Regular maintenance, like getting an oil change, is crucial for the longevity of your vehicle, but the recurring expense can strain your budget. Fortunately, if you start a search online today, you can save money on your upcoming oil change.
Vehicles need a lot of routine servicing in order to keep up with your busy schedule. Luckily, there’s good news. With the right strategies, you don’t have to pay full price every time your car needs a tune-up. Explore these insider tips!
Know Your Options
There are many places to get an oil change, from dealerships to local mechanics to specialized chain stores. Each has its pros and cons when it comes to pricing and promotions. Some chain stores regularly offer coupons and discounts you won’t find elsewhere. 1
Make sure to explore different options in your area to see where you can get the best deal. Look online for reviews and comparisons to learn more about the subject.
Leverage Seasonal Promotions
Timing can make a difference in the price you pay for an oil change. Many places offer seasonal promotions to lure in customers. Holidays and the change of seasons are good times to look out for discounted rates.
Try to sync your oil change schedule with these promotional periods for maximum savings. Research online to find out when these promotions are most likely to occur.
Don’t Change Your Oil Too Often
While maintaining clean oil is vital for your engine’s health, it’s also important not to fall for frequent oil change gimmicks. The sticker on your windshield may suggest a 3,000-mile interval for your next oil change but that might not be based on your car’s actual needs.
In fact, many modern vehicles can safely go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes under normal driving conditions. 2 By extending the interval between oil changes, you’re not just saving money on the service itself, but also on the time and effort it takes to get it done. Always trust your vehicle handbook over what the local mechanic recommends.
Bundle Your Services
Sometimes, you can save money by bundling your oil change with other services like tire rotations or fluid checks. Service centers often offer packages that include multiple maintenance tasks at a discounted rate.
The savings can be substantial compared to purchasing each service separately. To get the best bundled deal, check out various service packages online.
Be a Repeat Customer
Loyalty often pays off when it comes to auto maintenance. Some service centers offer loyalty programs or punch cards that provide a free or heavily discounted oil change after a certain number of visits.
Keep track of these programs and make sure to take advantage of them. If you’re not sure where to start, go online and look for service centers that offer loyalty programs.
Negotiate Wisely
Contrary to popular belief, the listed price isn’t always the final price. Feel free to negotiate, especially if you’re getting multiple services done. The worst they can say is no, and you may end up saving a good amount of money. 3
Learn negotiation tactics by researching online; it could pay off for your oil change and other services.
Take Advantage of Membership Perks
If you’re a member of an automobile association, a wholesale club, or a rewards program, don’t forget to check for exclusive oil change discounts. These organizations often partner with service centers to offer special rates to their members.
You may find that your membership comes with the added benefit of saving on regular car maintenance. If you haven’t taken advantage of membership perks yet, now is the time to research online for deals that could be available to you.
Sign Up for Newsletters and Alerts
Many auto service centers have newsletters or alert systems that inform customers about upcoming promotions or special offers. By simply signing up with your email, you can receive these valuable insights right in your inbox.
You might even get a welcome discount just for signing up. If you’re serious about saving money, spend some time online to find out which service centers offer these email alerts and take a moment to sign up.
Save Money On Your Next Oil Change
Saving money on your oil change is easier than you might think. From knowing your options to bundling services and leveraging technology, there are numerous ways to get a discount. With an online search, you can even uncover more opportunities to save!
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for seasonal promotions and loyalty programs, and never underestimate the power of negotiation. By following these tips, you’re sure to keep both your car and your wallet in great shape.
