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Changing your own oil might seem like an easy way to save a few bucks. After all, how hard could it be? A few tools, some oil, and you’re good to go, right? Not quite. While a DIY oil change may seem simple on the surface, the reality is that it comes with hidden costs, safety risks, and missed opportunities for long-term vehicle health. In this article, we’ll break down the often-overlooked downsides of changing your own oil and explain why a professional oil change is a better investment for your car and your time.
1 – You’ll Need Your Own Supplies
A proper oil change requires more than just oil and a filter. You’ll need a variety of tools, materials, and safety gear. These items aren’t always cheap, and if you’re only using them twice a year, the cost-benefit quickly diminishes. Additionally, purchasing the wrong size filter or the incorrect type of oil for your make and model can result in costly engine damage.
Here’s a list of what’s typically required:
Motor Oil – You’ll need the correct viscosity and oil grade recommended for your specific vehicle.
New Oil Filter – Must match your engine’s specifications.
Oil Filter Wrench – For securely removing and tightening the filter.
Oil Catch Pan – To safely catch and store used oil.
Funnel – For a clean pour into the engine’s oil fill cap.
Car Jack and Jack Stands – Not necessary, but highly recommended. Safely lift and support your vehicle while you work underneath.
Gloves and Shop Towels – To protect your hands and clean up spills.
Torque Wrench – To tighten the oil drain plug to factory specs.
All told, you could easily spend $75–$100 on these materials every time you do it. That’s not even counting your time.
2 – Disposing of Used Motor Oil Is a Hassle
Used oil is classified as hazardous waste. You can’t pour it down the drain or toss it in the garbage. Disposal must be done correctly – otherwise, you risk incurring environmental fines and long-term damage to the ecosystem.
You’ll need to:
Collect the oil in a sealed, spill-proof container.
Transport it to a certified disposal or recycling facility (which may not be nearby).
Ensure that no contaminants, such as antifreeze or water, are mixed in, as this may result in rejection.
Professional shops like McCullough NAPA Auto Care handle all of this for you, safely disposing of used oil and recycling it through approved channels. It’s one less errand on your to-do list, and one less thing to worry about.
3 – There Will Be Spills, Messes, and Cleanup
Even for experienced DIYers, oil changes are messy. A spilled quart of oil can ruin your driveway, stain your garage floor, and create an environmental hazard that’s difficult to clean. Not to mention the mess on your clothes, tools, and hands.
When you come to McCullough NAPA Auto Care, all that mess stays with us, not in your garage. Our clean and efficient process keeps your car and your property spotless while delivering professional-grade service.
4 – You Don’t Get a Professional Inspection
One of the most valuable aspects of a professional oil change is the multi-point inspection that comes with it. Our technicians don’t just replace your oil and filter, we take the opportunity to inspect your vehicle for signs of wear or potential issues.
With a McCullough NAPA oil change, we check:
Belts and hoses for cracks or wear
Fluid levels (brake, transmission, coolant)
Tire tread and pressure
Air filters
Battery health
Visible leaks or damaged components
These preventative checks help catch minor issues before they become big problems, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. That’s a significant value-add you just don’t get from a DIY job.
5 – There Are Safety Concerns of DIY Oil Changes
Sliding under a car with a jack and a few stands isn’t exactly risk-free. Improperly supported vehicles can fall, especially if you’re working on an uneven driveway or fail to secure the jack stands correctly. Hot engine parts, sharp components, and pressurized systems also pose risks of burns and injuries. And that’s not to mention how oil may stain your driveway or garage surface if it spills.
At McCullough NAPA Auto Care, our ASE-certified technicians use professional-grade lifts, tools, and procedures to safely and efficiently perform oil changes in a controlled shop environment. We eliminate the guesswork and ensure every step is completed without risk to you or your car.
6 – Time Is Money
A DIY oil change might take an experienced person 45 minutes to an hour. For beginners, it could take even longer, especially if you encounter problems such as a stuck filter or a stripped drain plug. Then there’s the time spent cleaning up, disposing of the oil, and restocking supplies.
Your time is valuable. At McCullough NAPA Auto Care, we handle everything efficiently, often getting you in and out in under an hour. Additionally, you can schedule your service around your day, relax in our waiting area, or drop off your vehicle and pick it up later – whatever works best for your schedule.
Professional Oil Changes Are a Smarter Investment
The money you think you’re saving by doing your own oil change is often offset by the cost of tools, time, mess, and potential mistakes. Add in the peace of mind from a professional inspection, safe disposal, and no-mess service, and it’s clear that a professional oil change is the smarter long-term investment.
At McCullough NAPA Auto Care in Sandy Springs, our oil changes come with the right oil, a fresh filter, a thorough multi-point inspection, and trusted service from ASE-certified mechanics. We’ll keep your car running smoothly, without the stress, mess, or guesswork.