Following your car’s maintenance schedule keeps it running like a well-oiled machine — literally, in the case of an oil change. Regularly getting the oil changed is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can do for your car, and fortunately, it's one of the cheapest. Show Your Car-Buying Cheat Sheet Get Nerdy quick tips on how to streamline the car-buying process even before you hit the dealership. How much is an oil change?The cost of an oil change can range from $20 to $100 at a lube shop (and around $30 to $45 if you do it yourself). The large difference in prices can be attributed to a number of factors, including:
Oil change prices at chain shopsMost chains offer coupons to help cut prices, which can result in significant savings. Before heading to a lube shop, look for discounts online or call ahead to inquire about any deals. Here’s a quick look at major oil-change chains’ prices, before special offers. (Remember: Prices will likely vary depending on where you are.)
Conventional vs. syntheticThe cost of an oil change typically includes four to five quarts of oil and an oil filter, plus the shop’s labor charge. The biggest factor in the final price of what you would pay for an oil change is the kind and quality of oil used. The trick is knowing the kind to get and how often to change your oil — which you can find in your owners manual, rather than following the outdated 3,000-mile rule. Some newer cars require synthetic oil, and if your owners manual specifies that, don’t try to cut corners with conventional. (Using a lower-quality oil could void your warranty, and many shops will refuse to perform the oil change.) Any money you save now will likely be lost in the long run when your engine needs repairs. If your car doesn’t require synthetic oil, you have a judgment call to make. Synthetic oil can be better for your car, resulting in “less engine wear over the life of the vehicle,” according to a 2017 report by AAA. The price difference between synthetic and conventional oil changes is about $32, on average, at AAA-approved facilities. Lube shops vs. dealershipsYou can also go to a dealership to get your oil changed, a particularly appealing option for owners of more specialized vehicles. A dealer for your car’s brand is more likely to know the ins and outs of your vehicle — such as what kind of oil it needs and any quirks about your model during the oil-change process — which can help prevent mishaps down the road. In exchange, you give up the convenience factor associated with going to quick lube shops, which are typically easier to find than a brand-specific dealership. You also might pay a premium because the dealer has higher labor costs or uses a special brand of oil. However, dealerships can offer competitive pricing, so it’s worth inquiring to see if going to a dealership makes sense for you. Dealerships also make sense if you purchased a warranty that includes maintenance (note that most don’t) or a service plan, like Honda’s Service Pass, which covers certain factory-covered maintenance for two years or up to 24,000 miles. Avoiding the upsellFor a mechanic, an oil change is both a good opportunity to find real problems with your car and a chance to sell you something you don’t need, or don’t need yet. So is it a scam when the oil change technician says you need a new air filter or a transmission flush? Consulting the owners manual and knowing when your car last had the suggested maintenance are the best ways to determine if you’re being upsold. How much should an oil change cost in 2022?Conventional typically costs the least, while full synthetic is the priciest. As of May 2022, the average cost of an oil change based on six nationwide franchises is $31.66 for the most basic service with no extra quarts, and $75.32 for top service with no extra quarts.
Why are synthetic oil changes so expensive?Synthetic oil is also developed to better withstand the compression and temperatures oil endures in an engine. For these reasons, you may pay double for an oil change with synthetic oil, but you'll also only have to perform half as many (or less) oil changes on your vehicle.
Is motor oil more expensive now?The price of motor oils, greases, hydraulic fluids and other lubricants has been steadily climbing in 2021. Major oil refiners have already announced five price increases in the first five months of 2021 on base oils, the foundational ingredient in most modern lubricants.
Why is the price of engine oil going up?The most commonly suggested reasons for increasing motor oil prices are: Oil change intervals have increased. So there is less demand for conventional motor oil, which reduces production and increases cost. The costs of additives is ever-increasing.
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