 | Do-It-Yourself: $10-$20 |
|
 | Professional Oil Change with Standard Oil: $20-$40 |
|
 | Professional Oil Change with Synthetic Oil: $45-$70+ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| |
| A car's motor oil needs to be changed at regularly scheduled intervals set by the manufacturer. Changing oil regularly is an essential part of basic car maintenance. Few manufacturers use the 3,000-mile/three-month standard interval of old, so be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations. | | |
| Typical costs: | - An oil change typically costs $20 -$40, depending on whether the work is performed at an independent shop, an oil-change retail chain or a dealership. Independent shops and retail chains tend to be less expensive than dealerships. For example, a Midas franchise in Wisconsin charges $30 for an oil change, new oil filter and other basic inspections. Capitol Honda in San Jose, CA, charges $39 for an oil and filter change.
- An oil change using synthetic oil typically costs about $45 -$70 or more. Synthetic oil is artificially made, and it is often used in high-performance engines which experience more demanding use. Synthetic blends can handle higher temperatures and last longer between oil changes.
- A do-it-yourself oil change typically costs about $10 -$20, depending on how many quarts of oil are needed. Engine oil typically costs about $5 -$10 per quart and is available at several national chains, including Autozone and Walmart.
What should be included: | - Oil changes involve more parts than just the oil itself. Included in the cost of any oil change is the cost of labor, the cost of the oil, the cost of shop supplies, the cost of an oil filter and any associated gasket, O-rings or seals, and the cost of disposing of the used oil.
- Labor is not charged in the same way that is for other repair jobs. At most shops, oil changes are paid to the technician at a rate of two- or three-tenths of an hour. That means labor makes up $10 -$15 of the total cost, with the rest being parts and sales tax.
- Oil-change intervals vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and some new cars can go more than 7,000 miles between oil changes. However, many older vehicles will need their oil changed every 3,000 miles. Consumer Guide Automotive lists each manufacturer's recommended oil-change interval.
Additional costs: | - Additional costs are rarely incurred during an oil change, unless other problems are found with the car and the consumer chooses to approve the repairs, or if the consumer chooses to add other maintenance to the repair order. Some manufacturers recommend a tire rotation at the same interval as an oil change, and this can add an extra $15 -$35.
- Many shops include a free inspection as part of an oil change. This is done to discover potential problems with the car, but also to allows the shop to sell the customer additional repairs. The service advisor or technician might also look at the car's maintenance history and recommend any routine maintenance that hasn't been performed.
Discounts: | - Repair shops and dealerships frequently offer coupons on oil changes. For example, national chain Firestone Complete Auto Care offers a $10 off coupon and allows customers to register to receive regular discounts.
Shopping for an oil change: | - The biggest difference between dealerships and independent shops is that dealerships focus on models from one brand while independent shops handle various makes and models. Dealerships sometimes charge slightly more than independent shops and chains. Many consumers choose to comparison shop based on price and coupons.
- The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, a non-profit trade group for technicians and other automotive service professionals, has a searchable directory of certified shops.
|
| |
Article updated September 2011 |
|
E-mail
Post