Getting a regular oil change is essential for keeping Your Car in Good Working Condition. We have become used to affordable oil changes that cost anywhere between $20 to $55 at a regular garage. In recent times, however, that trend has been changing. The reason is the introduction of low-friction engine oil that is thinner than conventional engine oil and which protects your engine for longer. Like every good thing, however, this greater protection too comes at a price. Compared to conventional engine oil, an oil change with the low-friction oils can cost you anywhere around $40 or even more. For some cars, the price of an oil change could even go up to $70. How is this increase justified?
Why Oil Changes are Getting Expensive
The answer is better technology. As mentioned earlier, the new engine oils are thinner, which means that they are more slippery and do not create friction inside your engine. This reduces the wear and tear and ensures a longer life for your engine. Moreover, the new engine oils also increase the fuel economy of your car. So much for the benefits. But what makes it so expensive. In contrast to conventional engine oils, the new engine oils are produced from synthetic blends instead of organic sources. Hence, the increased cost per oil change to keep your car in good working condition.
Is this a Momentary Change?
The next question is, can you avoid this Cost? You may think that all this added efficiency is not what you need and you might as well go on using the same oil you have been using all this while. The honest truth is that this is going to become harder and harder. Most Automobile Manufacturers, even those making affordable economy cars have been recommending the low-friction oils. So unless you own a car made by a company that still recommends the older oils, you will need to pay the additional cost for the new engine oils on your next trip to the service station.
The Upside
Is there some good news? There certainly is. Some relief comes from the possibility that oil change recommendations are going to be revised in other areas as well. With the increased convenience that comes from the thinner low-friction oils, you will not have to get an oil change for your car as frequently. In fact, there are reports which suggest that auto manufacturers will increase the period after which you are recommended to get an oil change.
According to some of these reports, the recommended period may go up from 3000 miles to 5000 miles. So even though an oil change may become more expensive, you won’t have to get one as frequently as you used to. So in the long run, it won’t increase your costs significantly, but you will get better protection and fuel economy for your car. So the best thing is to let progress take its course and take some stock of the savings you will make on your annual car maintenance costs.
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