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Oil Change Prices: Is DIY Cheaper Than Going to a Shop?

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If you own a car, then regular oil changes are a must. How often you need to change your oil varies depending on your driving habits and the make, model, and year of your vehicle.

Many manufacturers recommend an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, with older cars, trucks, and SUVs typically on the lower end. If you drive an average amount, approximately 13,500 miles according to Federal Highway Administration, that means you’ll need between one and five oil changes every year.

But, the cost of an oil change at a shop can be pricey. This leads many to wonder if this is a task they are better off doing themselves.

When it comes to car maintenance, an oil change is something most car owners can tackle. But will it actually save you money?

DIY Oil Change Prices

Changing your car’s oil is actually a fairly simple process and requires only a few items. First, you need oil. How much you need depends on your vehicle, so you’ll want to check the owner’s manual to make sure you buy enough. Typically, it will be between five and eight quarts, though some smaller cars may require less.

You also need to see what weight of oil you need. For example, some cars may need 5W-30 while others take 10W-20. This is also information you can find in the owner’s manual, allowing you to make sure you buy the right one.

Then, you need a pan to catch the old oil, an oil filter, and a jug to store the old oil. Once you have all of those items, you are ready to handle your DIY oil change.

Prices May Vary Depending On Your Location

DIY oil change prices may vary somewhat depending on where you live. However, you can typically find five quarts of motor oil for between $10 and $30. An oil drain pan is usually between $4 and $10, with larger pans being more expensive.

Some pans also function as storage containers, so you may be able to save a bit by buying on that does both. Otherwise, you’ll also need a jug or a funnel. If you have a funnel, you may be able to pour the old oil into the container holding the replacement oil, suggesting you use all of it during your DIY oil change.

Oil filters are also reasonably inexpensive. In most cases, you can find one for around $5 to $10.

Even on the high-end, a DIY oil change prices out around $50. However, if you look for sales or are flexible about the brand, spending $20 or less is possible, even on a full-synthetic oil change.

When you do a DIY oil change, there typically isn’t much of a time commitment either. Once you become familiar with the process, it only takes about 15 minutes. Considering you can spend that much time talking to a shop attendant if you get your oil change at a store, let alone the additional wait time that usually accompanies an oil change, the time usually isn’t a factor.

You will need to check into oil disposal costs in your area. Motor oil is hazardous waste, so you can’t just toss it in the trash.

In some cases, cities allow you to bring oil to a solid waste disposal center for no-cost at any time. Other locations host free disposal days, but some do charge fees.

Shop Oil Change Prices

Shop oil changes prices can vary significantly from one shop to the next. Additionally, your location can play a role in the cost, as services in larger cities with higher costs of living are typically more expensive.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t deals available. For example, you can get a basic, conventional oil change at Walmart for as little as $19.88. If you need full-synthetic, then that will cost $49.88.

Jiffy Lube tends to be more expensive than Walmart, but they frequently offer coupons that can bring the price down, making it comparable. The same can go for Firestone Complete Auto Care, Midas, and even dealerships.

There can be additional charges on top of the base oil change prices, such as if you need more than five quarts of oil. This means it is wise to ask about any additional expenses or fees before you get the work done.

It is important to note that shop oil changes usually come with extra services. This can include topping off various fluids, inflating your tires, and checking your battery. While you can do many as DIYs, it does increase the amount of work and may require special tool.

Vehicle Considerations

When you’re looking to lower the cost of an oil change, you may be tempted to use a lower-grade oil. Conventional oil is cheaper than blends or synthetics, and the savings can be attractive.

However, before you purchase a lower-grade oil, you need to determine what is best for your vehicle. Some cars, trucks, and SUVs require blends or full-synthetics to run properly. Additionally, higher mileage or high-use vehicles may benefit from an upgrade.

Before you make a selection, check your owner’s manual. Your manufacturer’s recommendations in the manual will let you know which options are best based on your vehicles needs. If it says a blend or synthetic is necessary, then that’s what you need to purchase at a minimum.

Often, you can choose to buy higher quality oil if you prefer, but a lower-grade oil in a car that requires something better can lead to engine damage.

Which is Cheaper?

Which approach is most cost-effective depends on your needs. If you are getting a conventional oil change, you might not save much money doing it yourself. By heading to Walmart or finding a coupon, you can spend about the same. It will cost you in time though, so if expediency is critical, then a DIY oil change might be ideal.

But, if you’re a savvy shopper and need a blend or full-synthetic, you can come out ahead with a DIY oil change. At a shop, these services can run between $50 and $80 or more, depending on the amount of oil you need. By looking for sales and being brand-flexible, you could save $20 or more. You won’t get the extra services, like the fluid top off, but if that isn’t something you need, then consider saving the money.

However, if you have a new vehicle and are eligible for free oil changes at the dealership, then you can get these services without spending a dime. If the dealer is in your local area, then it’s hard to beat those oil change prices, which might make your time in the waiting room particularly worthwhile.

Do you use DIY oil changes or head to a shop? Let us know in the comments below.

Looking for more create articles about cars? Give these a try:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

What Is the Best Type of Gas for My Car?

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In the US, there are approximately 116,000 gas stations. Once you pull in for a fill-up, most customers encounter a few choices. Regular, plus (or mid-grade), and premium are common for unleaded gas. In most cases, you’ll also find diesel available.

It isn’t uncommon to wonder, “What’s the best gas for my car?” when you look at these options. Will premium give me better performance? Could regular damage my engine? What happens if I use diesel?

While it might be confusing on the surface, figuring out which one is right for you is fairly simple. However, it is helpful to understand what the different choices mean.

Different Types of Gas

At a gas station, unleaded fuel is usually available with three octane levels. 87, 89, and 91 or 93 are the most common offerings at most gas stations.

The octane rating isn’t an indication of power. Instead, it plays a role in preignition.

To operate, your car’s engine starts compressing fuel and air as it ignites them with a spark. Preignition occurs when the fuel-air mixture ignites too soon, something that can lead to a knocking sound.

Octane levels denote a fuel’s resistance to preignition. Higher ratings mean the gas isn’t as likely to detonate, and certain engines can use this feature to achieve more power.

In a high-performance engine, the fuel-air mixture is compressed to a smaller size. This creates additional heat, something that could lead to preignition with low-octane gas. High-octane fuel prevents preignition in these engines, allowing it to function at its best.

Diesel engines ignite differently than traditional unleaded gas engines. Diesel engines don’t use sparks. Instead, the compression creates enough heat to cause combustion. This means fuel a diesel engine needs features a different composition.

What Is The Best Gas For My Car?

Generally, the easiest way to figure out which type of fuel is best for your car is to check your owner’s manual. You may also find this information near your gas cap, though this isn’t always the case.

Your vehicle is designed to run on a gas that features a certain minimum octane. If your car can use 87-octane fuel, then springing for a higher grade isn’t necessary. You won’t get a performance or mileage boost by investing in more expensive gas in most cases, so don’t waste the money and just buy regular.

However, if your car needs a plus or premium octane, usually between 89 and 93, then that’s what you need to buy. In older vehicles, buying a lower octane can actually cause damage to the engine, making it a necessity.

While newer cars have sensors that can retune the engine, helping to prevent damage from a lower octane, that doesn’t mean it is good for your engine. Your fuel economy will usually suffer, and you may see a reduction in power. Additionally, there’s no guarantee that your engine won’t experience damage, even if it has the latest technology.

If your vehicle doesn’t ask for diesel, then don’t use it. Putting diesel into a regular gas tank can cause your car to stop working. Diesel fuel is thicker than regular gas, so it can gunk up your injectors, lines, and filters.

While the damage isn’t always permanent, it can be, so it’s best to find a mechanic who can help you remove the fuel quickly. Allowing the diesel to sit in your tank and fuel system can lead to additional damage, so it needs to be siphoned out by a professional.

Don’t drive your car to the mechanic. Instead, you’ll need to pull over somewhere safe and get a tow truck to take your vehicle to a shop. This lessens the likelihood of damage, making it a crucial step.

Luckily, many diesel nozzles won’t fit in a regular gasoline fuel tank, so you aren’t likely to make this mistake at the pump.

Similarly, if your car needs diesel, then that’s what you need to use. Putting regular gas into a diesel vehicle can also harm the engine, especially with “clean diesel” engines. Again, your best bet is to call a tow truck and head to a mechanic.

Does Brand Matter?

Certain fuel stations, like ARCO, Costco, and Walmart, are known for lower prices. This leaves many wondering if the cheaper price is a reflection of the quality of the fuel.

In reality, the federal government has strict guidelines regarding gasoline, especially octane ratings. This means an 87-octane fuel at a cheap gas station has the same octane level as an 87-octane fuel at any other.

In most cases, the primary difference is the presence or lack of additives. For example, some stations have detergents that their brand uses, while others may not. If you choose a station that doesn’t use additives, then you might want to purchase some fuel injection cleaner. Then, you can add a little to every tank and get a similar advantage to the additives in many cases.

Ultimately, if you choose a cheaper brand of gasoline, you aren’t necessarily endangering your vehicle. You may just have to handle the addition of cleaners yourself, ensuring everything operates properly over the long-term.

But, if you don’t want to keep track of that, then choosing a gas station that has fuel with additives may be more convenient. The price difference may only be a few cents a gallon, which may be worth it to avoid the hassle.

Is there a particular fuel that you think is best for your car? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Looking for more great articles about cars? Here are a few to get you started:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

10 Car Maintenance Tips To Prep for Winter

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With kids headed back to school, many people don’t have travel plans until the holidays. Not having any plans to drive long distances, the fall presents a perfect time to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle in preparation for the winter. Here are a few car maintenance tips to get your car ready for cooler weather.

Car Maintenance Tips for Winter

Preparing your car for the colder winter months is important. Below are 10 tips from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and CarCare.org.

  1. Read your owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules. Generally, there are two service schedules listed (normal and severe). Any service lights on in your car should be taken care of before the weather gets colder.
  2. Replace wiper blades and fluid. Freezing rain and snow will be here before you know it. You may consider stocking up on wiper fluid and keep an ice scraper in your car. Your wipers and fluid will deteriorate quickly.
  3. Check heater and defroster. Defrost is necessary in order to have good visibility, especially in the snow. Not to mention, not having heat in your car throughout the winter is miserable. Check these functions and have them fixed if needed.
  4. Have your battery checked. If you do get stranded in the snow or even need a tow on a cold night, you’ll want to be sure your battery is charged. This way, you’ll have a way to turn the heat on while you wait.
  5. Stock your car with the items needed for emergencies. Even if your heater, battery, and everything else is in tip-top shape, you should prepare for emergencies. Keep a blanket, jumper cables, flares, water, flashlight, snacks, gloves, a small shovel, and a car charger for your cell phone.
  6. Make sure your brakes are up to par. Have your brakes checked or have them replaced before winter. Driving on worn brake pads will destroy your rotors and it decreases stopping power.
  7. Check your tire tread. If your tire tread is low it will impact your ability to safely drive in snow or ice. People living in areas that have heavy snow may consider purchasing snow tires.
  8. Replace filters. You’ve probably been running your A/C all summer. Be sure to change your air filters prior to the colder months.
  9. Get any existing problems fixed. Cold weather will only make them worse. If your brakes have been bad, the cold weather will make them break down faster. The same is true of any engine problems. Extreme weather changes will intensify your problem. Take your car in to get serviced before it gets cold.
  10. Perform other basic maintenance. This includes oil changes, fluid top offs and flushes, tire alignments, and other basic care. Each of these things needs to be done on a regular basis. Doing so will minimize the likelihood of you having car trouble.

The end of summer marks the perfect time to be sure your car is in the best shape possible for fall and the upcoming winter. Consider the car maintenance tips above when prepping your vehicle.

For money-saving car maintenance tips, check out the video below!

Readers, do you have a car maintenance tip you’d add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!

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Should You Buy Your College Student a Car?

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Preparing for college can be stressful. Oftentimes, many questions arise that you’ve never considered, like should you buy your child a car for college? When it comes to cars and college students, there are a number of things to consider before making a decision.

Financial Considerations

Whether or not your child needs a car at school depends on a number of things. Obviously, you want them to be able to travel to-and-from the grocery store and visit home without any mishaps. However, it may not be all that necessary for them to have a car on campus. In fact, many schools prohibit first-year students from having a vehicle on campus.

This is to promote freshmen to be more involved on campus and not travel home as much but it can have its financial benefits as well.

The average 18-year-0ld pays $3,148 in insurance each year. Annually, you can also expect to spend more than $1,200 on gas, $800 on maintenance, and around $700 on licenses, taxes, and registration. Not to mention that if your child decides to bring a car on campus they will also have to pay for a parking pass as well as other parking costs.

It is also good to consider the financial perks of having a car on campus as well. Although having a car may be expensive, on-campus stores usually charge high prices for snack items. Having a car can help save money on groceries. It can also provide a way for them to save money when traveling home for the holidays. Instead of an expensive plane ticket, they’ll be able to drive their car.

All in all, you will need to weigh out how much you stand to save vs how much you stand to lose when sending your child to school with a car. This should determine whether or not you decide to do so.

Best Cars for College Students

If you’re going to spend the money on it though, it is a good idea to do research and determine which car may be a good fit for your child. Luckily, Edmunds releases a list of best used cars for college students each year. Parents considering purchasing their college student a car should think about the options listed below.

  • 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid: On average, a newer used Honda Accord runs about $16,430. It gets 49 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. It is a popular car amongst college students because of its fuel efficiency and utility (seating up to five).
  • 2013 Volkswagen GTI: The GTI has an appeal to people who love cars. You can get a 2013 GTI for around $13,826. This model gets 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
  • 2014 Mazda 3: Comparable to the GTI, a Mazda 3 is a bit more affordable at an average price of $12,770. It also gets better gas mileage at 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
  • 2016 Toyota Rav4: For students looking for a bit more space and utility in their vehicle, there is the Toyota Rav4. You can get a 2016 model for around $21,235. It isn’t as great on gas mileage (23 city/30 highway) but you’ll have plenty of space for road trips.

When it comes to finding a car that will be safe and provide value for your student, you’ll want to go newer but used. Each of the options above, along with a number of other used cars may be the perfect fit for your child. The key to finding the right car is determining what will fit your budget, shopping around, and comparing prices as well as weighing needs and wants.

Readers, do you think you should buy your college student a car? 

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Buying vs. Leasing: Which Option is Right for Your Next Car?

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buying vs. leasing

In 2017, new vehicle sales crossed the $1 trillion mark across all franchised dealerships, representing 17.14 million cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. During the first half of 2017 alone, 2.1 million vehicles were leased. Buying vs. leasing, which would is best?

While buying dramatically outpaces leases by far, the latter still represents a large part of the automobile industry. In many cases, leases seem like attractive options, mainly because the advertised monthly payments are substantially lower than what usually comes with a loan-based purchase.

However, it’s important to look beyond the monthly cost if you want to figure out whether buying or leasing is right for you.

Richard Reina, the Product Training Director at CARiD.com, shared his insight on the battle of buying vs. leasing, allowing you to better determine which approach is actually better for your situation.

Buying vs. Leasing: Which is Financially Smarter?

According to Reina, buying is usually less expensive than leasing in the long run. The attractive monthly lease payments you see in commercials are commonly for “low-mileage leases,” meaning they are well below the average amount of mileage a person drives in a year. Mileage caps limit the number of miles you can drive per year as part of the contract. Exceeding that amount comes with a financial penalty, and it can be large.

Most leases require large down payments, usually between $1,000 and $3,000, and you then have to contend with the monthly payments. At the end of the lease, which usually lasts 36 months, you have a choice. First, you can make a “balloon payment,” a large payment that covers the rest of the vehicle’s cost all at once. Second, you can surrender the vehicle and lease or buy a new car. But the real issue with leasing is this: you never get out from making monthly payments.

When you buy a car, you own it. You don’t have to deal with mileage caps and can keep the car after you finish making payments. Most vehicles will last far longer than the time it takes to pay off a loan, as long as you get proper maintenance, giving you a chance to come out ahead.

Does It Ever Make Sense to Lease?

In some cases, leasing does make sense. If you want a new car every few years, then leasing gives you that ability. Then, you’ll always have access to the latest technology, which can be a benefit.

Additionally, most leased cars are under warranty for the duration it is in your possession. That can provide peace of mind.

Many leases also include routine maintenance. For your monthly payment, all of your basic needs are met. It may make luxury cars more affordable, as long as you can function within the mileage limits.

Best Way to Negotiate a Lease

Negotiating on a lease is harder than on a purchase, but it is possible to do. Typically, leases come with the lowest monthly payment possible and require a certain down payment, but there may be some wiggle room.

Examine the interest rates and down payments to start. Additionally, ask the salesperson what the selling price of the vehicle is for the lease. There usually isn’t much room for adjustments, but it never hurts to try, especially if you are a well-qualified shopper.

It’s important to note that it is possible that you won’t qualify for a lease, as credit checks and similar evaluations impact the final approval. Furthermore, you need to understand that you don’t build up equity in these arrangements. While you are responsible for wear and tear, you don’t own the car unless you purchase it when the lease is complete.

Best Way to Negotiate a Purchase

If you decide that buying is the best choice for you, then you need to be ready to negotiate. In comparison to leases, you usually have more room to get a good deal with a purchase.

Begin by researching the vehicle’s invoice price, since this is what the dealer paid to have the car on the lot. This information is usually accessible from resources like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and TrueCar.

Ignore the MSRP, as this sticker price only represents what the dealer is asking for the vehicle. When a car is in demand, the markup between the invoice price and MSRP can be thousands of dollars.

Don’t try to work your way down from the MSRP. Instead, start at the dealer invoice price and negotiate up.

Negotiation Tips and Tricks

Negotiating a lease or purchase is usually stressful or even overwhelming. If you are nervous or inexperienced, consider bringing a friend or family member along. Not only can they give you advice, but they also serve as an objective third-party. They will keep your best interests in mind and aren’t likely to get emotionally attached to a vehicle or let their feelings impact their decisions.

Also, don’t succumb to the pressure if the salesperson tries to make you stick to a decision right away. Often, it’s best not to formally agree to anything at all on the day you start looking. Instead, consider sleeping on it. This will help you think with a clearer head since you are away from the salesperson.

While waiting means you might miss out on the vehicle, it’s important to remember that there are a lot of automobiles around. Unless you are shopping for an incredibly exotic car (and even then), finding a similar car for sale is usually easy.

Read The Contract

Whether you decide to lease or buy, you always need to read the contract. All of the details are in the paperwork, and your signature means you agree to those terms. If you see something you don’t like or understand, point it out and ask questions. In some cases, you can negotiate certain fees away, and you can always back out of the deal if you haven’t signed on the dotted line.

Ultimately, in the buying vs. leasing debate, either approach is viable. Consider your goals for the car, such as how long you want to keep it and how far you need to drive it, first. Then, examine your budget and see which option seems like an ideal fit. Finally, negotiate, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t like the deal.

A car is a big commitment whether you buy or lease, so you should always proceed with caution, no matter which option you choose.

What are your thoughts about buying vs. leasing a car? Tell us about your experience below.

Looking for more great articles? Here are a few to get you started:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Summer Car Maintenance Tips to Beat the Heat

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`Summer Car Maintenance Tips

Summer temperatures put additional strain on just about every part of your car. Keep your vehicle rolling smoothly with these easy seasonal maintenance tips that save you money down the road.

Replace the Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter prevents dirt, debris and bugs from getting into the engine. Most mechanics recommend changing the engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, if you live in an area with increased pollution or dust during the summer, check your engine air filter more frequently.

The cost of a new engine air filter averages between $36 and $86.  However, ignoring your engine filter can result in major engine damage that will require it be replaced: The cost of a new engine is $3,000 to $8,000, plus thousands more for labor.

Flush the Radiator

A car’s radiator works harder during warm summer months. Over time, blockages form inside the radiator, making the system less efficient, and your car more likely to overheat — potentially cracking your head gasket. Replacing a head gasket is a very expensive repair, costing between $731 and $1771 depending upon vehicle type.

A better course of action is to have your radiator flushed to remove the blockages. The average cost for this service is between $50 and $155 and most mechanics recommend having it done every 36,000 miles. Refer to your owner’s manual for what’s recommended for your vehicle.

Check the Tires

You can save an average of $637 that you would otherwise have to pay to prematurely replace all four of your tires — just by manually checking whether they’re properly inflated.

You’ll want to do this because there’s no automated sensor for over inflated tires like there is for deflated tires.

Yet hot weather increases tire pressure, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear.

So, inflate your tires to recommended pressure found on the inside of the driver’s door.

Charge the Air Conditioner

A hot and steamy day isn’t the time to find out your car’s air conditioner needs to be recharged.

Turn it on early in the spring and pay an estimated $123 to $156 to refill your car’s refrigerant if needed.

Replace the Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter prevents pollutants from getting into the cabin of the vehicle.

Car manufacturers recommend changing the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but people who live in or drive through areas with lots of pollution may need to change it more frequently.

Not changing the cabin air filter will not effect the performance of the engine, but will affect the climate control system, making for an uncomfortable ride due to higher summer time levels of unsavory smells and pollutants coming directly into the cabin.

The cost to replace your cabin air filter is between $40 and $100, depending on the type of care you have.

Summer Car Maintenance Is Well Worth It

These summer car maintenance tips are easy, affordable, and well worth their price to keep your car in tip top shape in the summer heat.

Readers, is your car ready for summer? When’s the last time you gave it a tune-up?

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