I am not a car expert. I will never claim to be a car expert. I can usually get a good feel for what is wrong with a car because I have had my cars break down so many times and in so many different ways that I remember the symptoms of different car problems. I will tell you that many times the guy who changes your oil is also not a car expert. This is especially true at the big chain places. Every time you go to one of these they will (and should) try to up sell you into more services. Most of the time the suggestions are sound advice but are premature to your situation. For example, you do not need a new air filter every oil change. They need to be changed about every 12,000 miles (or four oil changes).
Every vehicle manual has a time frame that you need to take your car in for a check up. If you are following this schedule then you should have no problems keeping your car in good shape. If the oil change guy makes a suggestion, thank him and then explain you will get it checked out when you go in for your regular maintenance. I would write down what he is saying just so you can remember to ask. This way your car gets the care it needs and you don’t get taken to the cleaners.
I would recommend actually taking your vehicle to a dealership. I work for a General Motors dealership, and can personally attest that even the oil change guy is factory trained and certified. Not to mention, if the dealership screws up your car and won’t take care of it, you can always complain to the manufacturer who will most likely handle it for you.
Also, for most cars now, the 3,000 mile rule for oil changes is no longer valid. If your vehicle is equipped with an oil life monitor, pay attention to it. Most vehicles and motor oils are now designed to be changed every five thousand miles or so. I only have my oil changed every five or six thousand miles, so I save a ton of money! Of course, its a good idea to check the owner’s manual or your local service center if you have questions.
If you have an older model car or one that doesn’t have an oil life monitor the by far cheapest way to save money is to change your oil yourself. If you don’t already know how to do it on your own car, check your owner’s manual.