Are Cheap Oil Changes Bad For Your Car?

Getting an oil change is an important task for maintaining your Toyota. There are various places to get this maintenance done, so people might decide to go for the cheapest option to save money. However, you could be doing more harm than good and could deal with much more costly maintenance later on. Toyota of Clermont is Making It Simple® for you and explaining how and why a cheap oil change can be bad for your car.

The Quality of Oil Matters

Not all motor oils are created equal. Cheaper oil is prone to breaking down quickly, which means you’re losing the important properties needed to lubricate and protect your engine. Degraded oil leads to increased acidity, thickening, and the formation of sludge inside your engine. This can bring a ton of issues including poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption, and could even cause major mechanical failure.

Today’s modern engines are designed for high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oils that maintain proper viscosity and chemical stability for thousands of miles. Low-cost oils often fail to meet the manufacturer’s specifications and will result in subpar lubrication and poor performance. At Toyota of Clermont, we always use high-quality products in our service center to ensure top-quality results!

Cheap Oil Change Means Cheap Oil Filter

Usually, a cheap oil change is bundled with a low-quality oil filter. These filters may look identical to premium versions, but they lack some of the essential parts required to keep the oil clean and flowing efficiently. This can bring more problems, such as poor seals that lead to oil leaks or filter elements breaking down and letting contaminants into the engine. 

Additionally, a failed check or relief valve in a cheap oil filter can cause oil to drain back into the pan while the engine is off. This means every time you start your engine, important parts may run unlubricated for a few seconds. It might seem quick, but it can still result in damage and increased engine wear over time. This can result in an expensive repair, which could’ve been avoided by not choosing a cheap oil change.

Lack of Critical Car Inspections

Often, cheap oil change packages don’t include a thorough inspection of your brakes, tires, transmission fluid, and other critical systems. If there is an issue, it might not be noticed in time and can snowball into serious, expensive repairs that would’ve been caught with a more diligent service. 

However much you’re “saving” on a cheap oil change could be lost when you’re dealing with car issues later on. These costs can add up fast when you’re dealing with issues like accelerated engine wear, unexpected major repairs, and frequent breakdowns. And in some cases, using low-quality oil can void your car’s warranty! It may seem like a good idea for your wallet right now, but a cheap oil change will ultimately cost you more money over time. If you stop by Toyota of Clermont’s service center, you'll get the top-quality oil change your car deserves AND a free multi-point inspection for the best of both worlds!

Cheap Oil Change Means Unskilled Workers

Speaking of our Toyota service center, there’s a clear difference between us and a cheap oil change auto shop. These businesses keep their prices low by using inexperienced technicians with minimal training, so the employees aren’t always taught how to follow the essential steps correctly. Mistakes like these can result in issues like oil leaks, or even dangerous engine failures! Reputable garages have experienced mechanics who can spot potential issues during routine service. You can always count on a skilled Toyota technician when you schedule your oil change at Toyota of Clermont!

Manufacturer Recommendations Matter

Before you schedule an oil change, you need to consult your car’s owner’s manual. It’s important to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for oil type and filter quality. Name-brand oils and OEM filters are designed to work with your engine, maximizing performance and longevity. And like we previously mentioned, some car makers require documentation of proper oil changes to honor the vehicle’s warranty, or they’ll deny your coverage if any engine trouble arises. We’ll always use Genuine Toyota Parts in your vehicle when you visit Toyota of Clermont for service.

Skip The Cheap Oil Change and Visit Toyota of Clermont!

While a cheap oil change may cost less now, it can cause tons of issues down the road. When choosing where to go for your oil change service, you need somewhere with experienced technicians who can use the right oil for your vehicle and spot any other issues. That’s why you need to visit Toyota of Clermont! Schedule your next oil change on our website or give us a call at 352-404-7001.