Ask the Motor Trend Certified Mechanic
Reasons to have a mechanic change your car's oil
Although changing the oil by yourself can be slightly cheaper on a yearly basis, the process can often be more of a hassle than it's worth. Not only will you have to diligently clean the spilled oil from yourself and your clothes, but you'll also have to figure out where to dispose of the excess liquid.
Oil can be extremely harmful to yards and - most importantly - the environment as a whole, so it would require a trip to the dealership or mechanic to get rid of it. After going through all the trouble, you might as well let a professional deal with the mess.
Even though the work is relatively simple, there are many critical mistakes that can result from a do-it-yourself oil change. For example, the wrong type of oil can lead to a breakdown on the open road.
Because oil can frequently become tarry and ineffective after a certain amount of mileage, it's an absolute necessity to change it on a regular basis. Even for those who are experienced in automotive components, the best thing to do is take your vehicle to your local dealership's qualified mechanics.