In 2026, everyone is looking to save a buck on car maintenance. I’ve already explained extensively why a standard oil change is hitting $100 or more at repair shops.Because of these high prices, more and more of my customers are turning to DIY (Do-It-Yourself) maintenance. They want to buy their own oil and filter and spend … Read more

I hear complaints in my shop every single day. Folks come in visibly stressed because a standard synthetic oil change for their Honda or Ford now costs over three figures. I’ve already explained why oil changes are $100 now, and I get it—it hurts the wallet.But what if I told you there is a car … Read more

In 2026, buying a used car is terrifying. Prices are still astronomically high, and inventory is tight. You already know why basic maintenance like oil changes are so expensive now, so the last thing you need is to buy a car that needs a new engine next month.As a mechanic, I see the heartbreaking aftermath. … Read more

It’s a question I hear constantly, usually whispered by a customer trying to save $15 on their bill.“Hey Dave, since I’m using that expensive 15,000-mile synthetic oil, can I just skip the filter this time? My dad used to say change the filter every other oil change.”I understand the temptation. We all know how much … Read more

Your trusty car just crossed the 100,000-mile mark. It’s paid off, it runs well, and you want to keep it that way for another five years.You walk into the auto parts store and face a wall of options. You’ve always used standard oil, but now those gold bottles labeled “High Mileage” are staring at you.Is … Read more

In 2026, cars are incredibly reliable. We drive them for 10,000 miles between services and rarely pop the hood. But this complacency is dangerous.Many drivers delay maintenance because they know how expensive a full synthetic oil change can actually be. They wait for the car to “feel” wrong before spending the money.Here is the brutal … Read more

You are standing in aisle 7 of the auto parts store, staring at a wall of colorful plastic jugs. You know you need synthetic oil.You pick up one bottle. The label says “Advanced Synthetic.” It’s $28. You pick up the bottle next to it. The label says “Full Synthetic.” It’s $38.Wait a minute. Isn’t “synthetic” … Read more

It’s a scenario I see constantly at the shop. A customer has been diligently using full synthetic oil in their Honda Accord since it was brand new. Now, the odometer just rolled over 150,000 miles. The paint is fading, and the trade-in value is dropping.They look at the $120 bill for premium service—and knowing how … Read more

Imagine you are standing in the oil aisle at AutoZone. You see ten different shiny bottles. They all scream “FULL SYNTHETIC” in bold letters. Some even say “100% Synthetic.”You grab the bottle of Mobil 1 or Valvoline. It costs $35 for a jug. Then you see a bottle of boutique oil like Amsoil or Red … Read more

It’s the classic debate stuck to the corner of your windshield: “5,000 Miles OR 6 Months.”In 2026, with modern synthetic oils easily lasting 10,000 miles, many drivers look at that sticker and get confused. You might think: “I only drove 3,000 miles in the last six months because I work from home now. Surely, I … Read more