Oil changes that once cost $20 or $30 are now running drivers $80 to $100 or more. For some, the bill could be even higher depending on what's under the hood.

Two factors are driving the increase.

First, the rising price of motor oil, the lubricating fluid that protects your car's engine from wear and tear, has "doubled per quart" for some brands, according to Matt Overbeck, owner of Overbeck Auto Services.

"International concerns are causing oil prices to go up," he said. "There's even some discussion of oil scarcity for certain viscosities here in the coming months."

The little part making some oil changes pricier

But there's a second reason prices are climbing: plastic oil drain plugs now found in some newer cars.

"It's actually across the board domestics and imports," Overbeck said.

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Some automakers now use plastic oil pans and plugs to reduce vehicle weight and lower production costs.

Watch as a mechanic shows the new oil drain plugs that can cost you more:

Drivers hit with oil change surcharge for new plastic drain plugs

Unlike traditional metal plugs that can last for years, these plastic components are designed to be replaced at every oil change.

"Plastic drain plugs should actually be replaced when doing the oil change. They're only designed to be used one time," Overbeck said.

Depending on the mechanic or auto shop, Overbeck said drivers could be hit with an added fee to replace the plug.

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"You might see a $10 or $12 increase to that price because of that one-time use drain plug," he said.

The risk of reusing a plastic drain plug

Before you try to stretch more life out of a drain plug, know that reusing one to save money carries serious risks.

"Obviously the biggest risk is the failure of the plug or the loss of the plug, the plug falling out of the oil pan," Overbeck said, "having a loss of oil and a catastrophic engine failure."

Risking thousands of dollars in engine damage to save a few dollars is not worth it.

Instead, look for ways to offset the cost, including coupons or loyalty discounts.

Also, check your vehicle manual for recommended oil change intervals. You may be able to get more mileage before your next oil change.

Lastly, if you have a newer vehicle, know your oil changes could come with an added cost, so you can budget and you don't waste your money.

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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.______________________________________________"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

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Getting a quote for a new driveway, roof repair, or a big move is easy. Knowing whether that quote is fair is a lot harder, but new tools are making it easier.

Matt McCormack, founder of a free AI tool called QuoteScore, said hidden costs are often buried in the details.

"You might have two line items that are really a great price, but then you might have a hidden cost in line three, right? The overcharges happen very subtly in a lot of these quotes," he said.

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QuoteScore compares your estimate with similar jobs in your area. Users can upload a photo, PDF, or screenshot of the estimate directly from their phone without including any personal information.

The tool then scores the quote on a scale ranging from "red flag" to "exceptional deal."

"The cool thing about QuoteScore is that the more quotes that go into it, the smarter it gets," McCormack said. "It will continue to adjust and will continue to improve."

The site also provides line-item breakdowns and negotiating tips "to make sure that you can get the best price possible," McCormack said.

WATCH how you can easily find out if a contractor quote is a good or bad deal:

Fair price or ripoff? New tool shows if your home quote is fairMore ways to check your quote

Other tools offer similar features. RenoCanvas provides comparable quote analysis. The comparison fee is $9.99 after reviewing a preview of the quotes.

RoofingCalculator.com offers estimates for roofing projects specifically.

The Better Business Bureau is another resource that connects consumers with BBB-accredited businesses.

"Getting three bids is a really good way to have a better understanding of what the going rate is for the work, so you can spot things that are too high or suspiciously low," said Josh Planos of the BBB's Midwest Plains region.

Once you find a fair price, Planos said it's critical to get everything in writing including cost, materials, scope of work, and start and finish dates.

"If the contractor is missing some of those details or they're not writing them out at all, that is a red flag," Planos said.

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Getting a fair quote can also mean weeding out the bad ones.

Matt and Chantel Buechler, who hired workers for a recent move, said their final bill came in much higher than the original estimate.

"It was actually double, literally double what they told me it was going to be," Chantel Buechler said.

The Buechlers said their own experience taught them that the cheapest quote isn't necessarily the best quote.

"Every once in a while, you'll have a good experience, but it's just not worth the risk," Matt Buechler said.

Get multiple quotes, use a comparison tool you're comfortable with, and make sure quotes are detailed and in writing, so you don't waste your money.

_______________________________

"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").___________________________________

Follow John:

Facebook: John Matarese Money Instagram: @johnmataresemoney X/Twitter: @JohnMatarese

For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com