Summary
- Owning gas cars involves frequent oil changes and other maintenance, which can be time-consuming, costly, and unreliable compared to EVs
- Changing oil in gas cars can be a hassle, with varying recommendations like every 3 months or 3,000 miles
- Options for changing oil include doing it yourself, taking it to a low-price service, going to a quick oil change place, visiting the dealer, or finding a local mechanic
- Electric cars require less maintenance than gas cars, with EVs typically requiring only half the maintenance of gas cars
- Overall, the article emphasizes the time, cost, and anxiety associated with maintaining gas cars, while highlighting the benefits of owning EVs in terms of reduced maintenance and repair costs
Article
The author of the article discusses the challenges and annoyances of owning a gas car in comparison to an electric vehicle (EV). They highlight the frequency of oil changes and various maintenance issues that come with owning a gas car, which can lead to time, cost, and reliability concerns. The author also mentions their personal experience of owning around 15 gas cars before transitioning to an all-electric lifestyle in 2021. They emphasize the hassle of changing oil regularly, the different options for oil changes, and the potential costs involved.
One major inconvenience mentioned is the need to change the oil in gas cars at regular intervals, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. The author discusses the varying recommendations for oil change intervals based on driving conditions and manufacturer guidelines. They also touch upon the potential impact of extended maintenance intervals on the engine’s longevity, highlighting differing practices among car manufacturers like Toyota and Hyundai.
The article delves into the options available for getting oil changes, including do-it-yourself methods, low-priced oil change shops, quick oil change locations, dealerships, and finding local honest mechanics. Each option comes with its pros and cons, such as cost, time, convenience, and potential for upselling unnecessary services. The author shares their personal preference for using a trusted local mechanic for oil changes and opting for quicker but slightly more expensive options when needed.
In addition to oil changes, the author highlights the numerous maintenance tasks involved in owning a gas car, such as replacing air filters, brake pads, tires, batteries, and other components. Comparatively, EVs require less maintenance, with tasks like cabin air filter replacements, brake fluid changes, and tire rotations being the main areas of concern. A Consumer Reports study from 2020 is referenced to show that EVs cost about half as much to maintain compared to gas cars.
The article concludes by emphasizing the time, anxiety, and potential rip-off concerns associated with gas car maintenance, as well as the overall benefits of owning an EV in terms of reduced maintenance and repair needs. The author shares their Tesla referral link and offers insight into the evolving referral program. They also disclose their investments in various clean energy companies and ETFs, while encouraging readers to support independent cleantech coverage and consider contributing financially to the cause.
Overall, the article serves as a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and frustrations of owning a gas car in comparison to an EV, covering various aspects of maintenance, costs, and personal experiences. It highlights the advantages of transitioning to electric vehicles in terms of reduced maintenance needs, cost savings, and peace of mind.
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