How Much is an Oil Change?
- Your oil change cost can average $35 to $125.
- The price depends on where you go and the type of motor oil — conventional or synthetic — you get.
- Lube shops are often cheaper than dealerships, but the dealership may have more expertise.
The cost of an oil change can vary widely, so it’s worth shopping around. Check out lube shops, including big chain shops, to see if there are any coupons or other discounts to be had.
You could also spend a little extra for expert care with a dealer, especially if you have a warranty on your vehicle. Dealerships are less likely to use parts and oils that could void your warranty.
How much is an oil change?
The average range for the cost of an oil change is somewhere between $35 and $75 for cars using conventional motor oil, and $65 to $125 for full synthetic oil.
These national averages may not reflect your local market, and a lot will also depend on your vehicle’s year, make and model.
Let’s say you have a 2021 Subaru Outback. The manufacturer guidelines tell you to use synthetic oil, which is more expensive. You’ll also need to factor in the amount of oil required according to your car’s manufacturer guidelines.
Where you live also plays into the equation: If you live in an area with higher costs of living, you may see higher prices for auto services, including motor oil changes.
Oil change cost: Conventional vs. synthetic oil
Older vehicles could get by with conventional oil, but newer model year vehicles tend to require synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Using synthetic oil can usually let you go longer between oil changes. On the other hand, synthetic oil is more expensive. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for recommendations.
| Conventional oil | Synthetic blend oil | Full synthetic oil | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price | $22.24 per 5 quarts | $30.38 per 5 quarts | $36.20 per 5 quarts |
Oil change cost: Lube shops vs. dealerships
Lube shops tend to be cheaper than dealerships, and sometimes that might be the right decision for your car and your budget.
But if you have a new vehicle that’s under warranty, it may be worth shelling out extra cash for the parts and expertise you’ll find at the dealership.
Cost of oil change at lube shops
Oil changes at lube shops tend to be cheaper than at dealerships — especially when you factor in coupons. Some shops offer better coupons than others, so check around online. In some cases, the discounts are only if you spend over a certain dollar amount, which can make it less worthwhile.
Chain shop oil changes are typically quick, and you usually won’t need an appointment. Just make sure you only go to shops you know and trust.
What’s included: An oil change typically includes more than just a change of your oil filter and motor oil. You may see these services included, too:
- Inspection of other vehicle fluid levels, and potential top-offs
- Air filter check
- Battery check
- Wiper blade check
- Tire pressure check
- Tire rotation
- Light check
- Undercarriage inspection
- Belt and hose inspection
- Cleaning of exterior windshield
| Oil change retailer | Oil change price range |
|---|---|
| Jiffy Lube | $79.99 – $99.99 |
| Goodyear | $64.99 – $79.00 |
| Pep Boys | $78 – $100 |
| Walmart | $48.88 – $64.88 |
Cost of oil change at dealerships
Oil changes at dealerships can be pricier, depending on the make of your vehicle, but some car owners see the higher rates as worth it.
For one thing, the dealership won’t use any substandard motor oils that could affect your warranty. And in some cases, the dealership might offer free oil changes for a set amount of time as a part of the deal.
What’s included: You’re likely to find many of the same included services as you would find at a lube shop.
| Dealership | Oil change price range |
|---|---|
| Ford | $70 – $120 |
| GMC | $129.95 – $149.95 |
| Honda | $82.88 – $151.88 |
| Toyota | $29.99 – $71.99 |
Breakdown of common oil change costs
While it’s nice that oil changes usually include things like brake and fluid inspection, you should watch out for attempts to upsell expensive add-ons.
Here are services that may or may not be included, along with rough average rates:
- New oil filter: Almost always included in the cost of your oil change, but typically $5 to $15 when not included
- Disposal of oil and oil filter: Often included in cost of oil change — fees vary by state and locality
- Labor costs: Typically included in price, though dealerships may charge anywhere from $95 to $220 per hour
- Cabin air filter: Anywhere from $20 to more than $100, depending on your vehicle
- Engine air filter: Anywhere from about $20 to $85, depending on your vehicle
- Coolant flush: About $200 to $250
- Tire rotation: About $60 to $72 when not included in the price of oil change
- Brake pad and rotor replacement: About $250 to $500 per axle
- Wiper blade replacement: Averages about $53 to $64
In some cases, however, the cost of maintenance or repairs may not be worth the financial investment and it might be time to go car shopping.
How to avoid paying more for an oil change
Because so many services are included free of charge in an oil change, your best bet to save money is to read the fine print and shop around.
If you have a coupon and there are additional labor or oil disposal costs, this will usually be noted in the fine print. You should be able to find another lube shop that doesn’t charge these fees.
You can also go the extra mile and ask if fluid top-offs are free with the included inspection.
Inspections may lead the shop to suggest services like air filter replacement, rotor replacement or a coolant flush. In some cases, these may really be necessary, but in others, they may just be an upsell.
If you trust the person servicing your car, don’t ignore a critical maintenance issue. But if you’re feeling iffy about the need for an additional service, you can always take your car to another location to get a second opinion.
Car maintenance costs are indeed rising, and many worry tariffs will push prices even higher. Few cars are made entirely in the U.S. anymore, and tariffs make imported parts more costly. This means that shopping around for the best price for service and maintenance is all the more important to keep your car affordable.
What to do before your oil change
A little legwork can help you save a lot of money. Here are some steps to take before you change your oil.
- Check the owner’s manual. The general rule is to change your motor oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for conventional oil, or 10,000 to 15,000 miles if you’re using full synthetic oil. That said, your owner’s manual will have recommendations specific to your vehicle.
- Look for coupons. Lube shops almost always have a coupon available, and they can save you big money.
- Ask for a price range ahead of time. Having a price in mind is a good way to avoid getting fleeced. You can call multiple shops for quotes to make sure you’re getting the best market rates.
- Decide which add-ons you do or don’t need. Not all recommended services are necessary. Walk in the door with a good idea of what your vehicle needs right now and be prepared for possible upselling. Take recommendations from technicians you trust so you don’t miss critical maintenance issues, but seek second opinions when something doesn’t feel right.
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