Oil for your engine is like the secret sauce in a great recipe — it keeps everything working in harmony and ensures your car’s components are well-lubricated.
That’s why you should never skip an oil change service.
And the best part?
It won’t even burn a hole in your pocket.
Read on to discover how much an oil change is and the main factors influencing its cost. We’ll also explain why regular oil change service is essential and detail the steps involved.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Is an Oil Change?
- What Factors Impact Your Oil Change Cost?
- Why Is an Oil Change Crucial for Your Vehicle?
- How Often Should I Change My Car Oil?
- What Happens During an Oil Change?
- How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
- 3 Oil Change FAQs
How Much Is an Oil Change?
An oil change can cost anywhere between $35 to $125, based on the type of oil you use. For instance:
- Conventional oil: It’s made by refining crude oil and costs between $35 and $75. This is usually a low-cost oil change service but requires more frequent changes.
- High-mileage oil: This oil is designed for cars that have covered over 75,000 miles and ranges between $25 and $100 (depending on the brand). High-mileage oil contains base oils, seal enhancers, and additives that minimize friction and corrosion.
- Synthetic blend oil: Priced around $40 to $100, synthetic blend oil combines conventional and fully synthetic oil. It offers better protection than conventional oil and is more affordable than a full synthetic oil variant.
- Full synthetic oil: It’s made from refined, distilled, and purified crude oil, making it more expensive. The oil cost typically ranges from $65 to $125. However, it provides superior engine protection and requires less frequent changes.
Besides oil type, several other factors can affect your car’s oil change price.
Keep scrolling to know what they are.
What Factors Impact Your Oil Change Cost?
The average cost of changing your car’s motor oil depends on:
- Vehicle’s make and model: Luxury and newer cars often require more expensive, high-quality oils. For example:
- Honda oil changes usually cost between $30 to $120.
- Toyota oil changes are around $50 to $100.
- Lexus oil changes range from $60 to $180.
- BMW oil change typically costs around $135 and $175.
- Engine oil capacity: One crucial factor affecting your oil change cost is your car’s engine size and the amount of oil it stores in its oil pan. Based on your engine type, you may require 4 to 10 quarts of oil or more, which will cost you more money.
- Oil viscosity: Higher-viscosity engine oils, like 5W40, are less expensive than lower-viscosity engine oils, like 5W30.
- Oil brand: Premium oil brands often charge more due to superior quality and performance. For example, the original BMW engine oil will cost more money than an engine oil from a generic brand.
- Basic or full-service oil change: A basic oil change service involves an oil and filter change. However, a full-service oil change package includes additional services such as transmission fluid top-ups, cabin air filter checks, etc., resulting in a higher labor cost.
- Visiting a quick lube shop vs. professional auto repair service: Quick lube shops work faster, typically changing your oil in under 15 minutes, but they may lack the meticulous service of auto repair professionals. With the right tools and expertise, auto repair mechanics provide more reliable oil service.
- Location: The cost of living in your area is another factor impacting your overall oil change price. For instance, the labor cost of an oil change in Los Angeles would be higher than in Phoenix.
Now, let’s explore the importance of timely oil changes.
Why Is an Oil Change Crucial for Your Vehicle?
Regular oil changes help maintain engine efficiency, improve fuel economy, and ensure your engine runs smoothly. It helps:
- Lubricate your engine’s moving parts to reduce friction and wear. Without proper lubrication, engine parts can grind against each other, causing significant damage over time.
- Dissipate heat away from the engine components. This cooling effect prevents the engine from overheating, which can lead to serious mechanical failures.
- Clean the engine by transporting dirt, debris, and sludge to the oil filter. This ensures the engine stays clean and prevents the buildup of harmful deposits.
But how often does your car need an oil change?
Find out next.
How Often Should I Change My Car Oil?
Vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the engine oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
However, these service intervals may vary based on a number of factors:
- Vehicle make and model: Newer cars require less frequent oil changes. The vehicle manufacturer provides oil change interval guidelines, usually found in the owner’s manual.
- Your driving habits: If you let the engine idle for too long in stop-and-go traffic or make frequent short-distance trips, your car engine may need oil changes sooner.
- Environmental conditions: Driving in extreme weather or debris-filled roads decreases the oil change interval.
- Type of motor oil used: An engine that uses conventional motor oil (or regular oil) requires oil changes every 5,000 miles. On the other hand, engines using synthetic motor oil require oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Note: Check your oil indicator gauge regularly, as it alerts the driver when it’s time for an oil change.
Next, let’s see what a typical oil change service includes.
What Happens During an Oil Change?
For a quick and efficient oil change, it’s best to visit a service center or an auto repair mechanic.
Here’s how they’ll perform a basic oil change service:
- They’ll remove the drain plug under your oil pan.
- The mechanic will let the old, contaminated oil flow out and collect it in a drain pan.
- Next, they’ll reinstall the drain plug.
- The mechanic will then remove and inspect your oil filter. If it’s damaged or filled with debris, they’ll replace it with a new oil filter.
- The mechanic will add the appropriate amount of fresh oil based on your engine size.
- They’ll check your oil level after adding the new oil and top it off if needed.
- Finally, the mechanic will check the underside of your car for any signs of oil leaks. If they spot one, they’ll fix it as well.
Note: Your mechanic may also perform car maintenance services, like tire rotation and pressure checks. If you get a full-service oil change package, they’ll perform multi-point inspection, air filter and wiper blade checks, as well as other fluid top-ups.
Wondering how long it’ll take?
Keep reading.
How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
If you’re performing the oil change yourself, the process could easily take over an hour, depending on your level of automotive expertise.
Note: If you’re unfamiliar with engine components, attempting a DIY oil change isn’t advisable.
On the other hand, if you take the car to a professional mechanic or dealership, they’ll add the new oil, perform some basic checks, and complete the job in 30 to 45 minutes.
Got more questions?
Find your answers in the FAQs section.
3 Oil Change FAQs
Here are answers to some common queries about an oil change:
1. How Do I Know I Need an Oil Change?
You’ll know it’s time for an oil service when:
- The check engine or oil change light gets illuminated on your dashboard.
- You hear knocking or ticking sounds coming from the engine.
- The oil appears dark, dirty, or gritty (fresh oil is typically amber or golden in color)
- There’s a noticeable oil smell inside or around your car.
- You see smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.
2. Can I Change the Oil on My Own?
It isn’t recommended. While replacing your own oil is a low-cost oil change option, the risk isn’t worth it. To perform a DIY oil change, you need to:
- Identify whether your car needs a conventional or synthetic oil change
- Access specific car parts
- Ensure you have the necessary materials and tools
- Accurately measure your oil level
- Dispose of the old oil carefully to avoid environmental harm and potential fire hazards
Additionally, incorrect installation of the oil filter can lead to oil leaks. This can severely damage your engine, resulting in expensive repairs that your car insurance won’t cover.
It’s best to visit an automotive repair shop for an oil change service. They have the tools and technical know-how to deliver a thorough and reliable service.
3. Which Type of Motor Oil Should I Use in My Car?
Generally, cars use either conventional oil or synthetic motor oil in their engines.
To determine the best type of engine oil for your car, refer to your owner’s manual or the vehicle manufacturer’s website.
Your owner’s manual will specify:
- The type of oil required
- The quantity of engine oil needed
- The recommended oil viscosity
Alternatively, you can find this information on a label inside the driver’s door jamb. But if you’re still unsure, consult a mechanic.
Get Hassle-Free Oil Changes with AutoNation Mobile Service
The average cost of an oil change service varies based on the oil type, quantity, and labor fees. Regular oil changes help maintain your car’s engine, reduce the likelihood of severe issues, and extend the vehicle’s lifespan.
But if driving to a dealership for a motor oil change feels like too much of a hassle, schedule your next oil change appointment with AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution, offering convenient online bookings and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repair services.
Contact us today to get car maintenance and repair services done from your driveway.