Dear Mike,

I recently got an oil change for my brand new vehicle and was shocked at how much it cost me. I’ve never had to pay that much before. Why is the oil change service for a new vehicle so much more expensive? I don’t want to keep paying this much every time I need an oil change.

Thanks,
Lorelei

Hey Lorelei!

First of all, congratulations on your new ride! Second of all, I feel your pain when it comes to the cost of an oil change these days. It used to be a simple and affordable task, but with all the advancements in engine technology, it’s not as straightforward as it used to be.

As I mentioned in a previous article, many manufacturers have specific oil requirements for their vehicles to meet emissions and fuel economy standards. This means that your service provider must have the correct oil on hand to keep your vehicle running smoothly and maintain your warranty protocol requirements.

This includes oil weights that range from 0W16 all the way up to 20W50, depending on your vehicle’s specifications. And if you own a brand new diesel truck, you may need a very specific type of oil that can be expensive to purchase.

But that’s not all. Some manufacturers have turned to the internal cartridge oil filter, which means your service provider needs to have even more types of filters on hand to satisfy the requirements of the various models of vehicles on the market. This can add to the cost of your oil change.

Now, I know all of this is starting to sound a bit daunting and expensive. But there are ways to help keep the cost of your oil change down.

Firstly, it’s important to shop around. While it may be tempting to go to the dealership for all of your maintenance needs, they tend to charge a premium for their services. Check out local service providers who specialize in your type of vehicle, and compare prices.

Another tip is to schedule your oil change based on your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Many modern vehicles can go longer between oil changes, so you may not need to have it done as often as you think. Check your owner’s manual or consult with a trusted service provider to determine when you need to have your oil changed.

And finally, it’s important to resist the temptation to DIY your oil change to save a few bucks. Putting the wrong oil or filter in your vehicle can do serious damage to your engine and potentially void your warranty. Trust the professionals to do the job right.

In conclusion, oil changes can be a bit more expensive these days due to the demands of modern engine technology. But with a little research and planning, you can help keep the cost down and extend the life of your vehicle. And remember, always use the correct oil and filter for your specific vehicle to avoid costly engine repairs.

Keep on rollin’!

Mike Urban.