First let me introduce myself, my name is Jerry, I am happily married and father of two young boys. My family and I are always on the look out to find creative ways to stretch the mighty dollar. We also offer the cheapest oil change coupons found online including links to Valvoline coupons, Penzoil oil change coupons, Mobile oil change coupons, Speedy oil change coupons, and many more. One of my earliest childhood memories was of my father teaching me how to check the oil level in our old red station wagon. The trick was not to get oil all over our hands and jeans before we returned to our car or mom would give you us an ear-full. My father instilled in me that you have to check the oil often and change it every 3000 miles. Times have changed, oils have improved, and a little knowledge about oil changes can go a long way to save you money.
First a little background on why we we change oil in our cars in the first place. The number one reason to change the oil in your car is to stop the development of sludge. Modern oils contain detergent that is used to keep contaminants off of the internal engine parts. The goal is to keep the contaminants suspended in the oil until the next oil change.
According to the experts, if you own a car that is less than 10 years old, then there is no reason to change your oil every 3000 miles. Every time I change my oil in my car I am always on the lookout for the cheapest oil change. The oil and car industries have improved oil and engine technologies to the point that you can drive your car 7500 to 10000 miles between oil changes. The best advice is to read the owner’s manual for to find the exact recommendation.
Tip: Never use one of those “Engine Flush Products” if you change your oil according to the vehicle manufacture guidelines, you simply don’t need them.
Type of Oil to Choose
The majority of cars on the road today use either 10W-30 or 5W-30. The primary difference between the oils is that 5W-30 flows better when it’s cold outside, if you live in a very cold area like we do here in the Northeast, then use 5W-30. If you live in warm climates like the South East you’re better off using 10W-30. Remember to check your vehicle owner’s manual first.
DIY vs. Paying Others to Change the Oil for You
You can choose to change the oil yourself or pay others to do it for you. My personal preference is to pay others to change the oil for me. That being said, the cheapest way to change your oil is to invest the time and purchase equipment do it yourself. If you decide to pay others, you have two choices, getting it done at your local retailer or dealer. You may be surprised to learn that dealerships can be less expensive than the local retailer. Dealerships typically run specials and offer quick and reliable service. Many dealers offer a guarantee to get you in out of the dealership in less than 30 minutes otherwise your next oil change is free.
Oil Change Retailer and Dealer Warning Signs
Some retailers offer specials that use SAE-30 oil, as opposed to the manufacturer’s recommendation of 5W-30 or 10W-30. It is better to pay more money for the proper oil. If the retailer or dealer tries to pull this on you it’s a clear indication then they are being less than honest with you.
Tip: Avoid retailers are dealers that try to sell you overpriced services such as engine flushes.
Often retailers will try to sell you low-quality parts such as windshield wiper blades, thermostats, PCV valves, and washer fluid. Never let a local oil change chain you any mechanical work on your car. Typically they are under qualified and are not mechanics. Many times the goal is to sell you things you don’t need to earn an extra dollar.
Don’t let a retailer sell you fluids other than oil. Don’t let them sell you on fuel additives, oil additives, antifreeze, power steering fluid, or brake fluid. They may make a mistake and use the wrong fluid which may cause permanent damage to your vehicle. It is better to use a dealership or your trusted mechanic to change fluids other than oil.
Tip: do not use any oil additives no matter how much they are pushed or recommended by your local dealer or retailer. They provide no value and may react with the detergents already present in the oil. Many of these oil additives have minute particles that can clog oil filters. Heavily hyped oil additives you’ll here used most often are Prolonged, Dear Lube, and Slick 50. Don’t let the hype fool you there are no benefits to using these types of products.
So dig out your vehicle owner’s manual and see what it says. When the retailer or dealer slaps a sticker on your windshield that states the next oil change is due in 3000 miles, you now know better. Remember to follow the owner’s manual guideline as that is the best source to keep your engine running smoothly.
Best,
Jerry
Cheapest Oil Change
info@cheapestoilchange.net