Auto maintenance can either be really easy or really hard to do yourself, with the difficulty being directly related to your level of knowledge about cars and how good your tools and equipment are. This creates a number of pros and cons to performing auto maintenance yourself versus taking your car to an auto shop. If you do have the tools and experience then performing auto maintenance yourself will be cheaper than an auto shop and often times more convenient. However, the purchasing, maintaining, and storing of large amounts of tools is no simple task, along with the fact that often times you are sacrificing a significant amount of your own free time to save a few bucks here and there. So in the end its like a balancing of both time and money.

The-Pros-and-Cons-of-Doing-Your-Own-Auto-Maintenance-All-Around-Auto-Repair-CA-1

Ask any person who does their own auto maintenance and they will tell you is that is far cheaper to do most auto maintenance yourself. Changing your oil, refilling fluids, even rotating your tires can all be done with a minimum of fuss for a couple of bucks, provided that you know how. Oh! Also, that you already own all of the wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and jacks you will need, plus a multitude of other tools that you only need in very specific situations. You will also need to be performing regular maintenance on all of those tools, which will require even more tools. Over time your collection of tools will prove useful for all sorts of things beyond auto maintenance and they will pay themselves off even if you only use them for that, given a long period of time. However, this is still a very large upfront cost, particularly if you aren’t sure of what tools you will need. Trying to figure out such requirements can also be time consuming.

Another positive for doing all your own auto maintenance is that you aren’t restricted by a shop’s open hours or hampered when they are busy. Well many auto shops strive to be open and available at a variety of hours so customers with busy schedules can stop in, being able to just say “I am going to change my oil Saturday after lunch” can be important. However, this is balanced by the fact that it is very possible that once you start working on your car, you will notice an issue over here, and then another one, oh, and that needs replacing too. Five trips to the parts store later you notice that it is Sunday evening and your entire weekend was eaten by working on your car. Where if you had just taken the car to an auto store, all of that work could have been done over your lunch break thanks to the fact that they will already have all the parts and tools necessary, along with incredibly useful things like hydraulic lifts and compressed air guns that speed up auto maintenance work immensely.

At the end of the day, you will always need to perform regular auto maintenance. The when and how of your car receiving the care and upkeep it deserves is something that will vary drastically from person to person. As time goes on and circumstances change, your position on how to upkeep your car will change as well. What was simple and practical to do in your early twenties, won’t make sense any more at forty when you have two kids and a mortgage. On the other hand, now that you own a house and have the space and possibly some spare time, maybe working on your own car can be a new hobby to invest yourself in. Only you know what is the best option for you and your life.  However we at All Around Auto Repair want to save you both time and money so contact us for all your car repair needs.

Check Engine Maintenance

FAQ about Auto Maintenance & Oil Changes

1. How often should I change my oil if I drive frequently in stop-and-go traffic?

Frequent stop-and-go driving can cause your engine to work harder, leading to faster oil degradation. In this case, it’s recommended to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, especially for older models. Vehicles equipped with synthetic oil can go longer, typically up to 7,500 miles. Always consult your owner’s manual for model-specific guidelines.

2. Can synthetic oil last longer than conventional oil between changes?

Yes, synthetic oil generally lasts longer than conventional oil due to its superior formulation, which provides better engine protection. On average, synthetic oil can extend the interval between oil changes to 7,500-10,000 miles, while conventional oil should be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles. In the long run, using synthetic oil can also improve your engine’s longevity.

3. What happens if I don’t change my oil on time?

Delaying an oil change can lead to engine sludge buildup, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased wear and tear on engine components. Neglecting this essential maintenance task might eventually result in costly repairs or even complete engine failure. Regular oil changes ensure your engine stays lubricated, reducing friction and heat.

4. Is it better to do an oil change myself or take my car to a professional?

While DIY oil changes can save you money upfront, taking your car to a professional can save time and ensure the job is done correctly. Professionals have the right tools, equipment, and expertise to identify other potential issues during an oil change, like checking your car’s fluids, filters, and tire pressure.

5. How does extreme weather affect my oil change schedule?

Both extremely hot and cold weather conditions can impact the performance of your engine oil. In hot climates, oil can thin out, reducing its effectiveness, while cold temperatures can make the oil thicker, slowing down lubrication. In either case, it’s a good idea to change your oil more frequently, about every 3,000-5,000 miles, to ensure optimal engine protection.

6. Can I switch from conventional oil to synthetic oil during an oil change?

Yes, you can switch from conventional oil to synthetic oil without any issues. Synthetic oil offers better performance, especially in extreme temperatures, and provides longer-lasting engine protection. However, once you switch to synthetic, you might want to stick with it to maintain consistency in your engine’s lubrication.

Vehicle maintenance

7. Does my driving style impact how often I should get an oil change?

Absolutely! Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and driving in stop-and-go traffic can all increase engine wear and reduce oil life. If you engage in these driving habits, you might need to change your oil more frequently—every 3,000 miles instead of the typical 7,500-mile interval for normal driving conditions.

8. What other maintenance checks should I do alongside an oil change?

Along with an oil change, you should also check your vehicle’s air filters, fluid levels (like coolant, brake, and transmission fluids), and tire pressure. Additionally, inspecting belts and hoses for wear and tear, and checking the condition of your brakes and battery, can help prevent bigger issues down the road.

9. How do I know if my oil is bad and needs changing?

You can check your oil by pulling out the dipstick and inspecting its color and consistency. If the oil is dark, thick, or gritty, it’s time for a change. Also, if your engine is running louder than usual or your oil change light comes on, these are signs that your oil may need to be replaced.

10. Can frequent oil changes improve fuel efficiency?

Yes, regularly changing your oil can boost your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Clean oil reduces friction between engine parts, allowing them to move more smoothly and efficiently. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, keeping your oil fresh can improve gas mileage by up to 2%, which may not seem like much but adds up over time.