Changing the oil in a car is one of the simpler maintenance tasks, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Getting under the car safely to access the reservoir and drain out the old oil is definitely not easy unless you have proper car maintenance tools. Still, many people do their own oil changes to save money. If you've wondered if you should start doing your own car oil change service, you may want to wait and instead continue to go to a mechanic. If you're not happy with your current mechanic, you'll definitely be able to find another one; according to Zippia, the U.S. has 180,251 auto mechanics working throughout the country. Here are a few of the top reasons to leave oil changes to the pros.

No Worries About Disposing of Used Motor Oil

First, when you change your car's oil, you have to dispose of the used oil in a safe manner that's in accordance with your state's requirements for hazardous waste disposal. That can often take more effort than the oil change, depending on where you live. When you have a mechanic do the oil change, the mechanic will dispose of the oil. You may be charged a fee, but it will be minimal and is typically factored into the cost of the oil change.

No Risk of Breaking Local Regulations

You may be used to doing oil changes in your home garage. However, if you've moved, or if your city or county has changed its laws, you could accidentally be in violation. Think of someone who moves to a new home in a neighborhood that has an HOA, which has forbidden people from doing car repair work in their driveway, or a city that now counts messy car work as a neighborhood nuisance that your neighbors can complain about. Have a mechanic do the oil change so you don't run afoul of laws and regulations in your area.

Less Physical Risk to You

Forget the TV show images of someone rolling out on a small board after being under a car and doing repairs. Getting under a car is a little more intense than that. You need to lift the car up high enough so you can work unimpeded, and the lifts or jacks have to be stable enough to prevent the car from falling on you. And a lot of times, people don't get that quite right and take some big risks with their safety.

Finding a good mechanic to do a car oil change service can take time. However, given the large number of mechanics employed in the country, you should be able to find one who can easily handle oil changes. If you're looking for a new mechanic, reach out to Automotive Procare today. We look forward to working with you!