How to get a cheap oil change

Looking for a good price on your next oil change? Here are some tried and true tricks that can help you save a few dollars.

Getting an oil change for the car is one of those mindless but necessary tasks that take a chunk of time from a busy schedule every three or four months. The bright spot in an oil change might be the fact that the smart consumer can find ways to save a few dollars on this service, with a little forethought and effort. Here's how.

1. Call ahead. If you have a favorite place you like to take your car, telephone to ask when the next oil change special will be coming up. Assuming that your car will be due within a month and the special will run in three to five weeks, you can afford to make an appointment and wait to save $5 or $10. If you don't have a favorite shop, get out the phonebook and browse the yellow pages, calling the closest or most reputable places. You should be able to locate one that is offering an oil change discount within a few minutes.

2. Watch for signs. On your travels to and from work, taking the kids to school, attending sports events, or going shopping, keep an eye open on all the car repair and maintenance shops that you pass. Chances are one or more of them will feature an oil change special within the space of a few months. Even if you don't need one now, get a feel for how often the discount is offered so you can plan ahead.

3. Buy oil changes in multiples. Some car dealerships or mechanic shops offer a discounted oil change when you buy six or more. If it normally costs $25, the price may be reduced to $20. That can save you $30 or more simply by purchasing several oil changes at the same time. Another advantage is that once you buy several, you're paid up for this service for several months in advance.

4. Contact an auto mechanics school. Vocational high schools or technical schools often teach auto mechanics. Students, supervised by teachers, provide routine maintenance services at lower-than-average prices, mainly to get experience while in training. Find out if there is a school in your area and give it a try next time.

5. Pay a friend or family member to do it. If someone you know can change the oil and replace the filter, along with other needed fluid levels, offer to pay that person instead of a professional shop. As long as you trust the work, you can possibly offer a lower price, say $15 to $20, instead of the full price of $25 to $30 required by most licensed dealers.

6. Barter services. Short on cash? Offer to type a few letters, make a home-cooked meal, or baby-sit an evening or two in exchange for getting your oil changed. Bartering is a hot new trend that encourages people with special skills to exchange their talent for something they don't know how to do. Getting an oil change is a technical skill that might be exchanged for other types of tasks.

Use your creativity and let your fingers do the walking to explore varied options of lowering your oil change fee. Once you figure out a way of getting a lower rate, you may be able to keep it low for months or years, resulting in substantial savings over time. A little bit of effort now can pay off nice dividends later.