Here’s Why You Should Be Doing Your Own Oil Changes

There are certain things that every guy should know how to do: How to change a tire, how to jump start a car, and how to change your own oil. Sadly, most people simply take their cars to the dealership or some quick lube shop when it’s time for an oil change, as they don’t want to get their hands dirty.

But honestly, changing your own oil is one of the easier DIY tasks that you can perform on your car, and you can save a bunch of money in the process. Plus, you can use your preferred motor oil and filter (I’ve always used Mobil 1™ products), rather than getting stuck with whatever the shop has in stock. I paid a lot of money for my car, and I want to keep it in tip-top shape by using nothing but the best.

If you haven’t changed your oil before, it’s important that you consult your owner’s manual to make sure that you’re using the correct type (regular, synthetic, blend) and weight oil for your car. The Advance Auto Parts DIY Garage blog has lots of information about choosing the right type of oil, along with plenty of other handy tips for keeping your car in peak condition. There’s even a section where you can read and watch tutorials about the Mobil 1 advantage.

I’ve always used Mobil 1 advanced full synthetic motor oil in my cars, as it delivers exceptional performance, increased fuel economy and protection for vehicles of all ages and for all driving conditions, helping to keep the car’s engine running like new by combating sludge and deposit buildup, reducing wear and controlling oil breakdown. I also use Mobil 1 oil filters, which use synthetic fibers to leave your vehicle with cleaner oil and an engine that performs better and lasts longer.

In fact, Mobil 1 is the World’s Leading Synthetic motor oil brand, and it is recommended by more car builders and used by more NASCAR® teams than any other brand of motor oil. If it can stand up to the abuse those cars see on race day, then it’s good enough for my daily driver!

So what do you say, are you ready to get your hands dirty and tackle your own oil change, save some money (we spent less than $40 in materials, versus the $60+ that our dealership normally charges), and walk away with a sense of accomplishment? Then head over to Advance Auto Parts, pick up your supplies, and follow these seven simple steps:

Then head over to Advance Auto Parts, pick up your supplies, and follow these seven simple steps:

1. Put your car on jack stands or ramps
2. Remove the oil drain plug and let oil drain
3. Remove the old oil filter
4. Install new oil filter
5. Replace oil
6. Check oil level
7. Recycle and drop off the old oil at any Advance Auto Parts location

It’s just that easy. Done right, you should be able to finish the job in about 20 minutes. Now give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!

In addition, Advance Auto Parts is currently running a promotion where you can score a free movie ticket from Fandango with the purchase of any five quarts of Mobil 1™ motor oil at Advance Auto Parts. So go ahead and treat your engine to unbeaten protection and performance, and treat yourself to a movie of your choice. Offer expires 11/30/2016. Offer valid with store receipts only. Online receipts are not valid.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of ExxonMobil. The opinions and text are all mine.