Is Changing Your Own Oil Worth It? The Answer May Surprise You

DIY feels good, but does it really save you money?

One of the biggest personal finance problems with hiring a professional to do, well, anything, is the cost of that expertise. That's right, we're talking labor. The biggest line item on nearly any bill.

That's why it's often so much more affordable to do it yourself (DIY) -- provided you have the requisite skills to not make a mess out of it, of course. This applies to everything from home haircuts to simple repairs. And, yes, even some auto maintenance and repair jobs.

But what about the most frequent bit of auto maintenance: oil changes? Is it really more economical to DIY your oil change? Or is that something you should leave to the hourly "pros" at the quickie lube? Turns out, it's not as clear-cut as you may think.

You might save a little money -- maybe

At the end of the day, whether you save money on your oil change by doing it yourself instead of taking it into a shop depends on a ton of variables:

• The cost of the oil: If you can get it on sale, you might come out ahead. If not, the shop buying it by the vat probably gets a better per-quart price than you can find.
• The cost of the filter: Like the oil, if you can find a good sale, you may get a better price. Again, though, the scale at which big shops buy these things means they're likely getting the better deal.
• The cost of disposal: You can't dump motor oil down the drain or in your yard. (Seriously, that's a major no-no. Don't do it.) Instead, you need to take it to an auto parts shop or mechanic who can safely dispose of it. Some places will do this for free, but others will charge you a fee for the service.
• The tools of the trade: Changing your own oil means you'll need a few tools, including an oil pan (to catch the oil), funnel, wrenches and pliers (to access everything), and ramps and/or a jack (so you have room to work). If you don't already have these things on hand, that first DIY oil change is going to be pricey. 
• The know-how: Here's the big one. If you already know how to change oil -- and, more specifically, how to change the oil in your current vehicle -- then great! If not, be prepared for the first few changes to have a significant time investment while you learn what to do (YouTube videos take time to watch, after all). And, potentially, more time spent trying to fix things if you mess something up.

All this is to say, if you know what you're doing and can find a good deal on your supplies -- which shouldn't be that hard, honestly, as auto parts stores (and even big box stores) run sales on these things regularly -- then yes, you might save a few bucks doing it yourself.

Is it going to be an eye-popping amount of savings? No, probably not. And especially not if you place a high value on your time.

Fringe perks of a professional job

Another thing to keep in mind when debating whether to DIY your next oil change is that the shop typically doesn't stop at the oil and filter. Most professional oil changes also come bundled with a number of other services that may change the savings quotient.

For example, most oil change shops will also check and top off your various fluids -- power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant/antifreeze, wiper fluid -- as well as inspect things like belts and hoses. They also may inspect your windshield wipers, the health of your battery, and even your tire pressure.

All of these extra checks and top-ups take only minutes for the techs who have easy access to the right tools. For the home mechanic, this may mean an extra half hour to an hour of work as you maneuver for access and swap out tools (or even longer if you need to run to the store for a fluid you don't have on hand).

The priceless quality of peace of mind

Of course, there are reasons other than the base cost of the job for doing it yourself. The biggest one? The peace of mind of knowing the job was done with care and with quality materials.

When you do the job yourself, you can ensure you're using exactly the parts you want. You can choose the best-quality air filter and oil. You can check and triple check that every cap is replaced and screw back in place. 

And you also have to do it all with your own two hands. In a world where most of us spend our days in front of a screen, that quality time getting your hands dirty could be a real boon.

How to save in either case

If you're sold on the DIY approach, it's time to start looking for deals. You'll need oil, filters, and tools -- ideally all on sale. (You can keep unused oil in your garage, so don't be afraid to buy a little extra if you find a great sale.) 

If you'd rather let the pros handle it -- well, you'll also want to keep an eye out for deals. Many chains will run regular specials, including putting coupons on their websites and/or in local publications. Your neighborhood mechanic may also offer you a deal if you ask (though don't expect them to price match a big chain).