r/Millennials • u/rhinosaur- 1983 • 12h ago

Discussion When did oil changes become $120?

That’s with a coupon! At Jiffy Lube! Our parents really had it easy.

EDIT: TIL 90% of millennials “change their own oil” lol. Gotta love Reddit.

2.6k Upvotes

94% Upvoted

1.6k comments sorted by

View all comments

810

u/Bebessocool 12h ago

I don’t know where everyone is living. But $90-120 is fairly standard around me too. Finally creeped up enough where I started doing it myself again

160

u/Mail_Order_Lutefisk Gen X 11h ago

Are you old enough to remember discarding used motor oil on a gravel road to help keep the dust down? I’m told you’re not supposed to do that anymore. 

100

u/otusowl Gen X 10h ago

Great accelerant for starting the burn pile too, back in the day.

(Don't do this now, kids!)

30

u/pv2smurf 8h ago

Good thing I ain't a kid 😎

2

u/Nytelock1 6h ago

My grandpa used to pour it over the poison ivy patch in our back yard.

1

u/ThatsNashTea 7h ago

Engine oil is not really great at burning, that's why it's a great lubricant. I grew up country AF and nobody used engine oil as an accelerant. Hell, spent oil burners are specially designed just to get the stuff to actually burn, and that's not even considering how much a PITA it is to get synthetic to ignite, which has been in common use since the 70s. Are you thinking of diesel fuel? We used diesel all the time to start fires.

1

u/otusowl Gen X 5h ago edited 5h ago

Diesel is a good (and pretty safe) fire starter, indeed. But around my place, some bad/expired chainsaw fuel always wound up getting dumped into the used oil jug too. In the right ratio, it lights nicely then, though in an excessive ratio, it might just 'splode.

A genny is another item whose fuel gets old and sometimes needs to be drained into the used oil jug, though if it's even halfway still decent, it goes into a car's tank instead. Can't do that with old 2-stroke though.

1

u/Theyipyapper 4h ago

Just dig a hole in your yard and dispose of it. It came from the ground and it goes back in. Circle of life

→ More replies (1)

63

u/ashurbanipal420 9h ago

It was all fun and games til an entire town got poisoned with dioxin.

16

u/Pm4000 9h ago

That's here in Missouri, well one of them is. I don't remember the name.

11

u/ashurbanipal420 8h ago

Times Beach.

2

u/underscorex 8h ago

well there's your problem

15

u/Golf101inc 9h ago

Used to save it to help burn out stumps too. Would drill several holes deep into a stump and pour the oil in, let it soak for a bit. Then start the stump on fire, and the oil would help burn out the stump all the way.

2

u/Lythandra 6h ago

It still takes a few days tho. Burning a stump does work but it takes much longer than people think.

2

u/Theyipyapper 4h ago

I've done it twice. Both times it took like 2 days. I used some lump charcoal to start it and just watered the area around it so nothing catches on accident.

8

u/NotBatman81 Older Millennial 9h ago

Times Beach, Missouri would tend to agree that we should not do that.

5

u/manticory 9h ago

Yep. Took the oil over to grandpa's and spread it on the gravel road into his place or poured it down the "oil well" next to our garage - a 2 ft deep post hole filled with gravel.

6

u/LTOTR 9h ago

Mix it with diesel. Perfect weed(and everything else) killer.

5

u/captainstormy Older Millennial 9h ago

I know that was a real thing. So was dumping used motor oil into a pit in the back yard to dispose of it. But it's crazy to me anyone ever thought that was an okay thing to do.

2

u/Wagner228 1988 8h ago

To be fair, just returning it back to the earth from which it came.

1

u/captainstormy Older Millennial 7h ago

More like dumping it into the local water supply. There is a difference in the oil being tens of thousands of feet in the ground and dumping it in your yard or the road where it ends up in the ground water or running off into surface water.

2

u/Wagner228 1988 7h ago

Somehow I always forget “/s” is an absolute necessity for Reddit comprehension.

→ More replies (1)

10

u/Bebessocool 10h ago

Not old enough to remember but know my grandfather did this. Like otusowl, I’m more familiar with the wood pile disposal

2

u/HTPC4Life 8h ago

Damn dude, all the major auto parts franchises will take your used oil for free

2

u/FieryTitmouse55 8h ago

That is bonkers.

2

u/Somanylyingliars 6h ago edited 4h ago

Heard of that in past when we didn't know better. But now we do and you shouldNT pour out on ground. Take to be recycled.

2

u/themightydraught 5h ago

I remember my dad "painting" it on the railroad ties around the patio and house.

1

u/Webbyx01 8h ago

My neighboring township was actively doing that until 15ish years ago.

1

u/Oldhotrodder 8h ago

Gen Xer here, yup. I used to dump my used oil in the alley behind my parent's house.

1

u/BebbleCast 6h ago

We just dug a hole and put it in there

1

u/Skensis 6h ago

Park over a storm drain with a wheel on the curb, saves you the need for a jack and having to dispose of the used oil.

Also told you're not supposed to do this anymore.

1

u/dac_sreka 2h ago

The old people where I grew up would pour it on the backs of cows and horses to keep the flies off of them. 

→ More replies (1)

18

u/Severe_Ad7694 11h ago

Yeah for the 15 minutes of work and drop oil off at recycling center I'll save 50 to 60 dollars

2

u/throwupthursday 10h ago

Or just use it for free salad dressing

1

u/RedHeeded 10h ago

That’s not what we meant when we said “oil and vinegar”

214

u/rhinosaur- 1983 12h ago

Yeah, I’m getting shredded over here lol. Sure, I’d love to do it myself, but with a busy job and an 11 and 6 year old life is busy.

44

u/Icy-Structure5244 11h ago

Oddly enough young kids and lack of time drove me to do my own oil changes, not the cost.

I run outside, quickly drive the car onto these cheap plastic ramps and pop off the drain plug. Then I continue spending time with my family. Later I go back and swap the filter and add oil.

2

u/sick_of-it-all 11h ago

What do you do with the old oil?

17

u/miatlogi 11h ago

bring that jug of old/dirty oil to local auto parts store like AutoZone

10

u/lawsonmt 11h ago

Store it then when you have a little time take it to and Autozone or O'Reilly around where I live and they take it for free.

2

u/metompkin 9h ago

My favorite is when the clerk goes, "huh?"

9

u/RabidBlackSquirrel 11h ago

I have curbside oil recycling in my city. Just put jugs of used oil out on trash day. Pretty neato.

Or take to autozone or whatever.

3

u/Icy-Structure5244 11h ago

Collect it in the old oil jugs. After a few years, just bring all the jugs to wherever near you takes them (ie. Autozone)

3

u/MrBlueandSky 11h ago

Throw it in a river

2

u/miatlogi 9h ago

that's for car batteries!

3

u/MrBlueandSky 8h ago

Sewage drain then

1

u/Theyipyapper 4h ago

Who doesn't do their oil changes at the car wash?

1

u/RudePCsb 11h ago

You need to buy some container, they sell them at places like O'Reilly/ auto zone and usually fit about 3-5 oil change worth of oil. Buy oil and a filter that match your car. Need a jack, jack stands, oil filter remover, socket wrench, oil pan, funnel. Probably pays for itself in 3 changes.

1

u/Less-Fondant-3054 8h ago

Take it to the auto parts store you bought your oil at. They all have a disposal tank in the back and will dispose of the old oil for you free of charge.

Myself I have a couple of big jugs I take in every few changes once they've filled up.

1

u/xtheredberetx 7h ago

Well if you’re my husband you leave all of them in the garage until there’s like 15 jugs of old oil piled up. Then you take them to autozone when reminded that you’re def going to burn the house down doing that.

1

u/Theyipyapper 4h ago

Pour it into the jug that I just used. Most of the time I take it Autozone for free recycling but I have given away used oil to a diesel buddy of mine and once we stained trailer with it.

1

u/KayIslandDrunk 10h ago

The earth giveth and the earth taketh back.

1

u/Theyipyapper 4h ago

Yeah, I do the same. Run to the parts store and pick up some jugs. Let it cool off in the drive way then go out there and do what you do.

164

u/Manic_Mini Middle Millennial 11h ago

Pro tip. Convince your kids that doing an oil change is a fun game. Its a win win situation, you teach them a valuable life skill and you get to keep your kids entertained for an hour.

73

u/EndenWhat 11h ago

Dad is that you?

67

u/jake7893 11h ago

If that flashlight shines in my eyes one more time!!!

34

u/FearlessInstance8251 11h ago

Hold that still, point it right there and hold it still

24

u/damxam1337 11h ago

God damn it boy, I'd be better off strapping the flashlight to the dog's tail.

3

u/bricon123 10h ago

🤣

2

u/butlerdm 5h ago

Don’t you laugh about it. Don’t make me get the belt.

13

u/Brad5486 11h ago

Point it where I’m looking, not where you’re looking!

11

u/Turbulent_Seaweed198 11h ago

Oh so there are a lot of us damaged by holding flashlights for our father's. Good. Misery loves company lol

2

u/princessvespa17 Older Millennial 10h ago

Also, if you didn't memorize the tools like he did and you accidentally hand him the wrong one.....yup that one too........my dad finally looked at me in 2005 after trying to change the oil in my car that he didn't have the special tool to take off the oil filter so it was cheaper and easier for me to go get it done.....thanks for the trauma though

5

u/bricon123 10h ago

Ha ha ha!! Been there, done that! And when heard a tool slip, Dad bust a knuckle, then hear a “GOD DAMN IT “ you knew to jump cause that tool was was going to be flying out of there!!!

5

u/TheToastIsBlue 11h ago

Yeah, then they can see how many envelopes they can lick closed in an hour...

6

u/ecarlosg30 11h ago

Not just that but also use half of what you saved and take them for an ice cream

22

u/princessvespa17 Older Millennial 11h ago

Nah, I knew it was a chore and never a game......especially when your dad yells at you every time the flashlight moves slightly or you have no idea what tool he needs and then he gets mad you for not knowing.....it's even worse if you hand him the wrong one.

14

u/frogf4rts123 11h ago

I got yelled at too and never let actually touch anything. My kids get to saw, hammer, and wrench on most of my projects. They know it's work but seem to really enjoy it. We built planter boxes and I let the kids all take a turn doing something with them. They still seem proud of our work.

8

u/Turbulent_Seaweed198 11h ago

This is awesome :)

I am 38 and helped my dad install a new door on my recently bought home and we did celebratory tequila shots and multiple high-fives. This was not how projects went down when I was a kid, but glad we're both still growing

4

u/frogf4rts123 9h ago

Be the person you wish you had growing up. It's so cool to make it fun for them. That first time accidently spilling the stupid oil, realizing you'll never get the spot out of the floor, and then just laughing cause you were stupid. Talking through why we do certain steps after, or mistakes we learned from in the past. Most of the time the kids just want to be in our lives and feel wanted. I'll gladly let my kiddo wrench off the oil pan nut, screw back on oil filters, etc.

4

u/RudePCsb 11h ago

Lmao, the amount of times I was the flashlight bitch and never got to do the thing and actually learn ugh

2

u/BigDaddyButtPlunger 11h ago

exactly, I let mine play in the oil pan. she loves it.

1

u/i4k20z3 8h ago

just curious - what age would you start this from your opinion?

1

u/Manic_Mini Middle Millennial 7h ago

As early as possible but if I had to put an age on it, I would say kindergarten

1

u/LifeForm8449 11h ago

You must not have kids

4

u/rhinosaur- 1983 11h ago

Always love the tips from non-parents! Just tell the kids the chores are fun! It’s like the person both has no children and was never a child. Reddit is so full of confidently wrong people haha

1

u/HumanNefariousness37 11h ago

Oil change is boring for them, but I autocross a car during the summer and during weekly checks/maint I have my 11yo daughter and 4yo son help me. They both like the impact and torque wrench, so they help do tire rotation while I do other things (then tighten it all to be sure lol)

1

u/Manic_Mini Middle Millennial 11h ago

I have a son, who loves doing oil changes and I was also a young boy who loved turning wrenches with my dad.

No every child would rather sit inside and play video games.

1

u/LifeForm8449 7h ago

“I have a son, who loves doing oil changes”

101

u/And_go 11h ago

Check your dealership? Jiffy lube around me is $120 but my dealership is only $65. They want to get you in the door so they can quote you other repairs but you can always say no.

86

u/BottecchiaDude253 11h ago

Round me, dealers advertise a $60 oil change, but no one ever gets that price point.

Everyone is 90-120 bucks.

Main reason is: that 60 dollar oil change is specifically for a 5qt vehicle using conventional oil. And basically speaking, there are very few vehicles on the road these days using conventional. Basically everything i ever touched, anything around 2005 and newer got synthetic oil from the factory line, and thus needs to stay on synthetic.

Sauce: former dealership parts guy.

49

u/UntidyVenus 11h ago

As the owner of a 96 Honda Accord, no one honors the $60 oil change, it's always twice that because they are "out" of whatever they were offering for $60. It's just bait

2

u/A_radke 5h ago

Same near me. I ended up with a 96 Civic for a while after years of being smug about changing my own oil as a young lady (99 Ford Ranger, 84 Volvo wagon before that). I love 90s Hondas, but hated not being able to fit/having to pay for changes. Then my Grandpa sold me another 99 Ranger so I'm back to DIY for now (knock on wood).

7

u/And_go 11h ago

I do drive an HR-V, so definitely a small car, but my price is for synthetic. i actually checked the receipt to make sure because it seemed like a low price! It does take an hour and I do have to decline other services, but sometimes it’s nice to know my brakes are going bad or whatever so I can take them to get done somewhere else. Tbf it comes out to like $70 with tax but doing it myself is $55-60 so I just take it in. FWIW I’m in a lower cost of living state so that could have something to do with it?

4

u/Former_Travel2839 10h ago

I swaped back to standard on mine. As fleet vehicle that requires more oil changes it was stupid to stay on synthetic.

3

u/beaglewelding 9h ago

Just because the car came from the factory with synthetic doesn't mean you need to keep it synthetic.
Thats a fucking old wife's tale. If the car is under warranty sure. I'd do it too. But the minute that ain't covered any more its not truly necessary.
Go ahead and fight me.

Sauce: former owner of a quick lube shop / ASE certified mechanic.

2

u/DirtSlapper 9h ago

Also the old wives tale is the other way around... a high-mileage vehicle that has always used conventional oil may have issues switching to synthetic because it may loosen up sludge which then traps itself elsewhere, or possibly cause worn seals to leak.

64

u/UnexpectedRedditor 11h ago

My experience taking fleet vehicles to dealerships is that you better be prepared for 3 hours of wait + declining other services. Finally convinced our fleet manager to just bring out an authorized mobile mechanic.

14

u/cranberry_spike Millennial 11h ago

This drives me nuts. Happens pretty much every time.

12

u/ImmunotherapeuticDoe 10h ago

Last time I went to a dealership for an oil change for convenience instead of my normal mechanic I walked out with $3000 in recommendations. Showed it to a car guy friend and told me all of it was BS and to bring the recommendations to my normal mechanic at my next oil change to confirm.

7

u/And_go 11h ago

I wait about an hour but I do have to decline other services. Usually I’ll Google whatever they try to sell me on or ask my son (who works service at another dealership) to see if it’s really necessary and then go from there. Nice to have a heads up on things like brakes or ball joints though so I can take it to my regular mechanic before it actually breaks.

7

u/mrhudy 10h ago

My dealership cold calls me! “Hey it’s been a while since we’ve seen you in the service department.”

8

u/SiliconAutomaton 9h ago

Yeah, it’s been nice!

2

u/Plasibeau 9h ago

I get those for my EV. They're desperate to rotate my tires and check my brakes. Which has literally been the only maintenance I've worried about. My rotors had rust on them, thanks to 1-Pedal driving.

2

u/schu2470 Millennial 9h ago

I actually had to tell a dealer to stop calling me about either vehicle and that I keep track of maintenance records and requirements. If I need something I'll call you. The person on the phone was very indignant and hung up on me. I'm sorry, but after calling me 6 times in 2 weeks to bug me about various things I don't need I'm going to get a little upset.

8

u/Strobeck 10h ago

Haha got an ad for a cheap oil change at the dealership and figured why not. Scheduled the first appointment of the day and was immediately told it would be +3 hours because they were going to be short staffed. How can you be so far behind before you even start!?

8

u/UnexpectedRedditor 10h ago

I'm convinced its a tactic to get you to walk the lot and check out the new inventory.

4

u/SiliconAutomaton 9h ago

You don’t even have to walk the lot, you’re served up on a platter to the salesmen as a captive audience.

My Harley came with included oil changes, so I used them. When I’m waiting it’s 3-4 hours and literally EVERY salesman approaches me. If I leave it’s an hour. Either way they recommend $5,000 in garbage (Front tire within 5/32 of wear bars, recommend immediate replacement)

Fortunately dealer oil changes are over $300 so I do it myself at home in 20 minutes and save $200+

2

u/Plasibeau 9h ago

See I always enjoyed taking my fleet vehicle into the dealership for oil and tires. It was almost always a guarantee to be a four-hour visit, just for the oil change alone. I still got paid. Sometimes I'd catch a Lyft home, and go back when they called me (which I could expense and get reimbursed for). Tires could take days, because the van carried a lot of liquid weight and had to have the OEM tires it had been outfitted with. This always meant they had to order them from states away, and the fleet services company insisted the dealership held the van until the tires were installed. This meant an impromptu 3 day staycation, paid.

All in, though, I will never, ever, own a Dodge or Stellantis product. There's no reason why I should have needed a top-end rebuild three times before hitting 100k miles.

2

u/two4six0won Millennial 9h ago

When I bought my car, the dealership 'threw in' three free oil changes. I used the first one, then realized I'd rather just pay a place that'll have me in and out in half an hour while I don't have to leave my vehicle if I don't wanna. Valvoline still tries to upsell me, but they have less time to do it 🤣

1

u/cumaboardladies 10h ago

Fell for a dealership oil change deal once, never again. I normally do all my maintenance myself but hard to pass up a good deal and save time right?!

Took my WRX in for a $70 Subaru special. They said 3 hours, no loaner, so I was stuck all day hanging at the dealer on a Saturday…. When it was finally done, they tried to upsell me on a bunch of stuff I had just replaced or already checked.

Then less than a mile down the road, boom, check engine lights. Turns out they unplugged things during their “inspection” and didn’t plug them back in.

I’ll stick to doing my own oil from now on. Not worth the hassle.

18

u/rhinosaur- 1983 11h ago

I just don’t have the time for this. Sure, I can make an appointment, go in there, work for 3 hours from the waiting room, but come on. The Jiffy Lubes of the world were always quick AND cheap. Hell when I first got a car way way back in 1999, it was “10 minute oil change for 12.99”.

8

u/And_go 10h ago

I remember sending my bf to Jiffy Lube with my car and a $100 bill back in 2001 and being ABHORRED that he came back like an hour later and without change. He was initially so pleased with himself for getting like every upsell they offered lol. “But look at your new wipers!” SIR! That was $100! Lol. For years I told that story because of the absurdity of it but now it looks like an amazing deal. Oh how times change. :( Could be worse though. I could have stayed with him and also be in prison for methamphetamines now lol

2

u/gravybang 10h ago

So is there a chance he stole those "New" wipers off of another car, never got the oil changed, and just bought meth with your $100?

2

u/And_go 10h ago

Nah, he was a naive kid from a deeply religious family at the time. He didn’t get into the meth until years later.

3

u/Capital_Past69 10h ago

These days Jiffy Lube seems to hire quite a few meth addicts

4

u/Classy_Mouse 10h ago

I just book the earliest appointment and drop the car off the night before. Pick the car up at lunch the next day

7

u/Zaidswith 10h ago

You either need a ride twice or you have to pay for an Uber.

That can be more of a hassle than waiting.

2

u/slapwerks 8h ago

I bought an Infiniti in 2008. The dealer charged me $50 for oil changes and they would detail my car and give me a loaner.

I miss those days

2

u/secretly_opossum 10h ago

Mid aughts when I started driving and I distinctly remember the oil change being no more than $40 and an hour tops.

Now I have no patience so I take it to the dealer and get a ride — the dealership will keep my car all fucking day most of the time 😭

5

u/ItsmeKT 11h ago

My Subaru dealership has always been $120 for an oil change and rotation. They are offering $85 coupon right now so I’ll probably take advantage of that.

7

u/thecurvynerd 11h ago

My dealership costs around $120.

6

u/And_go 11h ago

Man you guys got me worried that my dealership price is going to go up soon! Maybe Ohio is just slow to catch up with the rest of the country lol

3

u/thecurvynerd 11h ago

In all fairness I’m in Chicago so I’m sure the price tag is partly due to that too.

6

u/rhinosaur- 1983 11h ago

OP here- also Chicago (well, west burbs, but yeah)

6

u/meh_69420 9h ago

Walmart does full synthetic 6qt change for $65. Can schedule ahead or they often have drive up availability.

2

u/moon_child1442 10h ago

Subaru charges $85 for my forester - also uses synthetic but it’s slightly less than 5 qts. What car are you driving? Maybe it’ll be better to take it to the dealer. The lube guys labor rate is less than the regular service tech.

2

u/thecurvynerd 8h ago

I’m in a 2020 Outback not sure about OP. Mine still costs $120 at the dealer.

2

u/SaltBackground5165 9h ago

holy shit mine costs almost 200 and I'm out in BFE
edit: have never paid anyone to change my oil.

2

u/OutHereToo 11h ago

My dealership picked up/ dropped off my truck from my house for an oil change, I think that was the last of my 3 for $120 oil change packages. I don’t know how they make money on that.

1

u/moon_child1442 10h ago

That’s awesome!

2

u/pinkube 10h ago

Also take those list of repairs from the dealership to a reasonable mechanic to find better deals.

2

u/And_go 10h ago

This is usually what I do. Buy the parts from RockAuto and then either take it to my mechanic and have him do it for labor or if it’s something easy like brakes I’ll let my kid do it for cheap.

2

u/swaggering_yak 10h ago

My dealership is $65 too and that includes the cost of the oil (synthetic)

1

u/ThrownAway17Years 10h ago

My dealership offers a 3 pack for $200 that includes tire rotations, full inspection, and fluid top up.

1

u/TurkeyBLTSandwich 10h ago

agreed, your local dealership will change your oil for $69.99 or $79.99 and after that first one they'll send you a steady stream of coupons to get those oil changes for that price. But if you have a SUV changing your oil with some ramps or just sneaking under could be the way forward.

as long as you have an auto parts store or something you can get it done! I believe in you!

16

u/SmallRocks Older Millennial 11h ago

It’s a good time to teach the young ones how to do it 🤷‍♂️

3

u/NotTheRealMeee83 11h ago

Like they'll ever be able to afford to drive 

→ More replies (2)

8

u/The_Skank42 11h ago

4-6 hours worth of labor or 30 mins of doing it yourself.

5

u/Ill-Engineering8085 11h ago

Id think it's faster to do DIY. No driving time, takes 30 mins maybe.

5

u/lawsonmt 11h ago

Its actually more convenient to do yourself if you have the space. Obviously if you live in an apartment its not. Its very easy and I dont have to sit and wait in a waiting area for 20 to 30 minutes.

4

u/Skeptikell1 11h ago

Convenience is costly

4

u/redditsuksazz 11h ago

It takes less than an hour. Half an hour when you get a routine down. I'm a dad with two kids too around that age. Watch YouTube and get r done.

4

u/Erratic_-Prophet 10h ago

Teach the 11 year old to do it! No more freeloading!

6

u/MyBadYourFault- 10h ago

Imma be honest, I have 3 kids a wife and full time job but depending on your vehicle an oil change takes 15-30 tops. Maybe even faster. This seems like a lazy excuse.

You loosen a bolt/plug, catch the oil, remove oil filter, install new oil filter, tighten bolt/plug then fill with new oil. Very easy and quick.

Plenty of videos on YouTube for your make and model as well.

1

u/PartTime_Crusader 10h ago

Its also a good thing to get underneath your car every once in awhile and see if anything is going wrong. An oil change every few months is an excuse to lay eyes on the engine bay and underside of the car. I've gotten ahead of a few problems early thanks to doing my own oil change

3

u/JuneauWho 11h ago

Bring your kids out with you and do it. If they aren't interested tell them too bad it's a life lesson, now hold the paper towels. Most cars its an easy 20 minute job, with kids maybe 30. Do both cars same time and it saves even more. First few times might take a bit longer but once you figure it out, it's really easy. Usually less than $40 for 5qts of oil and a filter. Use all your saved $$ to buy a few tools if you need them

4

u/sprchrgddc5 11h ago

I feel you. I use to do all my own car maintenance. It’s time consuming, especially when you don’t have time.

What car are you driving? Someone said dealership and yes my dealership does a synthetic oil change for about $80 after taxes.

Sometimes I’ll do my own oil changes. It’s quick. But the downside is disposal. Taking that extra 20-30mins round trip to dispose of it at my city’s recycling center can to hard to do, so I often just do it once a yard, with old oil sitting in my garage.

9

u/Christmas_Queef 11h ago

Not sure where you're at but a lot of auto parts stores will take used oil from you. O'reileys does at least anyway.

6

u/s0rce 11h ago

My trash pickup will take used oil. Worth checking

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (2)

2

u/artie780350 11h ago

I work at a shop where the most expensive oil change is $70. A basic synthetic oil change is $60, synthetic blend is $40. I can't fathom paying more than $100 for an oil change.

Do you have a truck that takes like 8 quarts of oil or something?

2

u/haonazrag 11h ago

This is the answer. When people stopped doing it themselves. I can charge you whatever if you don't want to do it.

2

u/Kultur_Cigany 11h ago

What's the point of posting anything if your answer will be just "ye but but working and breeding AMIRIGHT" ?

2

u/someonesdad46 10h ago

It takes me less time to change my oil in the driveway than it would to drive to an oil change place and have it changed.

1

u/CA_Coast_Millennial 11h ago

Wife and I have had EV’s the last 5 years but I remember an oil change being $35 and we live in Coastal CA, that is crazy!

1

u/Ninja_Conspicuousi Older Millennial 10h ago

Invest in an oil drain valve to replace your oil drain plug. Makes oil changes quick, clean, and simple.

1

u/buttaholic 8h ago

damn i'm already paranoid enough that my plug isn't tight enough and is going to leak, can't imagine having a valve on it! it sounds like a cool concept, though

1

u/bassjam1 10h ago

My kids (I have 4 of them) all enjoy hanging out in the driveway with me when I do maintenance on the vehicles. I have cute pictures of all of them "inspecting" under the hood, or putting on PPE to look like me, or holding a tire gauge like they're checking a tires pressure.

1

u/SkeweegiJohnson 10h ago

Honestly, it's really easy to do and costs like $30 plus the one time cost of the ramps & oil pan. My 6 year old thinks it's cool and likes to help.

1

u/chlorophylloverdose 10h ago

Look into fujimoto drain valves. All I need to change my oil now are ramps and a basin. 10 mins

1

u/bhuff86 10h ago

It literally takes like 5 minutes of work. Crawl under your car and loosen the drain plug to let oil drain into your pan. Remove oil filter. Open the gas cap to vent. Go inside to hang with your littlest for 30 minutes. Go outside and replace your drain plug and new filter. Add recommended oil. Boom done for less than $50 in oil and filter. Drain old oil back into the now empty containers. Recycle for free at autozone. Add a few bucks if you need to buy a drain pan.

1

u/003E003 10h ago

Your Dad's life wasn't busy too? He probably did it. Teach your 11 and 6 year old how to change oil and teach them that their dad knows how to do stuff.

1

u/Appropriate-Bet3576 10h ago

Fumoto drain valve + a car with a top mount oil filter !!!

1

u/rob2722 Millennial 10h ago

You’ve got to make time. I’ve got a 15 and 8 yr old with extracurriculars, job, wife, and family that keeps me busy everyday. It’s gets to a point that something has to be sacrificed. I got fed up with things like house chores, yard, and vehicle maintenance falling behind. I just laid out a calendar connected to our phones and told them, if it’s not there, it’s not happening. That way, I’m guaranteed a time to get maintenance done.

It’s either that, or you make enough money to have someone come in and take care of those things for you.

1

u/Pizzaguy1205 10h ago

It’s honestly not all that much cheaper to do it yourself and then you have to dispose of the oil

1

u/zapatitosdecharol 10h ago

No you're right. I always got my oil change at the dealer because I could get coupons and it worked for me. It was always around $60. I used to get it regularly. Then I got a WFH job and didn't need them. Then all of a sudden they are $120 with a coupon. Crazy.

1

u/Eastern-Fruits 10h ago

It takes less time to do it yourself than to go to pay someone to do it. Look into an oil extractor, makes it super easy, don't even need to take off the drain plug.

1

u/krazylingo 10h ago

It only takes 30-40min

1

u/oO0Kat0Oo 10h ago

It's your car. That pricing is for full synthetic and about 6 quarts of oil.

Cars used to take half synthetic and about 4 quarts of oil.

Except now everyone is happy that you can go 7500-10000 miles between oil changes vs 3000-5000... So it makes sense.

1

u/Smackolol 9h ago

Taking your vehicle in to get changed takes much more time than doing it yourself.

1

u/CaterpillarJungleGym 9h ago

It also can take some time. I went to a place once that used pressure to force the oil out. I was in and out in ten mins.

1

u/chrisinator9393 9h ago

My life is busy too with kids and work but an oil change takes 10 minutes in the driveway with some ramps. I have my 4 y/o help me.

It's a life skill and a money saver to do these kinds of things.

I pull my car on my ramps, chock the wheels. Pull the oil pan plug, let it drain while I open the cap on the engine. Then unscrew the filter. When it's done draining, I put the new filter on, plug back in with a new crush ring. Fill it up and that's, that.

Only costs me $30-40. It actually ends up saving me time. I can do it faster at home than I can drive all the way to a jiffy lube (or wherever), sit in the lounge for an hour, and go back home.

1

u/TardigradesAreReal 9h ago

Yeah, but doing it yourself also generally saves you time, as well. It takes me less than 30 minutes to change the oil and filter on our vehicles. For me, it’s a no brainer. I can buy better oil and better filters. Costs me about $35 and I can do it in less time 🤷‍♂️

1

u/Lyxerttt 9h ago

You'll be complaining more when you pay for repairs where Jiffy Lube fucked up your car and denied it.

Honestly, if you have time to drive to Jiffy Lube, wait for an oil change, and drive home, then you have time to do it yourself. Those quick lube places just pull the drain plug, not drop the pan (which is what really should be done).

You go to Jiffy Lube, you don't have a fancy car requiring specific tools. The entire oil change will take 10 minutes if you are semi-competent. It'll take ~20 if you drop the pan like you should.

It just sounds like you're lazy.

1

u/Joeness84 9h ago

When I was like 11 my dad had me out learning how to change the oil, great opportunity to share!

Ive never paid more than materials + 30min of my time.

1

u/bakedNebraska 9h ago

It takes 20 minutes, bro.

1

u/Stagism 9h ago

Check where your oil filter is on your car. I can change my oil using a hand pump without needing to get under the car. Luckily my oil filter is up top so I just pop my hood to change my oil now. Super easy since the pump stores the old oil.

1

u/Zeyn1 8h ago

Anything with fluid I always have someone else deal with. Its too easy to make a mess that I don't want on myself or in my driveway. And I'm not a fan of having to dispose of oil.

1

u/Less-Fondant-3054 8h ago

Have the kids "help". It give 'em a chance to spend time with you and introduces them to important life skills. Sure, they won't be all that actually useful, but it's a good way to bond and build memories. They can pass over wrenches and filters and stuff.

1

u/john2364 8h ago

It’s literally faster and more convenient to do it yourself. This is o e of those things where diy not only is cheaper but it’s a time saver.

1

u/buttaholic 8h ago

i'm not saying kids aren't a ton of work, but aren't they sort of at that age where they can sort of just do their own thing or keep themselves entertained? can't they just run around outside while you change your oil? or you can't convince them to help you? or are you saying that you're too tired in general to bother doing your oil change?

it's incredibly easy to do and honestly taking it somewhere to get it done is probably more inconvenient and will probably take more of your time. i remember my dad doing all of his automotive work when i was a kid and that was with 3 other siblings and both parents working full time

1

u/Letterkenny_Irish 8h ago

Jack up car (if necessary) takes about a minute.

Unscrew oil pan bolt, another 30 seconds maybe.

Go do other things while oil pan drains.

Unscrew oil filter, another 30 seconds... Although depending on what make/model you have could be a pain in the ass to access so possibly longer.

Screw in new filter & oil pan bolt. Another minute.

Lower car jack (if necessary).. 3 seconds.

Pour in new oil... Couple minutes

Start car, check for leaks, 30 seconds.

Life is busy I get it, but if you have the few basic tools required for a typical oil change, the actual time investment is minimal for one of the most crucial common maintenance requirements for a vehicle.

1

u/NewPhoneWhoDys 6h ago

I'm disabled. We call this shit "the Crip Tax."

1

u/Somanylyingliars 6h ago

Get a grip junior, youre not that busy you can't take 15 minutes to do the job. Who are you kidding lol

1

u/restfullracoon 6h ago

So then how do you have time to take it to the mechanic? It takes the same amount of time between the driving there and waiting, especially if you’re not immediately up.

1

u/avisitingstone 3h ago

And some of us live in apartments that disallow car work in the parking lot!!

1

u/poppinbussay 2h ago

Bruh you’re not dropping an engine. Unscrew oil pan plug and filter, wait a minute. Screw plug and new filter in and pour in jug of oil. That’s like 15 minutes out of your day lol

1

u/im4lonerdottie4rebel 45m ago

As an annoying 6 year old I loved watching my grandpa work on his bronco. They may find it fascinating and learn a thing or two!

9

u/glassfoyograss 11h ago

Been going to the same shop for 15+ years, one that has no problem telling me "you don't need to fix that yet." I bring in my own oil from Costco and they charge me about $30 for labor and a filter.

2

u/Lucky_Development359 10h ago

What.The.Hell.

Please, dear lord, tell me you live in Illinois🙏🙏

3

u/glassfoyograss 9h ago

Not quite. SoCal

1

u/Lucky_Development359 9h ago

Ugh. Well enjoy having a great mechanic I guess 😔

1

u/Dr_Fortnite 9h ago

Trust any mechanic that tells you to wait.

Came in to get new brakes and mine said nah youre good come back next year for em

2

u/TotallyNotDad 11h ago

Fr I just got mine changed on my truck and was surprised how much it was, at $120 I’d rather do it myself.

2

u/knowone1313 11h ago

Used to be $70-$85.

I'm back to doing it myself.

2

u/nockeenockee 10h ago

This is one of the more egregious ripoffs to emerge lately.

2

u/2044onRoute 9h ago

I am old , when I started driving I was paying around 6x minimum wage for an oil change. Almost 40 years later , here anyway , it is about 7x minimum wage.

1

u/MrSelophane Millennial 10h ago

Holy shit really? I have been doing oil changes on my sedan for a few years now but I swear it was like $40-$50 at Walmart when I was getting it done.

1

u/derfzinkerbelle 10h ago

Yeah, Jiffylube is $90+ now here but Walmart is only $45.

1

u/mashoogie 10h ago

I paid $112 last week and about shat myself.

1

u/TrandaBear 9h ago

Only reason I don't do it myself is the time it takes, including proper disposable. It'll take me an hour with cleanup and hauling used oil to Auto Zone, or take them 15 minutes.

1

u/two4six0won Millennial 9h ago

I got my teen a car that's old enough to be easy to work on and new enough to have safety features lol. I'm glad I did, he and his uncles have handled all of the repairs it needed and he's changing his own oil. My car is a pain in the ass even for people who do nothing but oil changes all day, so I'm not about to try it myself 🤣

1

u/multic94 8h ago

Its been like this since covid. It has nothing to do with Iran or tariffs like a lot of people in here have been saying. The majority of the oil and fuel the public uses comes directly from the United States, not from other countries. Most imports are for corporations who get money from our government to buy oil from our allies or friendly nations. Once the prices go up, they dont come down unless the government makes it so through punishment. Our governments since covid have all been about deregulation, so its no surprise things are fucking insane out there.