If you own a car, then you know all about the constant need to get regular oil changes. Not only does this keep your car in Tip-Top condition, but also saves you from costly repairs. But how much should an oil change cost? In this article, we will unravel the mystery and help you make more informed decisions.
What is an oil change?
An oil change is when all of the engine lubricant oil is drained from your car. Once drained, a new filter is installed and fresh oil is poured into the engine. Over time, the heat from the engine causes the oil to break down and lose its lubrication. Metal parts inside your engine also shave off with normal driving over time, also contaminating the oil. If the oil is not changed regularly, it won’t effectively protect your engine and might cause damage.
How much does an oil change cost?
The cost of performing an oil change will depend on several factors:
- Conventional vs Synthetic oil
- The amount of oil your car needs
- The type of filter your car needs
- Old oil filter disposal fees
- Labor charges of where you are getting your oil change
These are just a few examples of how the cost of an oil change can fluctuate. Although all these points affect the price come on the type of oil is your biggest determinant. Let’s go over the two main types of oil, and how much they should cost on average.
Conventional Oil Change Cost
Conventional oil is the type of oil used in most Vehicles. This is the cheapest kind of oil oh, so it will need to be changed a little more frequently. The cost of changing conventional oil can range anywhere between $20 and $60. This will of course depend on your vehicle’s make and model, quarts of oil needed, and the above-mentioned points.
| Shop | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Firestone | $27.99 |
| Meineke | $34.95 |
| Walmart | $29.88 |
| Jiffy Lube | $44.99 |
Synthetic Oil Change Cost
Unlike conventional oil, synthetic oil as the name suggests is made synthetically. This is the highest grade type of motor oil since it is scientifically engineered to be the best it can be. A car running synthetic oil won’t need to have its oil changed as frequently as conventional oil. Because of this, it does cost more than conventional oil. Here is a quick breakdown.
| Shop | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Firestone | $89.99 |
| Meineke | $69.95 |
| Walmart | $49.88 |
| Jiffy Lube | $99.99 |
How often should I get an oil change?
This will entirely depend on the type of vehicle you have and what is written in the owner’s manual. The manufacturer of your vehicle almost always knows what’s best for your car, and how often you should change your oil. On average, if you change your oil between every 3,000 to 7,500 miles. If you use fully synthetic oil, it might last a little longer.
The trick here is to have a good balance. If you change the oil too frequently, then you end up wasting money. If you change your oil too infrequently, then you might also risk irreparably damaging your engine.
It’s very important that you follow exactly what the owner’s manual suggests. This will keep your car Lively and last you a very long time.
What happens if I don’t change my oil?
If you don’t change your oil regularly, your engine might suffer some serious damages. Usually, if you drive a car with old oil, this usually happens:
- Engine might run hotter than ususal
- Engine will start shaving off bigger chunks of metal from scraping
- Oil ducts will get clogged
- Moving parts in your engine will wear off
- The engine will eventually seize, metal will melt together, and can never be repaired
Once an engine runs long enough without getting an oil change, it can result in the engine becoming irreparably damaged. At that point, you can try and sell the car for parts, or replace the entire engine. It sometimes costs a fortune.
Simply put, don’t forget to change the oil regularly!
Final thoughts
Changing oil is a necessary part of owning a car. The average cost of an oil change ranges anywhere between $20 and $50, but can be affected by the make and model of the vehicle, the type of oil, and where you get the oil change. The two main types of oil are conventional oil and synthetic oil. Synthetic oil costs more but lasts a lot longer and is better for your engine.
Always remember to follow your owner’s manual on how frequently you need to change the oil and what kind of oil to use. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a happy long-lasting car 🙂
