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Synthetic Oil Change Cost (+ Best Time to Get New Oil)

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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?

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:

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:

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: 

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:

  1. Illuminated check engine or oil light on your dashboard
  2. Gritty, dark oil pooling underneath the car
  3. A burnt oil smell inside the car
  4. Blue or gray exhaust smoke
  5. Unusual noises or knocking sounds from the engine
  6. Rough engine idle
  7. Hesitation or a lack of power when you press the gas pedal
  8. 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:    

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: 

  1. Park your car on a flat surface, lift it using a jack, and let the engine cool down.
  1. Remove the drain plug and collect the dirty old oil in a pan.
  1. Replace the old oil filter and reinstall the drain plug.
  1. Add new synthetic oil using a funnel.
  1. Inspect the oil level using the dipstick. They’ll ensure the oil level is as per the recommendations. 
  1. Check the dashboard for an illuminated warning light and inspect the drain plug or pan for any oil leak.  
  1. Reset the warning light and lower the vehicle. 
  1. 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: 

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: 

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.