What are the reasons vehicle owners don't change their own motor oil?

1. 73

   gjfalconeposted 15 years ago

   What are the reasons vehicle owners don't change their own motor oil?
   
   Typically those I know avoid timely oil changes.The dipstick commonly reveals a sludge consistency. Viscosity is vital to the lubrication process. Convenience & cost of bringing to a mechanic was a factor. Going to the dentist for a "woot canal" only fared worse in popularity. Another fav response for delaying an oil change: The mystery inevitable costly repair. Actual fear instilled by their trustworthy mechanic. If you have kids,"it's over johnny." Finally one guy told me his dad told him to quit changing his oil in his dad's garage until he got rid of the last 3 gallons of oil.

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2. 61

   IdeaMorphistposted 15 years ago

   My quick estimation would say:
   1. poor budgeting of an already low income
   2. poor understanding of that importance and impact
   3. general "disposal" attitude that if their car wears out they can buy/finance/lease a new one
   4. Ignoring whether other drivers of the car took it in

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3. 58

   amuletsposted 15 years ago

   Cost will be the main factor. Now my dad has a better solution as he is using a new type of oil that only requires to change in every 100,000 km. That will be a saving for oil change since the normal oil change is for every 10,000 km.

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4. 60

   dabeanerposted 15 years ago

   There are several reasons: The major reason is that automobiles are now designed to make it as difficult as possible for owners to do ANY maintenance themselves, including changing their own oil.
   
   Also, fewer and fewer people have a place to do it themselves as those types who are more "into" doing it themselves used to have houses where they could do it in a driveway or garage.  Now they are in apartments where the logistics are not as conducive
   
   Third, an owner previously could just dump the oil in a vacant lot.  Now, because of overpopulation and environmental concerns, it's now hard to find a vacant lot and it's illegal.

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5. 52

   Dennis E. Kubitposted 15 years ago

   Timeliness, the effort required although minimum and the fact that there are requirements on the process to dispose of the old fluids. Where and how come to mind.

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6. 73

   gjfalconeposted 15 years ago

   Never Mind...Green Earh Technologies has perfected, through Nanotechnology, Biodegradable Motor Oil.  I believe it's available back East. Being west of the Rockies, not yet.

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7. 51

   poeticflightposted 14 years ago

   This is a question which has to be asked to each individual car owner.  Yet... a few of the concerns are easily solved.
   
   1. Knowledge. Some owners fail to realize that some mechanical repairs to automobiles do not require the extensive auto technicians training.
   
       Solution = Auto parts  stores sell repair manuals for most vehicles.
   These manuals are filled with step by step instructions in all repairs. from changing a bulb to complete engine breakdown. (Note- the latter I would suggest be attempted only by those with more experience)
   
   2. Tools. Some owners do not realize they do not need the two story tool box full of gadgets to do most repairs.
   
      Solution= A small socket and wrench set can be bought from most department stores at reasonable prices. Most stores also sell the specialty tools one may need also. ( oil filter wrench, oil drain pans, oil fill funnels)  While there you can even pick up your oil and new filter.
   
   3.Location, disposal and mess. Some owners shy away because they have no room and what to do with old oil and even concerns of spills.
   
      Solution= Most auto parts stores have large parking lots with the back areas being less frequented. I have seen on many occasions where owners park away from the busy areas and complete various auto repairs in the parking lot.
      Most stores understand room constriction and allow repairs as long as it doesnt interfier with customer access. Also.. you can buy oil absorbant sheets there  and put them down incase of drips or spills.
   
     When the change is complete, Most parts stores have a oil recycle program. You take the oil drain pan inside and they dump it into larger containers to be sent out for recycling. Most also have disposal capabilities of contaminated oil absorbant sheets.
   
      With this said, maybe more people can begin to save a little cash during this economic cycle.

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8. 60

   Real_Wordsposted 14 years ago

   They simply dont know how or even know where to locate it ; )

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9. 43

   cardoctor2posted 14 years ago

   You know what happens when _ _ _ _ hits the fan.
   
   When your car is running OK, you don't think about servicing it.
   
   New cars can go twice as long as older ones on oil change interval, since there is less contamination present - as wear problems are so minor. However...
   
   When your cars age and miles climb, you don't pay attention to common sense about the growth of negative conditions inside at work - including the fact your oil will probably be loaded with more wear-increasing residues.
   
   Some cars have a  sensor to detect the oil change time.
   
   That helps. However.... if you have been neglecting your car care duties, the following information will give you the corrective tips to get your motor healthy again. 
   
   They will show you the secrets us car buffs use to clean up our motor, protect it from harm, and quickly slam the breaks on wear out.
   
   They show you a new, better, "every 6 months oil change routine" that even healthier for your motor than the present 3 month method. The twice a year method.
   
   Its secret is due to powerful new cleaners that go where oil can't  - to remove wear-increasing residues. And new chemistry that smooths, then coats pistons, bearings, valves, gears and such.
   This anti-wear type care  will double and triple your motor and transmission remaining life - even if at present, you have been a little forgetful about timely oil changes on cars you really do depend on. That's the good news...
   
   It's not too late - yet, is it? If not, learn what's new to help you.
   
   Click this link for my exact car care way to end wear problems at work in your motor. My tips do that, and show you the best and least expensive way found to protect your car and your budget from late oil change negatives.
   
   http://www.auto-tune-up-and-repair-opti … -help.html

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