we lived someplace with a parking lot (no thanks) I'd probably be reliant on some shop somewhere. Thankfully we do not.

[LennStar]

How are the laws in the US about oil change?

Here in Germany it's very illegal to do it just anywhere. Because, you know, one drop of oil contaminates tens of thousands of liters (or gallons for you) of water.

I alwas get the cheapest oil. After all, the only thing that can break down is the engine, and I don't drive enough that this will ever happen even with the worst oil. FunFact: In the handbook for Germany for my cars it says change oil once a year, for other countries it's once every 2 years (or 20Kkm, but I never get to that anyway)

[ChpBstrd]

How are the laws in the US about oil change?

Here in Germany it's very illegal to do it just anywhere. Because, you know, one drop of oil contaminates tens of thousands of liters (or gallons for you) of water.

I alwas get the cheapest oil. After all, the only thing that can break down is the engine, and I don't drive enough that this will ever happen even with the worst oil. FunFact: In the handbook for Germany for my cars it says change oil once a year, for other countries it's once every 2 years (or 20Kkm, but I never get to that anyway)

In the US you can change your oil anywhere (on the street, in your driveway, over grass) but you are NOT supposed to spill oil or dump it in the gutter.

That said, there is generally no enforcement unless you are dumping on someone else's land (property rights over every other value, welcome to the US), and some people use their old engine oil as weed killer. All of our vast parking lots have oil spots where the cars leak, and every time it rains some of this oil flows down into streams and rivers.

It's another reason to look forward to the eventual domination of battery electric vehicles.

Guidance in the US is to change your oil at least every 6 months, regardless of mileage. Supposedly the oil decays in the engine's oil pan in a way it doesn't decay while sitting in a plastic bottle on the store shelf for 6 months. And we believe it!

[RWD]

How are the laws in the US about oil change?

Here in Germany it's very illegal to do it just anywhere. Because, you know, one drop of oil contaminates tens of thousands of liters (or gallons for you) of water.

In the US you can change your own oil in your driveway/garage (as long as you don't have an HOA or something telling you otherwise). Usually illegal to change on a city street. Illegal to dump the oil, you need to take it in for recycling (at auto parts stor, Walmart, etc.).

I alwas get the cheapest oil. After all, the only thing that can break down is the engine, and I don't drive enough that this will ever happen even with the worst oil. FunFact: In the handbook for Germany for my cars it says change oil once a year, for other countries it's once every 2 years (or 20Kkm, but I never get to that anyway)

Don't combine the cheapest oil with 1-2 year change intervals. Those recommendations are assuming synthetic oil which is much much harder to break down over time. If you want to know for sure how your oil is holding up and how long you can go between changes you should get oil sample tests done.

[Just Joe]

Here in our red state we can change it anywhere. Just dispose of the oil properly. I had an elderly relative that would pour the old oil over their dog to keep the fleas and ticks away. Bet the dogs never lived to be every old either. I've known of people to dispose of it by drowning old tree stumps with old oil. These days I know someone who uses it in chain saws to oil the bar and I think I heard them say they mix the old oil with gasoline for two-cycle fuel. 

I too look forward to more battery powered cars for similar reasons.

Funny how asphalt is made with tar and oils which is allowed to run off into the ditches and creeks.

[jinga nation]

It cost me $55 for oil and a filter to do it myself. It can't be more than that to get it changed at Jiffy Lube can it?

with coupon, my local dealer is cheaper, about $35-45, for a full synthetic. But they also perform a "free" cursory inspection and inform if anything needs to be fixed or upcoming due to wear & tear. plus no need to return the oil to auto parts store for disposal.

Weirdly, the local dealer service shops' quotes are lower than independents, especially for various fluid flushes.

[snic]

Changing the oil was one of the first things I learned to DIY as a teen. Then life got busy, and I have so many other things to do that are more enjoyable, that I just take the cars to our trusted mechanic, who charges about $60. It's not cheap, but we certainly don't do it every 6 months. The cars have indicators that tell you when to change it, and the intervals work out to more than a year. Anyway, maybe when I'm retired I'll return to changing my own oil.

[alsoknownasDean]

I'm happy enough to change the oil, but my mechanic usually has a look over the car to advise me of any potential issues which I may not pick up if I'm doing a DIY oil change. My last service was $200. It is a 19 year old car so I think regular servicing/inspections are a good idea if I want to keep it reliable.

I don't think we have the 'quick lube' type places here.

I'm currently getting the car serviced every 7500km, I could realistically take it to him every 15,000km/1 year and change the oil myself in between.

[GilesMM]

I like the oil change place across the street from my gym - never any waiting, stay in your car, and they give free water and coffee.  Not the cheapest option but definitely the quickest and most convenient.  I usually wait until I have a coupon.


I changed my oil when I was a student. One time I drained the transmission oil by mistake, then topped off the engine oil.  The next day the car started making a growling sound which tipped me off to my error. 

[LennStar]

I alwas get the cheapest oil. After all, the only thing that can break down is the engine, and I don't drive enough that this will ever happen even with the worst oil. FunFact: In the handbook for Germany for my cars it says change oil once a year, for other countries it's once every 2 years (or 20Kkm, but I never get to that anyway)

Don't combine the cheapest oil with 1-2 year change intervals. Those recommendations are assuming synthetic oil which is much much harder to break down over time. If you want to know for sure how your oil is holding up and how long you can go between changes you should get oil sample tests done.

I don't even know that such a thing exists, but it doesn't matter. It's the vertified meachanic that selects the oil and changes it for I think 35€ last time? Got more expensive.
"I get the cheapest" here means I don't tell him to get anything special. I have no idea what's in. But I doubt that anybody here (except maybe the ones who go more than the 20K/year or total car fanatics) change their oil more often than once a year.

[jinga nation]

at such prices? nope. used to do it in the past in my college and early career days. a skill that drivers should know.

but brake pads & rotors replacement that's easy peasy. yeah i'll do that myself. transmission fluid flush, yes. radiator flush, yes. brake fluid flush, depends. i've had mixed results with auto-bleeders and equipment, probably operator error.

[RWD]

I alwas get the cheapest oil. After all, the only thing that can break down is the engine, and I don't drive enough that this will ever happen even with the worst oil. FunFact: In the handbook for Germany for my cars it says change oil once a year, for other countries it's once every 2 years (or 20Kkm, but I never get to that anyway)

Don't combine the cheapest oil with 1-2 year change intervals. Those recommendations are assuming synthetic oil which is much much harder to break down over time. If you want to know for sure how your oil is holding up and how long you can go between changes you should get oil sample tests done.

I don't even know that such a thing exists, but it doesn't matter. It's the vertified meachanic that selects the oil and changes it for I think 35€ last time? Got more expensive.
"I get the cheapest" here means I don't tell him to get anything special. I have no idea what's in. But I doubt that anybody here (except maybe the ones who go more than the 20K/year or total car fanatics) change their oil more often than once a year.

I think I would be classified as a total car fanatic and I went 3.5 years between my last oil changes (granted low miles, ~7000 km). Mobil 1 synthetic oil and verified proper function with an oil sample test. The oil sample report came back saying I should try going even longer. That sort of time interval is only possible because I'm using synthetic oil. Compared to going to the dealer at the recommended interval (once per year) I've saved roughly $1,700 doing my own oil changes for just this one car.

[ChickenStash]

It's worth it to me just to know it's done right and I'm rather picky about my cars. One of my cars has a somewhat unusual factory oiling system and many engines have been lunched due to shops (even dealers) not following directions. For the normal cars I don't want to deal with pan plugs being put on with an impact, stupidly over-tightened filters, questionable quality oil, underfilling, etc.

Just recently my Mom stopped by for a visit and mentioned her car had a little rattle. I got under the car and found the quickie-lube place stripped or lost about half the bolts for the splash shield/undertray. It was due for another oil change and I damn near had to use a breaker bar to get the drain bolt loose.

So, no thanks, I'll keep DIYing.

[Samuel]

Being a lifelong renter I've done my share of parking lot/street oil changes, but not in the last 15 years or so. There's a good shop a short walk from my main work location that did $20 oil changes (now $27) that is just too cheap and convenient (drop off in morning, pick up at lunch) to make garageless DIY worthwhile.

I've also had bad experiences with Jiffy Lube style places so I don't use them.

[BC_Goldman]

I changed my oil when I was a student. One time I drained the transmission oil by mistake, then topped off the engine oil.  The next day the car started making a growling sound which tipped me off to my error.

I did this too but recognized something was wrong immediately because of the fluid color.

Refilling was a pain because they put the transmission dipstick under the battery tray for some reason. Had to buy a funnel with a long flexible hose.

[zolotiyeruki]

I DIY it, even though nearby shops regularly send out coupons for $20 oil changes.  I do it because:

1) I hate getting upsold on stuff I can do myself
2) It doesn't take any extra time to DIY
3) I know it's done right
4) It gives me a chance to teach my kids basic car maintenance
5) It *is* slightly cheaper than even the $20 places, because I buy filters from Rock Auto when I'm ordering other stuff and use cheap oil.
6) While the oil is draining, I have a chance to check all the other fluids, yank on the wheels to check for suspension wear, etc.
7) Justification to own tools :) and it makes me feel manly and capable.

I have an Autozone near work, so recycling the old oil isn't really an inconvenience.

Refilling was a pain because they put the transmission dipstick under the battery tray for some reason. Had to buy a funnel with a long flexible hose.

Your car isn't perhaps a Honda Odyssey, is it?  Gosh, I hate where they put the dipstick on the 2005-2010 models.  And we own two of them!

[Just Joe]

I changed my oil when I was a student. One time I drained the transmission oil by mistake, then topped off the engine oil.  The next day the car started making a growling sound which tipped me off to my error.

I did this too but recognized something was wrong immediately because of the fluid color.

Refilling was a pain because they put the transmission dipstick under the battery tray for some reason. Had to buy a funnel with a long flexible hose.

We have a 23 year old Chevy that came with the "lifetime" trans fluid. Maybe they assumed they could make it inconvenient enough the DIY type wouldn't bother and would instead visit a dealer. No dipstick, fluid level must be checked under the car while it is running. Fill point is on top in a very inconvenient spot that requires a funnel with a long bendy tube. Terrible design.

That said it is 23 years old and nearing 200K miles with the original transmission and engine, neither been rebuilt. Its been a very good 2nd/3rd car. Very low TCO. Its about time for a drain/filter/refill with the teenager's help. They drive it, they can help maintain it.

[ChpBstrd]

I changed my oil when I was a student. One time I drained the transmission oil by mistake, then topped off the engine oil.  The next day the car started making a growling sound which tipped me off to my error.

I did this too but recognized something was wrong immediately because of the fluid color.

Refilling was a pain because they put the transmission dipstick under the battery tray for some reason. Had to buy a funnel with a long flexible hose.

We have a 23 year old Chevy that came with the "lifetime" trans fluid. Maybe they assumed they could make it inconvenient enough the DIY type wouldn't bother and would instead visit a dealer. No dipstick, fluid level must be checked under the car while it is running. Fill point is on top in a very inconvenient spot that requires a funnel with a long bendy tube. Terrible design.

That said it is 23 years old and nearing 200K miles with the original transmission and engine, neither been rebuilt. Its been a very good 2nd/3rd car. Very low TCO. Its about time for a drain/filter/refill with the teenager's help. They drive it, they can help maintain it.

Yea, I've vowed to change my transmission fluid at 100k miles +/- 10k. I do not believe the fluid lasts a "lifetime" but it's a PITA to change in most cars. A transmission fluid change is something I would consider paying for as an add-on while the car is up on a life for other reasons. 

[PeteD01]

Lifetime transmission fluid just means that it is good for the lifetime of the transmission and that is always true - trivially true, that is.

[jim555]

How are the laws in the US about oil change?

In my state if the retailer sells oil they must accept used oil.

[Cadman]

$55 seems awfully expensive for DIY. Oil prices are up, but I can still get 5 quarts of name brand 10w30 and a good quality filter, all in for $25, less if I wait for the rebates/sales.

Personally knowing folks that have had irreparable damage done to their vehicles by both chains and dealers during a routine oil change, as well as having a friend that worked at one of those quick-change places, is pretty much reason enough for me to swear them off for good.

Hauling used oil back for recycling is a pain, and messy. A decade ago I picked up a lined 55 gal drum with a bolted, tight-sealing lid, and have been using it for my used oil ever since. When full, there are plenty of guys looking for waste oil for their heating plants; might even make a buck on it.

[curious_george]

I can change my own oil faster than it takes to drive to a shop and tell them to do it.

The shop deals with anything involving removing a 16 year old rusted bolt though. I've broken off way too many bolts to deal with them myself anymore. If PBblaster and the extension pipe don't work, I'm putting it back together and taking it to the shop to let them deal with it.

[Dancin'Dog]

I've always changed the oil in all our vehicles and power equipment.  I recently purchased an oil extraction pump so I could change the oil in our boat without taking it out of the water.  I've found that it's a great way to change the oil in our cars too.  The filters on our European vehicles are on top of the engine, so I don't even have to get under them.  Our Japanese vehicles have filters under them, but it's still great not to deal with the messy and awkward drain pan. 


I use either Castrol Edge or Mobile 1 full synthetic oil.  Usually about $24-$26 per 5-quart jug a WalMart.  I use Shell Rotella in my motorcycles which is an inexpensive oil that works well with their wet-type clutches. 


The oil extractor also works well for changing brake fluid. 

[PeteD01]

Lifetime transmission fluid just means that it is good for the lifetime of the transmission and that is always true - trivially true, that is.

I have a 2020 Hyundai and there is indeed no transmission fluid change on the service schedule.
The car has one of these CVT transmissions and I had the transmission fluid changed at 30k, and I will continue to do that every 30k.
I had no idea that this car supposedly has "lifetime" transmission fluid, and to me that sounds like a bad idea never to change the transmission fluid - especially with a CVT.

I tried to look up what "lifetime" is supposed to mean and could only find that manufacturers consider around 5 years and between 30-60k miles the lifetime of a car, which is about the typical warranty coverage.
Of course, one doesn´t ever have to change the transmission fluid if one is happy to junk a car after 5 years or 30-60k miles.

Am I missing something here?
It sounds ridiculous, doesn´t it?

[zolotiyeruki]

Am I missing something here?
It sounds ridiculous, doesn´t it?

No, I don't think you're missing anything, and yes, it is ridiculous.  When 250,000 miles is a basic minimum life expectancy out of a Toyota, a transmission that's expected to fail at less than a quarter of that is unconscionable in my opinion.

Honda started making their transmission filters unserviceable, by putting them in a place where you have to remove the transmission from the car in order to swap it out.  It's a "lifetime filter", so they say.  Well, my '06 Odyssey is at 222k miles, and I'd like to change out that filter.  Grrr.

[LennStar]

I tried to look up what "lifetime" is supposed to mean and could only find that manufacturers consider around 5 years and between 30-60k miles the lifetime of a car, which is about the typical warranty coverage.


Am I missing something here?
It sounds ridiculous, doesn´t it?

WHAAT???

Even my car has reached 50K km in it's 10 years! (Just had to pay 600€ for repairs, arrrgh) Someone I know drove 1000km a week for work reasons.

[Just Joe]

Am I missing something here?
It sounds ridiculous, doesn´t it?

No, I don't think you're missing anything, and yes, it is ridiculous.  When 250,000 miles is a basic minimum life expectancy out of a Toyota, a transmission that's expected to fail at less than a quarter of that is unconscionable in my opinion.

Honda started making their transmission filters unserviceable, by putting them in a place where you have to remove the transmission from the car in order to swap it out.  It's a "lifetime filter", so they say.  Well, my '06 Odyssey is at 222k miles, and I'd like to change out that filter.  Grrr.

My '14 Acura MDX has an inline filter under the battery tray for the transmission. You might look to see if your's has that. Mine has the Honda/Acura six speed auto. There are few mentions of the trans filter anywhere but it is there. The owner's manual is an encyclopedia but really fails to discuss maintenance plus a few other topics too. Something that was this expensive new should have come with paper copy of the factory repair manual - for free. We bought it used for less than the price of a new CRV.

Would be trivial to add that filter to any car with cooler lines. I also fitted the factory trans cooler which ups my tow capacity from 3500 lbs to 5000 lbs. I'll never tow anything approaching that but I like the extra cooling capacity and perhaps will help the durability of the transmission. 

This trans develops a well known shudder in 3rd and 4th gears when the trans fluid gets old so it needs a drain/refill/filter every 35K or 45K miles. Otherwise it operates perfectly.

[zolotiyeruki]

My '14 Acura MDX has an inline filter under the battery tray for the transmission. You might look to see if your's has that. Mine has the Honda/Acura six speed auto. There are few mentions of the trans filter anywhere but it is there. ...

Would be trivial to add that filter to any car with cooler lines. I also fitted the factory trans cooler which ups my tow capacity from 3500 lbs to 5000 lbs. I'll never tow anything approaching that but I like the extra cooling capacity and perhaps will help the durability of the transmission. 

They may have added the inline filter for later model years, but for my generation of Odyssey, it's inside the equivalent of the bell housing.  on further research, it appears that you're right--for the '05-06 year, it's still accessible.

Funny you should mention the cooler--we added a trailer hitch to this van, along with the trans cooler.  It wasn't too bad, actually.  I suppose I could add a filter, but it probably wouldn't accomplish anything at this point.

[chasingsnow]

I think it is unequivocally worth it to change your own oil. For me, its something I enjoy doing and it takes me less time then driving somewhere to have it done. That being said, I dont believe everyone has to DIY everything, so if you absolutely hate wrenching on cars want to pay to have someone change it, I think thats fine too.

[jnw]

It cost me $55 for oil and a filter to do it myself. It can't be more than that to get it changed at Jiffy Lube can it?

Interesting, my BF changes his oil in his Toyota Echo for like $27.  He also changed the oil in my Lexus LS400 for around $35 (which includes Mobil One Synthetic from Walmart).

[BlueMR2]

As a car guy that likes to do a lot of his own work to save money, oil changes at home simply aren't worth it.  The local family shop down the street can do a full synthetic change for less money than I can buy the oil and filter.  It even takes less time for them to do it than me buying the stuff, doing the work, and then taking the old oil in for disposal.

Does not apply to motorcycles though.  Trying to get a motorcycle serviced anywhere is a royal pain.  Everything on the motorcycle except for tire mounting gets done at home...

[Cadman]

Did an oil change on the wife's Sonic yesterday. Since I've FIRED, there's no excuse not to. Between 5 qts of Dexos and a Bosch filter, I'm in it for $25 and 15 minutes. But I also know the drain plug is torqued correctly, and that the filter was actually changed.

Aside from the cost savings, unless you routinely jack your car up and slide under it, this is an ideal time to inspect suspension, exhaust and undercarriage components for wear or damage. There's value in that you won't necessarily get from the quickie in-and-out oil change places.

[farmecologist]

Did an oil change on the wife's Sonic yesterday. Since I've FIRED, there's no excuse not to. Between 5 qts of Dexos and a Bosch filter, I'm in it for $25 and 15 minutes. But I also know the drain plug is torqued correctly, and that the filter was actually changed.

Aside from the cost savings, unless you routinely jack your car up and slide under it, this is an ideal time to inspect suspension, exhaust and undercarriage components for wear or damage. There's value in that you won't necessarily get from the quickie in-and-out oil change places.

Yeah..I'm not sure if the OP is using liquid gold as their oil or what...but $55 is way too much.

Our vehicles can be done for less than $30.  And that is using "Pennzoil Platinum Plus Full Synthetic"...I watch Amazon and the like for sales on the 5 quart jugs.

I also just like doing it...and I have a garage, etc...so it is a comfortable area to do the work.  Not sure I would do it myself if I didn't have the garage, etc... I also do most of our other car maintenance as well.

I have also heard many horror stories about the quickie oil change places...and even dealers that do a piss poor job.  Not sure how you can screw up an oil change...but they manage to do it.  Back in the day my grandfather had an oil change done via the dealer and they didn't tighten the oil plug enough...and guess what?  Blown engine.  The dealer ended up replacing the engine!