I have done both hundreds of times. I have changed oil under a danfo in Oshodi traffic with a cut bottle, and I have also paid ₦65,000 at a fancy Toyota dealer in Lekki for the exact same 2019 Corolla. After tracking more than 400 oil changes (my customers’ cars, my own cars, and even friends who begged for free labor), here is the no-story, straight-talk comparison that will save you money, time, and maybe your engine.
DIY Oil Change: The Honest Advantages
You Save Serious Cash (Sometimes) A typical oil change for a Corolla or Civic costs:
- 4.5 litres genuine synthetic 5W-30 = ₦38,000–₦45,000
- Original filter = ₦6,000–₦9,000
- Washer/gasket = ₦500 Total material = ₦45,000–₦55,000
Most good workshops charge ₦65,000–₦90,000 for the same job (including labor ₦8,000–₦15,000). DIY saves you ₦15,000–₦35,000 every single time if you buy the right oil yourself
You Control Quality:
You choose the exact oil grade. No workshop will secretly pour that ₦18,000 “Made in Ajegunle” oil and tell you it is Total Quartz. You see the filter with your own eyes. You torque the drain plug to spec so it does not strip.
You Learn Your Car:
You spot problems early: leaking gasket, cracked sump, loose skid plate, low coolant, worn belts. Most people who do their own oil never get surprised by “your engine is knocking” news.
Convenience on Your Own Time:
You do it 7 a.m. Sunday morning in your compound. No booking, no waiting three hours at Stallion or Elizade while they upsell you alignment and injector cleaning.
DIY Oil Change: The Hidden Disadvantages Nobody Talks About
It Is Dirty and Dangerous If You Are Not Careful:
Hot oil at 90 °C will give you second-degree burns. Crawling under a car on bricks or bad jack stands has killed people in Lagos and Abuja. One customer in 2023 lost three fingers when the car fell off a trolley jack.
Waste Oil Disposal Problem:
You drain 4–5 litres of black oil. Where do you pour it? Burning it pollutes. Dumping it in the gutter blocks drainage and can earn you LASG fine. Many people just leave it for the mai ruwa — that oil ends up in the lagoon.
No Receipt, No Warranty Claim:
If your engine knocks tomorrow and you are still under warranty, Toyota or Honda will ask for service invoices.
Time Cost:
A professional finishes in 25 minutes. DIY first-timers spend 2–3 hours, plus the trip to Ladipo, plus cleaning the driveway.
Professional Oil Change: Real Advantages
Speed and Proper Equipment:
Lift, torque wrench, oil extractor, waste oil tank, pressure washer — everything is there. They finish before you finish arguing with the gate man.Extra Checks Most Times, Good workshops will:
- Reset the maintenance light
- Check brakes, belts, fluid levels
- Scan for fault codes free
- Give you a small report
Peace of Mind and Paper Trail:
You get invoice, you can show for resale or warranty. If they use wrong oil and engine knocks, you have someone to fight.
Some Workshops Now Use Original Parts Cheaper:
Places like Parts Palace VI, Cfao, or Mandiles sometimes sell the oil + filter + labor package cheaper than you can buy the parts alone because they buy in containers.
Professional Oil Change: The Painful Disadvantages
Upselling Everywhere:
You came for oil change, you leave paying for fuel cleaner, injector service, throttle body, gear oil “while we are there”
Fake or Recycled Oil Is Real:
In 2024 we tested 42 workshops in Lagos and Abuja with UV markers. 11 workshops poured recycled oil even after charging for new synthetic. Roadside mechanics are worse.
Over-tightened Drain Plugs:
Mechanics who use impact gun on aluminum oil pan → next person who opens it strips the thread. I fix 3–4 stripped pans every month.
Cost Comparison Table (December 2025 Prices – Lagos)
| Car | DIY Cost (materials only) | Good Workshop | Roadside Mechanic | Dealer Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla 2018+ | ₦48,000 | ₦68,000 | ₦38,000 | ₦95,000 |
| Honda Civic 2016+ | ₦52,000 | ₦72,000 | ₦40,000 | ₦110,000 |
| Mercedes C300 | ₦85,000 | ₦120,000 | Not available | ₦180,000 |
| Toyota Hilux Diesel | ₦65,000 | ₦85,000 | ₦55,000 | ₦130,000 |
My Final Recommendation After All the Research
- If you drive Corolla, Civic, Elantra, or any common car and you are careful → do the first 3–4 changes yourself to learn. After that, alternate: DIY when you have time, professional when you are busy.
- If your car is still under warranty or costs above ₦25 million → go professional every time and keep receipts.
- If you have Mercedes, BMW, Range Rover, or any car with cartridge filter on top → professional only unless you have the special tools.
- Never use roadside mechanic for anything above 10W-40 mineral oil cars. The risk is too high.
DIY saves money and teaches you, but only if you do it properly. Professional gives peace of mind but costs more and still has risks. The smartest Nigerian drivers do both, depending on the car and the day.