Is it worth changing your own oil if the dealership does it for $30?

I've been doing my own oil changes for 5 years now to save cash, but my buddy says the time and mess aren't worth it compared to a $30 quick lube deal. What changed for me was realizing I spent $40 on supplies and 45 minutes last week just to do it myself, so now I'm torn.

2 comments

2 Comments

bell.emma25d ago

My 2012 Honda costs me $28 in oil and filter and takes maybe 30 minutes in my driveway... I'd rather do it myself and know it's done right than trust some kid at a quick lube place.

alice_hall23d ago

My 2015 Civic takes exactly 4.7 quarts of synthetic and a specific filter that the parts store always has to order for me. Last time I did it, I spilled oil all over my driveway and spent 20 minutes scrubbing the stain with cat litter. But here's the thing nobody mentions - that $30 dealership oil change usually comes with a tire rotation and multi-point inspection included, so you're actually getting two services for less than the cost of supplies alone. Plus they dispose of the old oil and filter properly, which my town just started requiring a $5 permit for at the dump. Have you checked if your dealership's deal includes extras like that?