Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The war in Iran has had quite an impact on gas prices, but what about motor oil? GasBuddy's Patrick DeHaan says that may be as big an issue as some might think.
DeHaan says there are some challenges with certain types of oils and lubricants.
"Some of these oils, the base of which are fed with refinery byproducts, are produced in the Middle East, but the good news is there's generally substitutions, and we're not expecting too much in terms of supply disruptions with those substitutions," says DeHaan.
But he says this brings the realization that a lot of the base oils that go into motor oils and lubricants are produced in areas of the Middle East.
That said, DeHaan says some manufacturers like Toyota and Nissan have warned that some specific types of oils may experience some challenges or higher prices.
"Those manufacturers basically are allowing different types of oil to be used that are more readily available, so you shouldn't really worry about your next oil change," says DeHaan.
He concedes it's going to be more expensive.
"It's on each oil change facility to set their own prices, how much they raise the price, while the underlying cost of that motor oil is up 20 to 40%," says DeHaan.
He says that does not factor labor and the nationwide mechanics shortage.
When it comes to gas prices, DeHaan says if the war continues, it's anyone's guess how high they could go. Buffalo's average gas price going into the holiday weekend was $4.57 per gallon.
Some alternatives are available, so DeHaan says there's not much to worry about regarding supply
Some alternatives are available, so DeHaan says there's not much to worry about regarding supply
