In 2026, pricing is confusing. You drive past a quick-lube place with a big sign promising a “$39.99 Oil Change,” but when you take your modern SUV to the dealership, the bill comes to $140.It leaves you wondering: “Am I getting ripped off by the dealer, or is the cheap place putting cooking oil in … Read more

In 2026, with inflation hitting everything from groceries to gasoline, everyone is looking for a deal. I get asked all the time: “Dave, is there a best time of year to stock up on oil? Like, is it cheaper in the winter when people drive less?”It’s a smart question. We are used to airline tickets … Read more

In 2026, synthetic oil is incredible stuff. It handles higher heat, lasts longer, and protects better than the oil your grandpa used.Because it lasts so long, many drivers get complacent. They see the high price tag—I’ve explained exactly why a full synthetic oil change costs so much these days—and they try to stretch the interval … Read more

It’s a moment of panic. You’re topping off your oil in the AutoZone parking lot, you pour in a quart, and then you look at the bottle again. It says 5W-30. You look at your oil cap. It says 5W-20.Or maybe you just got your oil changed at a quick-lube place, and the sticker on … Read more

It’s one of the oldest myths in the automotive world. I hear it from customers at my shop at least once a week.The story goes like this: “Dave, my dad told me that once you put synthetic oil in a car, you can NEVER go back to regular oil. He said if I switch back, … Read more

Walk into any auto parts store in 2026, and you’ll notice something: the “conventional oil” section is tiny. It’s tucked away in a corner, gathering dust.Twenty years ago, synthetic oil was an expensive upsell for sports cars. Today, it is the baseline standard for the vast majority of vehicles on the road.Yet, customers still ask … Read more

I see the look on your face when I hand you the bill across the service counter. You just wanted an oil change. It used to cost $30. Now, in 2026, the total for a full synthetic service is staring back at you: **$109.95**.You feel ripped off. You think, “It’s just five quarts of liquid … Read more

In 2026, cars are more expensive than ever. The days of buying a decent “beater” for $2,000 are gone. If you buy a new or slightly used car today, you need it to last. You aren’t aiming for 100,000 miles anymore; you are aiming for 250,000.When you’re at the oil change counter facing a $100 … Read more

If you’ve read any of my other articles here in 2026, you know I’m a massive advocate for synthetic oil. For 99% of the cars on the road today—especially anything with a turbo—it’s liquid engineering that keeps your engine alive.So, why would I write an article about its disadvantages?Because as a mechanic who deals with … Read more

If you are confused about when to change your oil in 2026, I don’t blame you.Your dad swears by the old “every 3,000 miles” rule. The bottle of premium synthetic oil on the shelf at AutoZone says it lasts for “20,000 miles.” Your car’s dashboard computer tells you something else entirely.Who is telling the truth?As … Read more