If you go for an oil change, you’ll typically pay between $50 and $100. The amount will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, the place you go for the oil change, and where you’re located. While you can do the job cheaper in your garage or driveway, some consumers don’t do car maintenance and repairs independently. Unfortunately, that puts them at risk of encountering these 16 costly oil change scams. Don’t get suckered into any of them!
They Give You Regular Oil Even Though You Paid for Premium
Some oil change shops will charge you extra for premium engine oil, like synthetic, but give you regular engine oil instead. They know most consumers won’t check. While that’s a profit-maker for the oil change shop, it’s a wallet-drainer for you.
They Give You the Wrong Oil Altogether
Another scam to be mindful of is paying for one type of oil, like 5W-30, but getting another. You should get what you paid for. The wrong engine oil will do more harm than good.
They Don’t Change Your Oil
An even more brazen scam than the two previous ones is charging you for an oil change but not changing the oil. That’s straight-up theft since your wallet will take a beating.
They Don’t Change the Engine Oil Filter
Lazy and dishonest oil change shops might change your oil but leave the old filter in place. One way to catch them in the act is to mark the oil filter on your vehicle. For instance, you could use a black marker and make a checkmark on the filter. If you see the checkmark on the filter after an oil change, you’ll know the oil change shop tried to pull a fast one on you.
They Want to Sell You Premium Oil When Your Car Doesn’t Need it
Premium synthetic oil offers benefits. But the benefits aren’t necessary for all vehicles. Don’t allow a pushy salesperson to force a higher-priced engine oil on you.
They Recommend an Oil Change Even Though You Just Had One
A dishonest staff member at an oil change shop might recommend an oil change even though you may have just had one elsewhere. They might even show you the dipstick and suggest the engine oil is too dark. Tell them the oil was changed recently, and watch them get red in the face.
They Say You Need to Replace All Your Filters
If you go to change your oil and someone at the shop recommends changing not just your engine oil filter but also the engine air filter, cabin air filter, or any other filter, don’t fall for it. Check your owner’s manual to see when these filters should be changed.
They Try to Upsell You
The upsell will come when you visit an oil change shop. It’s not a matter of if — it’s a matter of what and how much. They might say you should flush your brake, power steering, or transmission fluid. So, a simple oil change can turn into an expensive day.
They Won’t Just Upsell You — They’ll Overcharge You
When considering how much oil change shops charge, you’ll see why DIY car maintenance is a good idea. Choosing the convenience of an oil change shop can come at a steep premium.
They Hire Unqualified People
Oil change shops don’t hire skilled mechanics. They hire anyone who will fill out an application, put on a uniform, and roll up their sleeves. So, one of the unskilled staff members might strip your engine oil drain plug, put the engine oil filter on incorrectly, or leave the engine oil cap untightened.
They Will Be in a Rush
Yet another oil change scam that’ll cost you money and possibly damage your car is a lack of attention and care. Such shops are about getting as many vehicles in and out every day. That means they won’t have the time to do the job right — even though they’ll charge a king’s ransom.
They Offer Coupons for Future Discounts — Knowing They’ll Upsell You Then Too
Some oil change shops will offer enticing discounts you can use on future visits. But they know they’ll make their money back by upselling you. It’s a win-win for them.
They Discover a ‘Catastrophic’ Leak and Offer to Fix It for a Fortune
Some leaks are worse than others. If someone at an oil change shop supposedly finds a leak and recommends a costly fix, consider getting an opinion elsewhere. Unless they can show that the leak could cause major damage if not fixed immediately, get that second opinion.
They Charge You for Extras They Don’t Actually Do
Some oil change shops will include fluid top-up services. It’s when they fail to do it, however, that it becomes a problem. Nothing’s free — even if the oil change shop says something’s complimentary. But if you’re supposed to get fluid top-ups, that’s what you should get.
They Take Advantage of Your Lack of Know-How
Most drivers who go to oil change shops aren’t the most savvy with automotive matters. Staff members at these shops know this and will take advantage by spinning tales of gloom and doom if you don’t do this, that, or the other.
They Recommend Frequent Oil Changes
It’s common for oil change shops to insist on frequent oil changes. They might say you need one every 3,000 miles. But many car makers insist on oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Check your owner’s manual, and don’t let an oil change shop rob you blind.
Avoid These Oil Change Scams
Owning a vehicle is expensive. Considering you spend enough on your car, don’t pay any more than you must. So, if you frequent these oil change shops, remember the 16 points above.
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