by Attempting to save on an oil change, the owner of a Mazda CX-90 received a bill for 6000 Canadian dollars
Many car enthusiasts try to service their cars themselves to save money. However, sometimes such attempts end in expensive repairs, as happened to the owner of a Mazda CX-90 in Canada. Instead of paying 120 Canadian dollars for official service, he decided to jack up the car himself and perform an oil change, but accidentally damaged the oil pan.
Why the oil pan damage turned out to be critical
As a service center technician explained, in the Mazda CX-90, the oil pan is not just a separate element, but a structure that provides rigidity to the entire body. Because of this, its replacement requires significantly more time and effort compared to conventional cars. Instead of simple actions, it was necessary to remove the engine and transmission, which significantly complicated and increased the cost of the repair.
How much time and money the repair took
According to estimates, the work to replace the oil pan takes from 12 to 30 hours, depending on the specifics of the service. Together with the cost of the new part and fluids, the total repair bill reached 6000 Canadian dollars. Photos published on social media clearly demonstrate the complexity of the design—the front axle passes through the oil pan, making its replacement almost impossible without serious intervention.
$120.00 for an oil change? I’ll do it myself to save money (and do $6000.00 damage in the process)
The more complex the technology, the more careful you need to be
Modern cars, especially crossovers and other technological models, often have integrated components that cannot be simply separated. This story is a reminder that even simple, at first glance, operations like an oil change can have serious consequences if the design features are not taken into account. For many, this can serve as a lesson in caution and choosing professional service.
The incident with the Mazda CX-90 shows how important it is to understand the technical features of your car before attempting DIY repairs. Manufacturers are increasingly integrating key components, complicating access and replacement, which means even minor mistakes can lead to major expenses. Therefore, before saving on service, it is worth carefully assessing the risks and your capabilities.
