The Oil Change Conundrum

Recently I saw in the mail a postcard from a friend of mine who owns a shop advertising a “Free Synthetic Oil Change” for first time customers. The first thought that came to my mind was: that devil! This, of course, is hard for mom-and-pop shops like mine to compete against. Afterall, anyone in their right mind would see this as a sweltering deal. However, it also must be noted that the savvy consumer would understand that there must be strings attached for such a transaction to occur. We’ve all heard the oft-repeated phrase: there is no free lunch.

For many years, oil changes have been a sad race to the bottom for many shops and really one of the most critiqued services by the mass public. The expectation is high. Any numbskull can do an oil change is the consensus. But this is a time-consuming and detailed service if done correctly. The vehicle requires the right type of oil and just the right amount to be added. Too much or too little can damage the engine. The oil plug gasket should be replaced and the oil filter gasket should be lubricated with fresh oil, not old oil that is dripping from the threaded hole at the oil pan or from the gasket of the old oil filter. Also, the right torque is crucial when tightening the drain plug. If overtightened it can strip the threads of the oil pan or if under tightened…well, we all know what happens then.

But the public expectation is that the service be done for somewhere between $19.99 and $49.99. If you walk into any parts store today and try and buy quality oil, 5 quarts of it, good luck getting out the door for less than $50 and that doesn’t even include a good filter to make sure the expensive oil you put in doesn’t go to waste. This doesn’t account for the equipment, labor, disposal of oil or tooling necessary to perform this service or the rags, oil change reminder stickers or top off of fluids that go into the package. If we were able to shift the paradigm of what an oil change should cost, we wouldn’t have any problem paying the $200 needed to make the service worth it for most shops.

However, no shop, mine included, want to drive customers away with what can be perceived as exorbitant pricing on a service that every single shop offers. So, we adjust the price down and make it our “loss leader” and the customer is the winner. This is why I’m always amused that people change their own oil. Of all the services to do at a shop, this one makes the most sense. I can certainly see trying to save money on other repairs, but this isn’t one of them.

Now, will the oil change come with more recommendations for car repairs? Unquestionably! We are no different in this regard. But invest a little extra money in this service to make sure you don’t get substandard products put into your $40,000 car. Ask yourself is saving $50 is worth the risk of long-term damage to your vehicle. It isn’t! Yes, you can take advantage of offers that are out there (we put them out too), but just make sure you are maintaining your investment and not trying to save a few bucks on such an important service.