Oil Change Service Centers

If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. This often repeated but rarely heeded adage moves well into modern times, and especially applies to oil and oil filter changes. Miracle tonics and snake oils will never be a substitute for regular oil and filter changes. Period. Staying on top of maintenance is where a division between the sides begins. One side says doing it yourself is the only way. The other side says let someone else do it and be done with it. The important part is that an oil change gets done.


If the mailbox is chock full of $14.99 or less Supersonic Oil Change (fictitious names to protect the innocent) offers are an indicator of the total cost involved, then the math indeed does lean against the do-it-yourselfer. At those prices oil changes seemingly fall into the 'better to let someone else do the job' category. The refrain heard from do-it-yourself naysayers is often the same. For the money and time spent under the engine, you could have enjoyed a beverage or six-month old magazine while the crew at the Supersonic Lube took care of the job for less than a pair of sawbucks. Or could you?

The Loss Leader and Upsell
The reality of the quickie oil change is rarely as it seems. The super express oil change is what's known as the loss leader. Think of it this way. If a bar or restaurant owner serves customers super hot & spicy chicken wings free of charge, a large quantity of frosty cold beverages will likely be purchased at full price by those same customers very soon after. Giving something away for free or next to it can help turn a better profit. While the greasy oil of the Lightning Lube is slightly different, the idea is to get you in to door with the cheapo oil change and then present—lo and behold—additional services.


Oil and filter change? Why stop there? For a mere $49.95 we can give that tired old bucket the super upgrade special, which includes a list of mechanical mayhem and fluid inspections. Air filter service! Super vacuum intensive radiator rehab! Frosty Cool AC upgrade! Sludge knockout fuel injector cleaning solution! Before you know it that $14.99 oil change has turned into a $189.99 or more worth of added services. The money-saving $14.99 oil change is suddenly but a fleeting memory.

Fair is Fair
To be fair to the Supersonic Lubes and Quickie Slips of the world, a great number of automobile owner's do in fact neglect regularly scheduled maintenance. If the oil is the color of midnight and windshield wipers are wearing into the windshield then attention truly is required. The key to not spending money on unnecessary services is knowing the maintenance needs of your particular car or truck before rolling into the service center. Knowledge and a bit of resolve can prevent the upsell from taking hold.