If you have ever thought about changing your own oil, you might have thought that it seemed like a pretty good idea. If you aren't a mechanic, however, you might find that it's a lot smarter to just take your car to a mechanic shop to have this routine maintenance taken care of. These are a few reasons why you shouldn't change your own oil.
1. It Might Not Be Cheaper
You might assume that you will save money by changing your own oil, but there's a good chance that this isn't the case. Many auto repair shops offer oil changes for very low prices as a way of bringing customers in the door. Plus, oil can be expensive when you have to buy it yourself, so you could pay more than the mechanic -- who buys it in bulk and probably gets a much better deal -- will charge you for it. You might find that you'll actually save money by hiring a pro to tackle this maintenance job for you.
2. You Could Void Your Vehicle's Warranty
If your car is under warranty, you probably have peace of mind in knowing that you won't have to pay for repairs yourself if there are any problems. However, many manufacturers require that you take your car to a certified mechanic to have routine maintenance done. If you don't have proof that you have taken your car to an auto repair shop for these repairs, then your warranty could be voided.
3. You Might Not Notice Other Problems
When you take your car in to the average repair shop, you can generally count on the mechanic to take an overall look at your brakes, windshield wipers, tires, hoses, spark plugs and other components of your vehicle. Then, if you have any existing issues, the mechanic will usually tell you and offer to fix them. Making these repairs can help prevent costly problems and can even help ensure your safety, so it's often worthwhile to take your car to someone who will notice that these issues exist in the first place.
Although you might think that changing your own oil is a good idea, it's actually often smarter to hire a professional to do the job for you. Next time that your vehicle is in need of maintenance, you should consider taking it to a local auto repair shop like Express Tune & Lube. Then, you can avoid these problems and save yourself some time and trouble.
Share6 April 2015
When is the last time you had your brakes checked? Are you waiting until you hear the brake pads grinding into the rotors before you do anything to replace them? Does your car pull to one side when you press on the brakes? Do you feel a shimmying in your steering wheel and brake pedal as you press the pedal to stop? If you have any of these issues, it is time for you to learn how to care for the brakes on your car effectively. Taking preventative measures and getting repair work done before serious problems arise will save you money over the years.
