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“As a licensed mechanic, I will never ever do my oil changes when a vehicle is under warranty. It makes zero sense. I know the risks. There’s no reward in me doing it other than patting myself on the back ‒I did my own oil change,”
Sounds like heresy, right? Especially coming from a mechanic known for blunt, honest advice on car repair. But that’s exactly what the host of the Lance Mechanics YouTube channel recently said—directly challenging the growing number of automotive websites telling car owners to do their own oil changes to save money and avoid scams.
This is from my personal perspective as a mechanic, former service advisor, warranty guy, parts guy. I’ve seen it all. And I think a lot of DIYers are sending you down the wrong path.”
Why Most Automotive Websites Push DIY Oil Changes
There’s a reason so many blogs and channels encourage how to change your own oil to save money. It’s partly a backlash against quick-lube chains and dealerships that sometimes overcharge, upsell unnecessary services, or even damage cars during “10-minute oil changes.”
DIY oil changes also appeal to drivers who want to learn basic car maintenance skills at home. In an era where fewer people work on their own cars, doing your own oil change is one of the easiest entry-level repairs you can try.
But while DIY can work in some cases, this mechanic warns that doing your own oil change on a car under factory warranty could backfire—and cost you thousands.
Related article: The Biggest Mistake Good Car Owners Make Maintaining Their Car That Dealerships Use to Scam Customers
Two Reasons This Mechanic Avoids DIY Oil Changes on Warranty Cars
1. Manufacturers look for any excuse to deny warranty claims
“I worked at Hyundai Kia from 2012 to 2016. Back then, the 1.8L GTI engines had a known piston coating defect. The manufacturer knew full well what was wrong, but still denied claims over oil changes. I saw them blame owners for supposed improper oil maintenance just to avoid paying for repairs. That’s when I realized all manufacturers will try this. Doesn’t matter who makes it, they will do anything to weasel out of paying warranty.”
As another commenter put it:
The manufacturer will find any reason to dodge a warranty claim and this will be the first thing they check to screw you over. Sad but true.” – @rotaxtwin
2. DIY oil change records often aren’t considered “credible” evidence
Even if you document your work, manufacturers may still reject it.
“Doing it yourself in my opinion is not strong enough. Even if you write things down, take pictures of the oil life, and do everything perfectly, at the end of the day, they can still say: ‘You’re not a professional. How do we know you put in the exact right amount or used the correct oil?’”
Why This Mechanic Thinks It’s Not Worth It
According to the Lance Mechanics host:
- Oil changes are too important to compromise.
- The risks of doing your own oil change on a car under warranty outweigh the rewards.
- Many dealerships sell oil changes at a loss to bring in customers.
- You’re not obligated to accept upsells…just get the oil change.
- Professional oil changes give you a paper trail if a warranty claim arises.
- If something goes wrong, the shop’s insurance (not yours) pays.
- Doing it yourself takes 1–1.5 hours and requires hazardous waste disposal.
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“They’re not really saving money, and then they have to dispose of the oil. If you lose your warranty, it’s going to be one of the most expensive payouts you’ve ever had for something so simple.”
Why I’ll Never Do My Own Oil Change on a Car with Warranty (Here’s Why) Most Will Disagree with Me
The Legal Angle: Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act
Some argue that the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act protects DIY car maintenance under warranty. This 1975 U.S. law requires manufacturers to prove that aftermarket parts or non-OEM service actually caused the failure before denying coverage.
As one commenter noted:
“It permits owners to document their own services and still be covered. If the owner has receipts and records, a dealer must prove the non-OEM service caused the problem.” – @johndorrell1
However, the host warns:
“You still have to prove you did the oil change on time. It’s a lot harder to prove the truth than it is for them to deny your warranty.”
Two Solutions for DIYers
Solution #1 – Create Ironclad Documentation for DIY Oil Changes
- Keep a detailed log with date, mileage, oil type, and filter specs.
- Save original receipts for oil and filters.
- Take before-and-after photos or videos, including odometer readings.
- Follow OEM specs exactly—preferably with OEM filters.
- Store proof with time/date stamps in the cloud.
Solution #2 – Mix Dealer and DIY Services
Do the dealer oil change at the manufacturer’s recommended interval (often 10K miles), but quietly do your own mid-interval oil changes to extend engine life. Use the same filter type as the dealer for consistency.
Take it to the dealer every 10,000 miles. Do your own secret oil change between services. That way you keep your warranty and still get your 5,000-mile oil changes.” – @RlydUpLtd
Final Analysis
If you’re driving a car still under warranty, this mechanic’s position is clear: don’t risk your warranty over an oil change. For those who still want to DIY, airtight documentation is key.
What Do You Think? Do you side with the mechanic, or do you think careful recordkeeping is enough to protect yourself? Let us know in the comments section below.
For additional motor oil-related articles, here is one that discusses what this mechanic found from a Toyota Tundra Oil Sample Analysis After First 1,000 Miles.
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance. He also covers modern cars—including EVs—with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. Follow Tim on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites) and Facebook for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
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Source: torquenews.com
