Aug. 3, 2022—Shop owners in Central Texas have noticed that many people are putting off their oil changes.
According to KWTX, shops are reporting that people are coming in for oil changes that are past due. Some of this procrastination could be because of inflation and increased gas prices.
In an effort to cut costs, people choose to delay the procedure.
“We should always maintain our oil change because the break down of the oil on hot days like today can be very costly,” Fred Deleon, owner of Fred’s Auto Repair, said to KWTX.
High outdoor temperatures can play a role in causing unintended damage to the vehicle, especially because heat can cause engine parts to expand. This makes routine oil changes increasingly important in hotter areas of the country.
Chad Trail, owner of Texas Star Auto Repair, stressed to drivers that oil changes are more cost effective than having to replace an entire engine.
“The newer cars take the fully synthetic oil,” Trail said to KWTX. “We charge $34.99 for an oil change. $34.99 vs $7,000 to $10,000 for a new engine.”
