Millions of Americans trust the maintenance of their cars to someone else, preferring to let their mechanic do the dirty work. When it comes to changing their oil, many drivers head off to quick oil change places such as Jiffy Lube and Precision Tune to have the work done, a task that can take as little as 10 minutes to complete.
Quick oil change places are convenient, but they may not always do a good job. Let's take a look at some of the risks of using dedicated oil change businesses as well as the benefits.
You have seen the sign for $19.95 oil changes and wonder if that price is too good to be true. Well, it could be. Basic service should include changing your oil and oil filter and replacing both with the manufacturer's suggested grade of oil and recommended filter. But that is where problems can arise: if your car uses synthetic oil or uses a premium grade, then the basic price will not cover what you need. You must insist on having the quick oil change place use the right grade of oil for your car. Expect that you will pay more than the advertised budget price for this service.
Most quick oil change places offer "extras" along with their basic service. They may vacuum your interior floors; check tire pressure; top off fluids including windshield reservoir, power steering, transmission and differential; and inspect your wiper blades, lights, belts, and various air filtration system filters. If these services are included in the standard price, then that is an added value.
If the quick oil change mechanic wants to replace wipers, belts, air filter or other part expect to pay well above retail price for that part. As noted by Chris Walters of The Consumerist, one customer was "paying $30 extra to change out the air filter each time he brings his car to Jiffy Lube for an oil change." Instead, go to an auto parts retailer and find a replacement air filter for less than half that price and do the work yourself. Some retailers, such as Advance Auto Parts, provide free wiper and battery changing services and will recycle your old oil.
Horror stories abound where drivers left their quick change oil place only to discover that the oil plug was not put back in or was stripped, causing the oil to seep out. Without oil an engine can be damaged, leading to thousands of dollars in repair bills. Immediately follow up on the work that was done, by lifting the hood of your car and inspecting fluid levels. In addition, make sure that the oil filter was replaced and that all covers and lids are secured.
Finally, save money and help the environment by changing your oil at manufacturer recommended intervals. Too frequent oil changes mean more hazardous waste needs to be disposed of.
