Does synthetic oil last forever? Not quite.
If you hear knocking engine noises or notice an active dashboard light, your synthetic oil may be long overdue for a change. Delaying it won’t just harm your engine but also lead to costly fixes.
To avoid severe damage, replace the oil ASAP.
Worried synthetic oil change costs will be out of your budget?
Then, let’s explore the price breakdown, cost-contributing factors, and how oil change coupons can protect your savings. We’ll also cover why timely oil changes matter and what to do if the oil runs out while driving.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Synthetic Oil Change Cost?
- Is It Worth Getting Regular Oil Changes?
- 8 Warning Signs You Need an Oil Change
- How Often Should You Change Synthetic Motor Oil?
- Can You Do a Synthetic Oil Change at Home?
- How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
- 4 FAQs about Motor Oils
How Much Does a Synthetic Oil Change Cost?
An oil change service typically involves replacing the old fluid and installing a new oil filter.
Let’s examine the cost of a synthetic oil change:
A. Range
The average cost for five quarts of synthetic oil and a filter ranges between $70 to $240. Here’s the breakdown:
- Synthetic engine oil: $20 to $50 (synthetic blend oil can cost $20 to $40)
- New oil filter: $10 to $20
- Labor costs: $40 to $170
IMPORTANT: A newer vehicle typically has a smaller, complex engine with tighter tolerances, so you’ll need synthetic oil in such a car. That said, always refer to your owner’s manual and use engine oil that’s compatible with your vehicle.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
Several aspects can influence your oil change prices, including:
- Vehicle make and model: Some cars have an oil tank capacity of 4.7 liters, whereas others require up to 7.5 liters. The more oil your car needs, the higher the costs.
- Oil type and quality: Different types of engine oils often provide specific benefits based on their formulation and have varying costs. For instance, a full-synthetic lubricant for newer complex engines is more expensive than a synthetic blend or conventional oil used in older standard cars.
- Dealership vs. service provider: A dealer usually charges more for an oil change than a quick-lube shop or an independent service provider. This is because dealerships often have overhead costs that can affect your total.
- Irregular oil changes: Not following your car’s recommended oil change service schedule can cause a sludge buildup in your engine. If left unaddressed, it could damage essential engine parts like the oil pump, which can cost more than $1,200 to replace.
- Additional car care and tire services: Based on your car’s condition, some shops may recommend extra services, such as an oil leak inspection, battery replacement, and tire services. These additional repairs will increase your total expenses.
PRO TIP: Look for oil change coupons at your preferred store or local dealer. A coupon can get you a discounted price on your next oil change.
Is It Worth Getting Regular Oil Changes?
Yes, timely oil changes provide the following benefits:
- Keeps the engine clean: As you drive, dirt and carbon deposits can accumulate on parts like pistons and main bearings, leading to engine wear and fluid leaks. A regular oil change removes these contaminants, keeping the engine clean and allowing it to work efficiently.
- Extends engine life and improves performance: When your vehicle runs, the engine parts constantly grind and create friction, so they need ample lubrication for protection and to delay wear. Topping up and changing the oil reduces friction between the moving parts and boosts their performance.
- Prevents overheating: Motor oil dissipates heat and reduces friction, keeping the engine temperature in check. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its lubricating properties, increasing the risk of overheating. Adding fresh oil maintains its properties and prevents excess heat generation.
- Reduces harmful emissions: Clean, new oil lets the internal combustion system parts ignite fuel effectively. This can improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Follow the regular maintenance schedule to keep up with oil changes. For a quick oil change, you can visit your preferred store or call a mobile mechanic.
8 Warning Signs You Need an Oil Change
Here are some clear indications that your car needs fresh oil:
- Illuminated check engine or oil light on your dashboard
- Gritty, dark oil pooling underneath the car
- A burnt oil smell inside the car
- Blue or gray exhaust smoke
- Unusual noises or knocking sounds from the engine
- Rough engine idle
- Hesitation or a lack of power when you press the gas pedal
- Drop in fuel efficiency
How Often Should You Change Synthetic Motor Oil?
You should change the synthetic oil every 7,500 to 15,000 miles. However, you’ll need more frequent refills if:
- Your vehicle hauls heavy loads: Towing or carrying heavy loads consumes more oil and adds extra strain on engine components, creating more friction. This friction can break down and degrade your engine oil faster.
- You drive in heavy traffic: Stop-and-go traffic forces the oil to work harder, which increases friction and heat. Excess heat can impact the oil’s lubricating properties, deteriorating it over time.
- You live in a region with extreme temperatures: Extreme hot and cold temperatures greatly impact the oil’s viscosity. So, if you live in an area with frequent weather changes, the engine oil may become less effective over time, requiring a replacement sooner.
Can You Do a Synthetic Oil Change at Home?
If you have the right tools and skills, you can do a DIY oil change. However, it’s best to let a professional handle it.
Here’s why:
A newer vehicle has a more complex design, and a simple mistake, like an oil spill in the engine, can do more harm than good. If you forget to wipe off the leftover oil, it can create smoke or damage electrical components later.
You must also collect and take the old oil to a recycling center. An auto repair mechanic can take care of this and perform the oil change properly.
Here’s what they’ll do:
- Park your car on a flat surface, lift it using a jack, and let the engine cool down.
- Remove the drain plug and collect the dirty old oil in a pan.
- Replace the old oil filter and reinstall the drain plug.
- Add new synthetic oil using a funnel.
- Inspect the oil level using the dipstick. They’ll ensure the oil level is as per the recommendations.
- Check the dashboard for an illuminated warning light and inspect the drain plug or pan for any oil leak.
- Reset the warning light and lower the vehicle.
- Once done, they’ll dispose of the old oil at a recycling facility.
How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
A regular oil change typically takes 15 to 45 minutes, but this duration depends on factors like:
- Vehicle make and model: The position of the drain plug and oil filter will differ between vehicles. Accessing them in high-performance, complex engines takes longer than in standard cars.
- Oil tank capacity: Vehicles usually have an oil tank capacity of 4.7 to 7.5 liters. The oil change time will differ depending on the tank’s capacity.
- Oil condition: Replacing sludgy, dark oil will take longer, as it may not drain quickly compared to clean fluid. The contaminated, leaking oil may also leave deposits around the drain plug, which will take additional time to clean.
- Mechanic’s expertise: Experienced experts will be quicker and more thorough with the oil change than novice mechanics.
- Extra repairs: If the mechanic finds an oil leak in your car, they’ll find its source and fix it. This extra task may also increase the service duration.
NOTE: During the inspection, if they find a weak battery or worn tires, repairing them will add to the service time. A battery replacement and tire repair can easily take an extra 15 to 90 minutes.
4 FAQs about Motor Oils
Here are the answers to some common questions about engine oils:
1. What to Do If Your Vehicle Runs Out of Oil While Driving?
Pull over safely and turn off the engine. When you hear loud knocking noises and get a burning smell from under the hood, most likely, your car has run out of oil.
Without sufficient oil, the moving parts grind against each other, causing friction and wear. This can lead to overheating and permanent damage.
2. What’s the Difference Between Full Synthetic, Synthetic Blend, High-Mileage, and Conventional Oils?
From their formulation to their replacement costs, here are the differences between these motor oils:
- Full synthetic oil: These are chemically engineered oils. They’re more refined and have special additives for better performance and protection against engine wear, sludge, and extreme temperatures. A synthetic oil change is the most expensive, costing $70 to $240.
- Conventional-synthetic blend oil: This oil mixes synthetic and conventional oil. It offers better oxidation resistance and low-temperature performance. Getting a conventional-synthetic blend oil change can set you back by $40 to $100.
- High-mileage oil: These oils are designed for old or pre-owned vehicles with over 75,000 miles. They help reduce sludge buildup and prevent fluid leaks in older engines. A high-mileage oil change costs roughly $50 to $75.
- Conventional motor oil: Made from refining crude oil, this lubricant comes in various grades or quality levels and is suitable for simple engines and regular driving. Adding a fresh batch of conventional motor oil will cost approximately $30 to $75.
3. Can You Mix Full Synthetic Oil with Conventional Oil?
While you can mix full synthetic and conventional oil, it’s not recommended since it dilutes the benefits of synthetic lubricant. For best results, use just one type of oil for your engine, as specified by your owner’s manual.
4. Can You Upgrade to Synthetic Oil From Conventional?
Yes, you can.
It’s a common misconception that you may harm the car engine if you switch between oil types. Most engines work smoothly with conventional or synthetic lubricants if you get the recommended viscosity-grade oil.
For example, if your vehicle currently has 5W-30 conventional oil, you can change to synthetic oil of the same grade.
However, if you have a high-mileage old vehicle with 75,000+ miles or own a pre-1990 model, you should skip upgrading. Synthetic oils are expensive and may not be worth the investment. It’s also possible that synthetic lubricants won’t suit your old engine. In such a case, you can switch to a compatible high-mileage oil.
NOTE: Check your owner’s manual or consult a professional before switching to a new oil type to ensure the upgrade will benefit your pocket and your car.
Get a Hassle-Free Synthetic Oil Change With AutoNation Mobile Service
Routine synthetic oil changes help extend engine life, improve fuel mileage, and keep your car running without any trouble. However, synthetic oil change prices can vary depending on your vehicle’s make and where you get the service.
If you’re looking for stress-free oil changes with transparent pricing, call AutoNation Mobile Service.
Our mobile auto experts are available seven days a week and provide easy online bookings to make car repairs accessible. We also offer a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all services, including an oil filter replacement or tire repair.
Contact us to book your next synthetic oil change today.