I occasionally get asked why I don’t perform certain simple vehicle maintenance myself. It is, of course, the “manly” thing to do.

One reason is that living in a high-rise, and oil changes aren’t allowed in the parkade.

But that’s just an easy excuse to shut people up. I could easily drive my vehicle to a friend’s place and do the work there, saving me a few dollars in the process.

The truth is that I have better things to do with my time.

For me to drive to a nearby shop takes around 5 minutes. For the work to be done, it takes fewer than 10. Another 5 to get home, and I have peace of mind in 20 minutes.

Doing the work at home could hardly be quicker. Sure, the actual work might take around 20 minutes, then there’s the clean-up, disposal of old oil, etc. Even if the process could be streamlined to match the timeline at a shop, after accounting for materials, I’d only be saving around $30.

Driving is something that will happen anyway, on any given day. Groceries, work supplies, banking, and other appointments almost always require me to make the trip close to a shop that can do the work. So drive time is negligible.

But the time spent sitting in the shop, however brief, can be put to good use.

I can work on a writing project, make important phone calls, respond to client emails, etc.

I didn’t write this piece while getting my oil changed — but easily could have.

Whatever extra bit of efficiency I can squeeze out of my day, I’ll take it.

It’s like a rarely talked about time-management hack.

I’d rather use my time effectively, for progress or enjoyment, than do work that someone else can do for a minimal cost.

If the cost of an oil change were significantly higher, this wouldn’t be the case.

But for now, I’m happy to let someone else do the work.