I have 7 personal vehicles and I prefer to do my own oil changes, since it gives me time with the vehicle to inspect for other issues, top off fluids, etc. and to ensure it's done right with quality parts. I have about 3-5 years worth of oil filters, pan gaskets, and oil on hand for each vehicle. I purchased multiples of some vehicles, or vehicles that are close enough to share some parts for simplicity and ease of maintenance and familiarity.
I buy stuff in bulk and on sale. As a result, my typical oil filters (Motorcraft, Mobile 1, and Denso) average $4 each and the 3 main oils I stock (0w40, 5w20, 5w30) are synthetic and bought in bulk on sale averaging well under $3 per quart. In 2020 when oil went NEGATIVE price, I bought several years worth; one example is a deal on Amazon for Valvoline full synthetic 5 quart bottles for $11 each. I bought the maximum, 5 bottles (25 quarts) for $60 total with free shipping (that's $2.40 per quart). You can routinely get fully synthetic 5 quart bottles on sale at Costco with free shipping for members, at about $2.50 per quart (the brand is made in the same Warren factory as other high quality brands, it's essentially the same as leading brands). I use only high quality full synthetic and became a believer probably 10 years ago. Fully synthetic is fantastic. I know oil doesn't quickly "expire" but I use a marker to label the date purchased so I can more easily rotate thru my stocks.
My vehicles take between 5 - 7 quarts each, so with filter (and $1 oil pan gasket if necessary), my oil changes run between
$17 - $23 each. There is some time involved, but it's not significant and I find the time spent to be added value. I do oil changes annually on average. I cannot put 5000 miles on any single vehicle in a year, so annual is what I do. My mileage per vehicle per change is typically between 1000 to 4000 miles between changes, annually. So this means I spend under $25 once per year per vehicle on a quality oil change. That's not expensive.
With 7 vehicles and working from home, I struggle to put significant miles on any of my vehicles. I have to rotate thru them, and I often just go for highway joy rides to get them up to operating temps on a regular basis.
Anyway, the point is oil changes are not hard nor expensive and they are a good way to get personal with your vehicle.
*Why do I stock so much? Convenience, costs, and I suspect oil prices and inflation will drive oil higher in the long term so having it on hand is money in the bank.
* Why do I have 7 cars? My cars are generally older, less expensive, and easier to maintain than more modern tech bloated cars. When I find a good reliable older vehicle that has a good long-term reputation, I buy it...
I buy stuff in bulk and on sale. As a result, my typical oil filters (Motorcraft, Mobile 1, and Denso) average $4 each and the 3 main oils I stock (0w40, 5w20, 5w30) are synthetic and bought in bulk on sale averaging well under $3 per quart. In 2020 when oil went NEGATIVE price, I bought several years worth; one example is a deal on Amazon for Valvoline full synthetic 5 quart bottles for $11 each. I bought the maximum, 5 bottles (25 quarts) for $60 total with free shipping (that's $2.40 per quart). You can routinely get fully synthetic 5 quart bottles on sale at Costco with free shipping for members, at about $2.50 per quart (the brand is made in the same Warren factory as other high quality brands, it's essentially the same as leading brands). I use only high quality full synthetic and became a believer probably 10 years ago. Fully synthetic is fantastic. I know oil doesn't quickly "expire" but I use a marker to label the date purchased so I can more easily rotate thru my stocks.
My vehicles take between 5 - 7 quarts each, so with filter (and $1 oil pan gasket if necessary), my oil changes run between
$17 - $23 each. There is some time involved, but it's not significant and I find the time spent to be added value. I do oil changes annually on average. I cannot put 5000 miles on any single vehicle in a year, so annual is what I do. My mileage per vehicle per change is typically between 1000 to 4000 miles between changes, annually. So this means I spend under $25 once per year per vehicle on a quality oil change. That's not expensive.
With 7 vehicles and working from home, I struggle to put significant miles on any of my vehicles. I have to rotate thru them, and I often just go for highway joy rides to get them up to operating temps on a regular basis.
Anyway, the point is oil changes are not hard nor expensive and they are a good way to get personal with your vehicle.
*Why do I stock so much? Convenience, costs, and I suspect oil prices and inflation will drive oil higher in the long term so having it on hand is money in the bank.
* Why do I have 7 cars? My cars are generally older, less expensive, and easier to maintain than more modern tech bloated cars. When I find a good reliable older vehicle that has a good long-term reputation, I buy it...
Not electric, not tech bloated, but crazy fun... Mine is a 6.4L manual which is IMO the best motor trans option. The 5.7L auto is plagued with cam and lifter problems, MDS problems, and timing chain problems.
