Oil Change Cost

Do You Get What You Paid For?

Oil changes are an essential maintenance item for all vehicle owners. No matter what you drive or where you go, your car will need fluid service to protect the engine and keep it running well for as long as possible. But because this is one of the services you pay for the most, it’s easy to see how the cost adds up. Some drivers try to go longer between oil changes to save money, but this could put their vehicle at risk of damage — damage that will require repair and costlier service. Oil changes are called preventative maintenance because they protect the car from more costly repairs, but only when performed on a routine schedule. At Jeff’s Auto Repair in Windermere, Washington, we understand that drivers want to maximize both their maintenance budget and vehicle’s health. They want to know what’s worth paying for and what isn’t, so we are breaking down the costs of oil change services.

Synthetic Oil

Price is perhaps most noticeable to those who have to fill their cars with full-synthetic oil — the most expensive of all kinds of motor oil. It’s easy to wonder why this type costs so much, and whether or not it’s really necessary. If your vehicle requires synthetic oil, you can’t downgrade or you’ll risk serious damage and degradation to your vehicle’s health and performance. But you aren’t paying for nothing. Synthetic oil contains helpful additives that are proven to help engines run longer and perform better. You should see savings on auto repairs and get more out of your vehicle thanks to this type of oil. Synthetic oil may not need to be changed as often as conventional, which can even out the higher costs over time.

Conventional Oil

If your car runs on synthetic oil, you might be tempted to switch to a more budget-friendly conventional type. But this can be extremely damaging to your vehicle. Conventional oil is affordable for a reason. It doesn’t contain as many additives that condition the engine or protect it from damage. It may not perform as well in certain vehicles, putting the engine at risk of overheating or contamination. If your vehicle does run on conventional oil and you feel that the costs are adding up, consider the alternatives. Skipping oil changes forces your engine to work harder. It uses more gas to travel the same distance — which means higher fuel costs. It puts more strain on other components — which means more frequent repairs. The cost of regular oil changes is nothing compared to a failed engine that didn’t last to its full potential.