The current chaos in the automotive oil market is complex—how to correctly choose oil suitable for your vehicle?

A routine 4S dealership maintenance service now costs 500–600 yuan, often using basic oil. Today, I’ll show you how to replace your oil with fully synthetic oil at a lower cost than 4S dealerships—without lifting a finger yourself.

Step 1: Choose Oil by Specification

First, prepare the oil. Most people opt to buy oil online, as it’s generally cheaper and offers more options. Reputable brands also provide clear authorization certificates visible on their websites, ensuring peace of mind when purchasing independently.

When selecting oil, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s customer service to confirm the required oil grade and specification (e.g., viscosity and performance class).

For example, if your car’s manual specifies "5W-30 fully synthetic oil" (as shown in the image below), you can directly use Xiao Fei’s 5W-30 fully synthetic oil for maintenance.

Step 2: Prepare Necessary Parts

Once the oil is ready, gather the required parts. For a basic oil change, you’ll need:

• 1 new oil filter: Available online or at auto shops (prices range from ~10 yuan at budget stores to 50 yuan at pricier ones).
• 1 oil drain plug: Ensure it’s compatible with your vehicle.

Step 3: Find a Reliable Service Shop

With oil and parts ready, choose a workshop for installation. Most auto repair shops or tire stores offer oil changes, with labor costs ranging from 30 to 100 yuan.

Stay to supervise the process and ensure the technician follows proper steps:

1. Lift the vehicle.
2. Drain the old oil.
3. Replace the oil filter.
4. Add the new oil.

The entire process typically takes just 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Post-Change Checks

After the service:

• Inspect the oil drain plug: Ensure it’s tightly secured to prevent leaks.
• Check oil level: Use the dipstick to confirm it’s between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks.
• Request a maintenance receipt: This serves two purposes:
  • For warranty claims, 4S dealerships may require proof of regular maintenance.
  • It holds the workshop accountable if issues like loose plugs arise later.

Why This Works

By bypassing 4S markups and sourcing oil/parts independently, you save significantly

 while maintaining control over quality. Always prioritize manufacturer-recommended specifications—using the wrong oil (e.g., incorrect viscosity) can harm engine performance.

 For most modern cars, fully synthetic oil (costing 200–400 yuan for 4–5L) paired with a budget oil filter (10–50 yuan) and labor (30–100 yuan) totals 300–600 yuan, half the 4S cost.

This approach balances affordability, convenience, and engine protection—no tools or technical skills required.