Prices Are Going Up — Here's How to Lock Yours In
Hey Shecanics, friends, and family. Let's talk about something nobody wants to hear: car care is getting more expensive.
I know you're feeling at the pump. As a independent auto repair shop, we feel the pain. It’s now trickled down to the shop, here at Girls Auto Clinic and at repair shops across the country. The cost of oil changes and routine maintenance is going up. We want to keep our customers happy, our employees feed, and our lights on.
I want to be as transparent as possible about our prices* because you deserve a heads-up, and because there's a way to protect your wallet before prices change. Keep reading!
*You can find details about our price increase here.
First let’s talk about
Why Is This Happening?
Unless you don’t own a tv or smart phone, I’m sure you know this answer.
Crude oil prices are way up. Conflict in the Middle East and tension around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, have rattled global supply. As of October 1, crude oil was about $104 a barrel. That’s roughly 57% more than a year ago. Attacks on refineries overseas have squeezed fuel supplies even further.
That's why gas costs more. The national average for regular is about $4.37 a gallon, up around 39% from last year.
Motor oil got hit even harder. Did you know the oil that goes in your engine is the same oil that is refined for gas? Prices on on finished motor oil and lubricants have also increases of 15 to 25%, a significant jump . Synthetic oil — what most newer cars require — took the biggest jump.
It’s a double whammy for motorist because really, your vehicle runs on oil it twice — once in the gas tank and once in the engine. The experts don't expect quick relief, either. Lubricant prices lag behind crude oil, so even when gas prices dip, motor oil prices tend to stay high for months.
And it doesn't stop at oil. When fuel costs more, so does shipping every filter, wiper blade, and part that comes through our doors. Those costs roll downhill to repair shops. And eventually, to you.
You don't have to ride this rollercoaster.
Lock In Your Price With a VID Membership
I’ve got some good news! Girls Auto Clinic created the Very Important Driver program to help our customers easily include auto maintenance in their monthly budget. Too often, drivers delay maintenance out of fear, shame, or a lack of money and car knowledge. Rising prices only make that worse.
Our Very Important Driver (VID) Membership gives you all your required yearly maintenance for one flat price. So no matter the price of oil, your cost is fixed for the whole year. You just come in, we take care of it, and you're out the door for $0.
That means:
$0 at checkout. No more up-charges or up-sells at your oil changes.
A budget you can actually plan around. Starting at $65 a month for small vehicles and $70 a month for trucks and SUVs.
Up to $1,200 a year in services for a fraction of the cost.
Your membership covers oil changes, tire rotations, wheel alignments, wiper blades, engine and cabin air filters, brake and battery inspections, flat tire repairs, fluid top-offs, and trouble code scans. Plus your annual PA safety and emissions inspection, a So Clutch manicure with every oil change, and a signed copy of my Glove Box Guide.
AAA estimates routine maintenance runs about 10 cents a mile. For the average driver, that's around $1,330 a year — and that was before oil prices took off. Car care isn't optional. But overpaying for it is.
Is a Very Important Driver Membership right for you?
I believe the VID membership is right for every car owner, but it's a hell yes if you're a:
Repeat GAC customer looking to save money on vehicle maintenance
New driver or owner looking to create good car habits
Owner of a used car with more than 35,000 miles on it
Driver looking to protect your investment and resell your car for maximum value
With a VID membership, you get maximum results with minimum effort. Not only are you treating your car well — you're treating your wallet well. Join over 175 car-savvy Shecanics and drivers who are already Very Important Drivers.
The best time to lock in your price is before it goes up. That time is now. The price for VID memberships will go up in 2027!
Join the Very Important Driver Membership →
Save $35 on your sign-up fee when you choose the yearly plan. Drive for Uber, Lyft, Instacart, or work? Ask about our Very Imporant Driver PRO membership. memberships@girlsautoclinic.com
More Ways to Save (Because Knowledge Is Money)
During my auto airhead days, I avoided oil changes and maintenance because I hated the experience — and costly repairs and breakdowns were always a shock. I created Girls Auto Clinic to give the power back to the driver. The more you know about your car, the less it costs you. Period.
Come to a Girls Auto Clinic Car Care workshop. Our car care workshops through our Shecanic Foundation teach you the basics hands-on — checking your oil and tire pressure, reading your dashboard lights, and knowing what your car actually needs. Catching small problems early is the cheapest car care there is. See upcoming workshops →
Read my blog. I break down the stuff that quietly drains your wallet. Start with Gas Station Myths That Are Costing You Money — including why premium gas is a waste for most cars, and how E15 can save you at least 25 cents a gallon. With gas over $4, that adds up fast. Then check out Gas Is Expensive for real-world tips to make your gas money go further. (Big thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, the Renewable Fuels Association, for helping us spread the word.)
Keep my book in your glove box. The Girls Auto Clinic Glove Box Guide is your go-to for understanding your car, talking to mechanics with confidence, and avoiding costly mistakes. It's the closest thing to having me in the passenger seat. Get your copy →
Don't skip maintenance to save money. I know it's tempting when everything costs more. But the most important thing you can do for your car is get your maintenance when it's due. Skipping an oil change today can turn into an engine repair tomorrow. That's not saving — that's borrowing from your future self. Make an appointment today →
Don't Wait for the Price Tag to Change
We can't control what happens in the oil markets. But we can control how ready we are for it.
Lock in your price. Get your maintenance handled. Spend $0 at checkout. And support a woman-owned shop that trains, hires, and pays women to work on cars.
Join over 175 car-savvy Shecanics and drivers who are already Very Important Drivers. It's your turn to drive like one.
Sign up for your VID Membership today →
The price for Very Important Driver Memberships will go up in 2027!
Questions? Email memberships@girlsautoclinic.com or call 484-461-4693 ext. 103.
