Why DIY Oil Changes Could Be Costing You More in the Long Run

Hey there 👋, Steve here. I’ve been working on cars for over 20 years, and I’ve seen just about everything you can imagine when it comes to oil changes—both the good and the bad. A lot of folks come into my shop thinking DIY oil changes are saving them money. But here’s the truth: more often than not, it ends up costing them more in the long run.

Now, don’t get me wrong—if you’re a gearhead who enjoys tinkering in the garage, I get it. But if you’re just doing it to pinch pennies, you might be setting yourself up for a bigger bill down the road. That’s why next time you’re thinking about crawling under your car, it might be worth searching “oil change near me” instead.

Let me explain why.

The Real Cost of a DIY Oil Change

On paper, DIY looks cheaper. You buy the oil, grab a filter, maybe pick up some gloves and a drain pan. Sounds like $30–$40 tops, right?

Not so fast.

Hidden Expenses Add Up

• Oil and filter: Sure, they’re cheap at the store, but good synthetic oil can cost $30–$50 alone.
• Tools: If you don’t already own ramps, a jack, or a torque wrench, you’ll need them.
• Disposal: Used oil has to be recycled properly—most auto stores accept it, but you’re still spending gas and time to haul it over.
• Your time: Even if you’re quick, a DIY oil change usually eats up 1–2 hours.

👉 Quick story: I had a guy named Mark bring in his Chevy Silverado after doing his own oil change. He thought he was saving $25. Problem was, he didn’t tighten the filter properly. Two days later, oil was leaking all over his driveway. By the time he caught it, the engine had already run low on oil.

Common Mistakes DIYers Make

I’m not here to knock DIYers—I respect the effort. But I’ve fixed enough DIY mistakes to know where most folks slip up.

1. Using the Wrong Oil Type or Grade

Engines today are more precise than ever. Use the wrong viscosity and your engine can suffer. Manufacturers are picky about this for a reason.

2. Over- or Under-Tightening the Drain Plug

Crank it too hard, and you strip the threads. Too loose, and you’ve got an oil leak. Either way, it’s trouble.

3. Forgetting the Filter or Gasket

Sounds crazy, but I’ve seen it more than once: folks forget to swap the gasket or double up on them. Result? Oil leaks everywhere.

4. Poor Oil Disposal

Dumping oil in the trash or backyard isn’t just bad for the environment 🌎—you can actually face fines if caught.

👉 I once had a college student come in with a Honda Civic. He’d done his oil change in the dorm parking lot, but forgot the crush washer on the drain plug. The car leaked out nearly all its oil over the weekend. 

Why Professional Oil Changes Save You Money Long-Term

This is where the “oil change near me” search comes into play.

When you go to a shop, you’re not just paying for oil and a filter. You’re paying for:

• Expertise: Mechanics know exactly what oil and filter your vehicle needs.
• Proper torque: We’ve got calibrated tools so nothing’s stripped or loose.
• Inspections: Most shops (including mine) check belts, hoses, tires, and fluids while we’re under the hood.
• Peace of mind: You leave knowing it was done right.

Think of it like this: you’re not just buying an oil change—you’re buying insurance against future problems.

Time Is Money: The Convenience Factor

DIY oil changes aren’t just messy—they eat up your time.

• DIY: 1–2 hours (plus cleanup, disposal run, etc.).
• Professional shop: 20–30 minutes tops.

👉 I remember one customer, Jim, who told me he spent an entire Saturday afternoon changing oil on his two family cars. Between trips to the store, cleanup, and one stuck filter, he lost six hours. The kicker? He said his wife got her nails done and went shopping while he was covered in oil. He laughed, but admitted he’d rather just search “oil change near me” next time and relax with a coffee ☕.

The Warranty and Resale Value Factor

Here’s something DIYers often forget: documentation matters.

• Warranty protection: Some manufacturers require proof of professional service. If something happens to your engine and you can’t show records, they can deny coverage.
• Resale value: A stamped service record from a shop tells buyers you cared for the car. DIY? Not so much.

That “cheap” oil change could end up costing you thousands if a warranty claim gets denied.

The Risk of Engine Damage from DIY Errors

This is the big one. Oil is your engine’s lifeblood. Mess it up, and you’re in deep trouble.

• Run low on oil? Engine overheats and seizes.
• Use the wrong oil? Poor lubrication, more wear.
• Forget the filter? Dirty oil circulates, causing damage.

👉 I had a Dodge Charger roll in one time with a seized engine. The owner admitted he skipped the filter “just this once” because he forgot to buy it. That $7 part ended up costing him $4,200.

Compare that to a professional oil change at $50–$80. Big difference, right?

So, Is DIY Worth It?

If you’re a hobbyist and love getting your hands dirty, DIY can be fun. But if you’re just trying to save money, the math doesn’t add up. Between the hidden costs, the risks of mistakes, and the value of your time, you’re almost always better off searching for a trusted “oil change near me.”

Final Thoughts

Look, I get it—DIY can feel like you’re saving money. But after two decades of fixing cars, I can tell you this: most of the time, it ends up costing more.

A professional oil change doesn’t just give you fresh oil—it gives you peace of mind, warranty protection, and a mechanic’s trained eye on your car. That’s worth way more than a few bucks saved at the auto parts store.

👉 Don’t risk your engine or your Saturday. Book your next oil change near me at Kingdom Autocare today. We’ll keep your car running smooth, and you can spend your time doing something you actually enjoy 🚗✨.