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 |  | Do-It-Yourself: $10-$20 |  | Professional Oil Change with Standard Oil: $20-$55 |  | Professional Oil Change with Synthetic Oil: $45-$70+ |
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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-$55, depending on whether the work is performed at an independent shop, an oil-change retail chain or a dealership, and the number of quarts of oil used in the vehicle. Independent shops and retail chains tend to be less expensive than dealerships. For example, a Midas franchise in Wisconsin[1] charges $30 for an oil change, new oil filter and other basic inspections. Indy Honda[2] in Indianapolis charges $35-$54 for an oil change with a multi-point inspection, depending on the year and model of the vehicle, but in February 2013 it offered an online coupon price of $30-$45.
- An oil change using synthetic oil[3] 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[4] and Walmart[5] .
Related articles: Tune-up, Flushing a Transmission, Radiator Flush, Wheel Balancing
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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 oil, shop supplies, an oil filter and any associated gasket, O-rings or seals, plus 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[6] . However, many older vehicles will need their oil changed every 3,000 miles. Consumer Guide Automotive lists each manufacturer's recommended oil-change interval[7] .
Additional costs: |
- Additional costs are rarely incurred during an oil change, unless other problems with the car are found 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 it also 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 30% off coupon[8] for an oil change and filter on most vehicles.
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[9] .
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CostHelper News
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As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
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End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: Trump- Truther in Knoxville, TN. | Posted: November 10th, 2019 07:11AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Jiffy-lube | Type of Oil: Pennzoil High mileage |
I thought the cost was to expensive and would have been another $15.00 for synthetic. Thankfully here in TN the President hasn’t lied about California being one of the You Can’t Fix Stupid states not pricing for oil changes. |
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| Posted by: Sir harry in Naples, FL. | Posted: October 25th, 2019 05:10PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Vavoline | Type of Oil: Synthetic |
I thought this was high I won’t go back it used to be a penzoil I didn’t realize they changed hands |
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| Posted by: Honda in Palo Alto, CA. | Posted: October 23rd, 2019 04:10PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: 9 minute oil change | Type of Oil: 5w30 normal |
I’ve been going to this place for 25 years and 370,000 miles! When I started going it was in the low twenties but today it was $44. |
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| Posted by: Ceecee in Norfolk, VA. | Posted: June 14th, 2019 11:06AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Jiffy lube | Type of Oil: Synthetic 5000 miles to refill |
I used my uber %15 discount and it still came out to 71.96 I feel I'm being ripped off I believe I paid way less then this my last oil change at a different jiffy lube |
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| Posted by: HondaGirl in Cleveland, OH. | Posted: November 13th, 2018 11:11AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Victory lane | Type of Oil: Full Synthetic |
Could’ve spent the same at the dealership. Extra $10 for a new filter which I thought was standard when changing oil. Nevertheless, service was quick and I didn’t have to wait at all. Honda, Civic 2012. *Price above not including taxes and fees. |
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| Posted by: trucksarntcheep in Hillsboro, OR. | Posted: July 24th, 2018 10:07PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Bruce Chevrolet | Type of Oil: Synthetic |
For any vehicle you buy from them they offer a $10 oil change for life. I'd still be using it if I didn't buy any truck on a different dealership. |
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| Posted by: Noir in Kirkwood, MO. | Posted: March 10th, 2018 01:03PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Jiffy Lube | Type of Oil: Synthetic |
Jiffy Lube was running a $10.00 off special which was never applied to my bill. Oil change was done on my MINI VAN, but why need a synthetic oil? Was told was best but it's a mini van and I just read synthetic oil is for high performance engines. Mini vans are not high performance engines! Paid $70.00 for service. Then, oil light came on a week later. Took car back and was checked. Was told, "No oil leak". I took it to a mechanic, "Oil leak on unit". Plus, there are stains on the concrete where my car was parked (thought it was water from ice). NEVER WILL GO TO JIFFY LUBE EVER AGAIN. Was conned into a high performance oil change, never received the $10.00 special and they said, "NO OIL LEAK," when the light was on for a reason and THERE WAS OIL LEAKING! Thanks for nothing Jiffy Lube. |
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| Posted by: Rebecca222 in Belleville, MI. | Posted: December 9th, 2017 01:12PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Victory Lane | Type of Oil: 5w20 |
Quick service. They did an oil system flush for me, topped off all fluids, did the standard 20-point inspection and gave me a coupon for $5 off my bill. W/o the oil system flush, it would have been $40. After seeing these posts, I feel I was treated fairly. |
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| Posted by: Mona in Studio City, CA. | Posted: July 1st, 2017 04:07PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Studio City 76 | Type of Oil: Standard |
Nelson does a good, quick job & he's honest, & that means a lot to me these days since we have a President that is NOT! Of course there are labor charges since it isn't performed at his own home.As usual, the shop gets the majority of the amt., & he gets his pay since he's got to make a living. He's a good hard worker & I'd refer him to anyone! |
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| Posted by: John Clince in new haven, CT. | Posted: April 9th, 2017 10:04AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: foxen road | Type of Oil: synthic |
dose a oil change for a 2004 Chrysler .crossfire. cost $95.00 ? |
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| Posted by: West in Midway, GA. | Posted: March 6th, 2017 07:03AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Repairs Unlimited | Type of Oil: Conventional |
You buy the supplies.. Oil and filter and they do the rest for 20 bucks! I think I paid Advance Auto to much for the oil if anything. They do a great job and check everything else on the car too! Great customer service! |
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| Posted by: a user in OMAHA, NE. | Posted: December 31st, 2016 02:12PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Village pointe toyota | Type of Oil: |
Was totally ripped off. Only wanted an oil change, had previously been changed for free, as leased new car, was told he would try to use previously uncharged toyota care, whicg expires after 2 years, but was not told that. Final bill was $109, feel completely taken advantage of. |
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| Posted by: James Sevillano in Lancaster, CA. | Posted: December 29th, 2016 05:12PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Hyundai Dealer | Type of Oil: 5w 20 |
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| Posted by: Kk2 in Portage, IN. | Posted: December 17th, 2016 07:12AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Oil Express, Portage,IN | Type of Oil: Standard |
I will not return to this place for it took too long, they were running a December special, but refused to honor it because he had already rung it up, and completed services that made my total more without asking. me if it was okay. To top it off, I still have my change oil light glowing in my car. classic! |
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| Posted by: Dani Elle in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: November 11th, 2016 11:11AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Jiffy Lube | Type of Oil: Formula Shell |
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| Posted by: Maggie Schill in Seattle, WA. | Posted: November 4th, 2016 10:11AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Lake city toyota. Seattle wa | Type of Oil: Synthetic |
I got a coupon by email stating 69 for oil change. I made the spot, entered in the type of car, etc. I got to the dealership and they said..,oh we'll see here this is for a conventional oil change. Your car uses synthetic. I said you knew my car when I made the spot, why didn't you notify me that it will be 99 instead of 69. That's deceptive advertising. |
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| Posted by: LoriS in Wooster, OH. | Posted: October 17th, 2016 08:10AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Four Star Auto | Type of Oil: Synthetic |
Love this place alot but I was expecting to pay around 40-50. When she told me the total I was shocked in a way and joked that I might have to wash cars since no dishes were around to wash. Implying I didn't have enough money to pay. It's a 2011 Chevy Malibu. |
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| Posted by: a user in Drexel hill, PA. | Posted: October 5th, 2016 01:10PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Mechanic | Type of Oil: Standard 10W20 |
This was for a Ram 1500 Hemi which requires 7 quarts. The shop is very reliable. You pay a few dollars more for the personalized service. |
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| Posted by: Patrick P. Canady in Annandale, VA. | Posted: August 29th, 2016 10:08AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Jiffy Lube | Type of Oil: Synthetic |
They offered a great customer service and the oil change took only 15 mins for my 2011 Cadillac CTS. It seemed a little high but comparable to the Cadillac dealer plus it's closer and quicker. They also checked all fluid levels, topped off the windshield washer fluid, vacuumed the inside, offered to check and top off fluids at no additional cost anytime between regular services. |
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| Posted by: zeusmom in Dedham, MA. | Posted: August 23rd, 2016 02:08PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: copeland toyota | Type of Oil: synthetic |
They gave me an oil change, rotated tires and topped of fluids. It was high. |
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| Posted by: I Feel Suckered in Fountain Valley, CA. | Posted: July 22nd, 2016 06:07PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Pep Boys, Fountain Valley, CA | Type of Oil: Mobil One |
Regular price posted on company website $69.99
(as low as in smaller print).
Printable coupon or rewards coupon for $20.00.
Or so it seems. In finer print toward the bottom
of the post, it mentions a shop supply fee of up to $35.00 additional charge, except CA, WA.
Forget what they call it, they charged $34 and change for a "Labor Charge."
Deceptive advertising at the very least.
Hard to get rid of that "ripped off feeling. |
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| Posted by: Banish Taylor in Indianapolis, IN. | Posted: June 8th, 2016 11:06AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Jiffy Lube | Type of Oil: synthetic |
My usual oil change shop had a 3 hr. wait so I went to Jiffy lube. I usually pay about $39.00 for an oil and filter change. To my surprise I was charged $93.00 for an oil and filter change at Jiffy lube. This is a total rip Off! Never again ! |
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| Posted by: Miika in St.louis, MO. | Posted: June 7th, 2016 11:06AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Jiffy Lube | Type of Oil: Standard |
This was way more than I expected it to cost. I thought it was gonna be like 25. It was 79 at first but they took off 10 dollars. Then my car didn't start when I got it back and my transmission broke 😑 All of a sudden. I'm not coming back here ever again .I knew I should have went to Kmart. It would have been 25 dollars. |
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| Posted by: Ivan Broce in Lakewood, CO. | Posted: May 26th, 2016 07:05AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Havoline Xpress Lube | Type of Oil: Synthetic |
They charged $38 for the synthetic oil, on top of the regular oil package $39 for a total of $80.70 w/ taxes & fees. BTW, normally the premium package of $39 includes regular oil, oil filter, new o-ring for the oil pan plug, inspection of tire pressure, other fluids, wiper blades & air filter, & topping off other fluids (i.e. battery, windshield washer fluid, etc.). |
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| Posted by: LittleLadyBigTruck in Tampa, FL. | Posted: May 3rd, 2016 12:05PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Mobile Express South Tampa | Type of Oil: Regular |
We go to these guys regularly and are always happy with the quick, efficient service. They also needed to replace the filter and do an engine flush. They were running a deal for $65 for oil change, wiper replacement, and engine flush; they replaced the filter charge for the wiper blades in their special but had to add two quarts extra on top of the typical oil change. I have a 2006 F150 Lariat so oil changes aren't cheap to begin with. They always have to add a quart or two extra depending on how long I wait to get the oil changed. I should learn for myself but I'm okay with paying for the convenience of someone else doing it for me. All in all, it took 7 quarts and about 40 minutes. |
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| Posted by: Stephany in quilcene, WA. | Posted: April 11th, 2016 07:04PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: mechanic | Type of Oil: w5 |
I would do it my self if I knew really expensive |
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| Posted by: Em24 in Austin, TX. | Posted: March 17th, 2016 04:03PM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Jiffy lube | Type of Oil: Synthetic |
It was $65.99 with a $15 off coupon. I still think I paid too much. |
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| Posted by: Lady in Bexley, OH. | Posted: March 8th, 2016 07:03AM |
| Mechanic or Shop: Monroe muffler | Type of Oil: 5-W20 |
Had a coupon for an $11.99 oil changes. Nothing more nothing less, the tax $1.36 waste fee and shop fees also |
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External Resources: |
- midasofmadison.com/repair-prices/
- www.indyhonda.com/specials/service.htm
- autos.aol.com/article/synthetic-motor-oil/
- www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Fluids-and-Chemicals/Engine-Oil/_/N-26qq
- www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=engine+oil&ic=16_0&Find=Find&sear...
- autos.aol.com/article/oil-change-intervals/
- www.consumerguide.com/
- www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/auto-services/oil
- www.ase.com/Landing-Pages/Car-Owners/Find-a-Repair-Shop/Shop-Locator.aspx
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