EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Drivers may soon start paying more at the repair shop, not just at the pump.<\/p>\n
Rising motor oil costs and possible shortages are beginning to impact drivers across the country, including here in El Paso.<\/p>\n
According to reporting from USA TODAY<\/a>, supply chain disruptions tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are tightening supplies of certain motor oils, especially low viscosity synthetic oils commonly used in hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles.<\/p>\n Local auto shops say they\u2019re already feeling the impact.<\/p>\n We\u2019re looking at 70 to 80 dollars for the synthetic oil change,\u201d said Lorenzo Anguiano, general mechanic manager at M&M Auto Care. \u201cLast year, the synthetic oil change was around 50 to 60 dollars.<\/p>\n Anguiano said rising oil barrel prices are driving up costs for repair shops and customers alike. He said barrels that once cost his shop around $450 are now closer to $700.<\/p>\n \u201cWe saw that the price kept increasing,\u201d Anguiano said. \u201cThere was no way of keeping it the same.\u201d<\/p>\n UTEP economics professor Tom Fullerton said the issue goes far beyond gasoline prices.<\/p>\n \u201cAnytime oil prices go up, that raises the cost of operating equipment, including automobiles,\u201d Fullerton said.<\/p>\n Fullerton said attacks impacting the Strait of Hormuz \u2014 one of the world\u2019s major oil shipping routes \u2014 have reduced petroleum exports and refinery production, creating disruptions throughout the global supply chain.<\/p>\n He warns that drivers could continue seeing higher maintenance costs for at least the next 18 months.<\/p>\n Local drivers said they\u2019ve already noticed the impact on their wallets.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s hitting the wallet, definitely hitting the wallet,\u201d said El Paso driver Robert Stratrivas. \u201cBut you need to maintain your vehicle so you\u2019re going to have to pay for it.\u201d<\/p>\n As prices continue rising, Anguiano said some customers are now turning to do-it-yourself oil changes at home to save money.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have seen a decrease in customers because they\u2019re now doing the oil changes themselves,\u201d Anguiano said.<\/p>\n Still, experts warn that delaying regular maintenance could lead to even more expensive repairs down the road.<\/p>\n Hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles could see some of the biggest impacts as specialized synthetic oils become harder to find.<\/p>\n Below is a how-to guide to change your oil yourself:<\/p>\n RELATED: Memorial Day travelers hit the road despite high gas prices, focus on family time<\/a><\/p>\n