A professional oil change saves you from dealing with messy oil disposal, buying specialty tools, and crawling under your car. More importantly, it gives an experienced mechanic a chance to inspect your steering, brakes, and suspension for safety issues before the cold weather arrives.
While changing your own oil might seem like a simple weekend project, it often ends up costing more time and effort than you expect. Here is why letting a local shop handle your oil changes makes sense for your vehicle and your schedule.
Is changing your own oil actually cheaper?
Many people think doing it yourself saves money, but the savings are usually very small. When you change your own oil, you have to buy the correct grade of oil by the litre, a new oil filter, a replacement crush washer, and a filter wrench. You also need a proper oil drain pan, a set of ramps or a jack and jack stands, and safety gear.
If you only change your oil a few times a year, buying these tools takes a long time to pay off. A professional shop buys oil and filters in large quantities, which keeps the cost down. When you look at the price of the parts alone, the difference between a DIY job and a professional oil change is often just a few dollars.
What does a mechanic see that you might miss?
The biggest benefit of a professional service is not just the fresh oil. It is the inspection that happens while your car is up on the hoist. When we perform an oil change at Ainslie Auto Repair & Sales, we also take a look underneath your vehicle.
A licensed mechanic knows exactly what to look for. We can spot a torn CV boot, a leaking shock absorber, or a rusted brake line before these issues turn into an expensive breakdown on the road. We can check your brakes, inspect your suspension components, and check your exhaust system for leaks.
Catching a small leak or a worn part early can save you thousands of dollars in major repairs later. If you are under your car on a driveway with jack stands, you have very little room to move, let alone perform a thorough safety check.
How do you safely dispose of used motor oil?
Once you finish draining your oil, you are left with a pan full of dirty, black fluid and a messy oil filter. You cannot simply throw these in your household trash or pour them down the drain.
You must transport used motor oil and filters to a designated household hazardous waste depot for proper disposal. This means pouring the dirty oil into a sealed container, loading it into your trunk, and driving it to the waste site during their operating hours.
If the container leaks on your carpet or upholstery, cleaning it up is difficult and expensive. When you bring your car to our shop in Galt, we handle all the cleanups and recycle the used oil safely according to environmental regulations.
Getting ready for autumn and winter
As we head into September, the colder weather is not far away. Cold temperatures make your engine work harder, and old, dirty oil does not flow as easily when you start your car on a frosty morning. Getting a fresh oil change now ensures your engine is protected for the coming winter.
This is also an excellent time to think about other seasonal maintenance. While your car is in the shop, we can check your battery health or discuss your upcoming seasonal tires changeover.
How we do things differently
We have been serving local drivers since 2001. We believe in keeping things straightforward and honest. When you bring your car to us, we find the problem, call you with a price, and only start the work once you say go. There are no surprise charges on your bill.
If you are looking for a different vehicle to get you through the winter, we also have a few inspected used cars for sale at our shop.
If your car is due for its next service, call us at 519-624-6789 to book a repair or stop by our shop at 63 Water St N. We are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm.
Common questions.
Can I just top up my oil instead of changing it?
No. Topping up your oil adds fresh oil to dirty oil, but it does not remove the accumulated dirt, metal shavings, and debris. Only a full oil change drains these harmful contaminants out of your engine.
How often does my car need an oil change?
It depends on your vehicle make, model, and the type of oil it uses. Most modern vehicles require an oil change every 8,000 to 16,000 kilometres, but you should check your owner's manual for the exact interval.
Do I need to replace the oil filter with every oil change?
Yes. The oil filter traps dirt and debris over time. If you do not replace it, the filter can become clogged, allowing dirty oil to bypass the filter and flow right back into your engine.