By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – What used to cost around $80 for an oil change is now pushing $120 or higher at shops across southern Arizona — and the reason starts thousands of miles away.
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Tensions near the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that serves as a key passage for global oil shipments — are disrupting supply chains, and the ripple effect is reaching Tucson.
Prices climbing, shelves thinning
“With synthetic oils, 100% synthetic, you’re paying over $140 an oil change,” said Javier Avalos, owner of Spectrum Ina Road Auto Collision.
Do-it-yourselfers are also seeing higher prices and, in some cases, empty shelves. Online, drivers are taking notice. A dealership parts manager posted the following to the Reddit forum “Ask Car Guys”:
“Dealership parts manager here — my cost on bulk oil has gone up four times this year after having stayed relatively level since the pandemic. Those increases have meant that I’m now paying 60 cents per quart more than I was charging for it in January. Packaged oil is the same story — except we’re already seeing backorders on packaged oil products, and we simply just cannot get some things that we really need.”
Automakers issuing guidance on oil substitutions
Some of the biggest automakers are already preparing for a potential shortage, giving shops guidance on how to substitute oil formulas while keeping vehicles under warranty.
“So, Chrysler, BMW and Nissan have sent out a bulletin saying now what you can do is lower the viscosity and use a lesser quality motor oil,” Avalos said.
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Spectrum Ina Road Auto Collision also relies on crude oil for petroleum paint and clear coats, meaning the supply chain impact extends beyond oil changes.
What drivers should do now
Avalos said drivers should not panic — but should not wait, particularly if their vehicle calls for synthetic oil, which 70% of new vehicles require.
“10,000 miles is just too long to wait in southern Arizona,” Avalos said.
He also recommends purchasing an engine oil filter and two to four quarts of motor oil to keep at home for top-offs in case supply tightens further.
If your car calls for synthetic, do not skip the service. Call your shop ahead and ask what oil they are using and whether any substitutions are being made. To save money, check for digital and mailed coupons, or consider family-owned shops, which often have lower everyday prices.
Questions to ask your mechanic
About the automaker’s bulletin and your warranty
- In light of current 110°F+ Arizona summer temperatures, how will this specific alternative weight affect my engine’s film thickness and protection against overheating?
- Is this alternative oil a full synthetic, a synthetic blend, or a conventional oil?
- Does this substituted oil meet the exact API (American Petroleum Institute) or ILSAC specifications required for my engine, even if the viscosity weight is different?
- Can you show me the exact text or code of the manufacturer’s technical service bulletin authorizing this specific oil swap for my vehicle?
- Will you provide a printed, signed copy of this bulletin attached to my service invoice for my records?
- How exactly will this alternative oil be noted on my receipt so the manufacturer cannot claim I used unapproved fluids if I experience an engine failure?
- If this alternative oil causes an issue, is the repair covered under the factory powertrain warranty, or does the dealership assume liability for the swap?
About maintenance intervals and future care
- Because of this oil swap, do I need to shorten my next oil change interval (e.g., coming back at 3,000 or 5,000 miles instead of 10,000 miles)?
- Are you substituting my oil filter with an OEM factory filter, or are you using an aftermarket brand due to supply chain constraints?
- Should I expect a noticeable drop in my fuel economy (MPG) or a change in engine noise while running this alternative weight
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