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The average cost of an oil change varies by location and the type of oil used, with options including conventional, synthetic, and semi-synthetic. For basic service with conventional oil and no extra quarts, you can expect to pay between $35 and $75, according to Kelley Blue Book.
We’ll discuss the ins and outs of oil changes, including how often you should get it done, the benefits to your vehicle and the environment, and how to save money on your next oil change.
Key Points
• Average oil change costs depend on several factors, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model, your location, and the service provider you use.
• An oil change through a service provider typically ranges from $35 to $75 for conventional oil.
• Synthetic oil has fewer impurities and is designed to protect your car engine, but it’s also more expensive than conventional oil.
• The benefits of getting regular oil changes include a cleaner, more efficient engine, better gas mileage, and fuel savings.
• To lower the cost of oil changes, you could do it yourself (DIY), but you may need to invest in some tools first.
How Much Does an Oil Change Cost on Average?
The cost of an oil change depends on several things:
• Vehicle’s year, make, and model
• DIY vs. service station
• Geographic location
• Service provider
• Type of oil: conventional, synthetic, or synthetic blend
• Add-on services such as filter changes and tire rotation
You’ll pay about $35 for basic service with no extra quarts. Top service with extra quarts will run about $75. This is likely to be with conventional oil.
With semi-synthetic oil, the average cost will be higher: $40-$100. And with fully synthetic oil, the price ranges from $65 to $125. Some luxury vehicles require special filters, which can cost $260 or more.
The average cost of an oil change at a dealership is generally around $100 and typically includes a filter change. Another popular add-on is tire rotation, which can add $20-$50. A dealership or auto repair shop may offer a small discount on multiple services.
In case you were wondering, oil changes are not covered by car insurance because they’re considered a regular part of car maintenance. Learn more in our insurance tips for first-time drivers.
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Average Cost of Oil Change by Provider
The table below lists the price of the cheapest oil change option at a number of national service providers. Price differences are often due to the quality of the oil used and the speed and scope of the service.
| Service Provider | Cheapest Oil Change Service |
|---|---|
| Firestone | $35 |
| Goodyear | $45.99 |
| Jiffy Lube | $45 |
| Midas | $34.99 |
| NTB | $19.95 |
| Pennzoil | $58.99 |
| Pep Boys | $32.99 |
| Sears | $29.99 |
| Valvoline | $50.99 |
| Walmart | $28.88 |
| Data courtesy of CarServiceCosts.com | |
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The Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil
Conventional oil is crude oil that’s been refined, while synthetic oil is made from chemical compounds. Synthetic oil has fewer impurities and is designed to protect car engines.
Conventional oil needs to be changed more often and can have problems flowing at extreme temperatures. Synthetic oil can be used for longer periods and flows in a wider range of temperatures. Although there are clear advantages to synthetic oil, there’s one disadvantage: It costs more.
Check your owner’s manual to see what type and grade are recommended for your vehicle’s engine. How much your car is worth may factor into your choice of which oil to use.
How Often Should You Get an Oil Change?
Your owner’s manual should also list how often to change the oil in your specific vehicle. In general, conventional motor oil needs to be changed after about 3,000 to 5,000 miles of driving on average. Synthetic oil can go as long as 10,000 miles. If you use semi-synthetic motor oil (a blend of the two), you may get up to 7,500 miles of usage before it needs to be changed.
Did you know you should also be evaluating your insurance on a regular basis? Annual personal insurance planning sessions can help your coverage keep up with important life changes.
Benefits of Getting Your Oil Changed
The benefits of regular oil changes are significant., They include:
• Cleaner engine. When you change the oil, you’re also getting rid of the dirt, debris, and contaminants in the old oil.
• More efficient engine. When the engine is clean and the oil is new, the engine has better lubrication and works more efficiently. This helps boost performance and maximizes the life of the engine.
• Better gas mileage. A more efficient engine will help your car get better gas mileage and save you money on fuel.
• Environmental benefits. When oil stays in your vehicle for too long, it starts to degrade. At this point, it releases potentially toxic hydrocarbons.
• Prevention of overheating. Engine components generate heat, especially when you’re driving at faster speeds. When the engine is freshly and appropriately lubricated with motor oil, this lowers friction and reduces the risk of overheating.
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How to Lower the Cost of Oil Changes
As noted above, timely oil changes can reduce fuel costs. To save money on oil changes, you can shop around for the best prices in auto shops or do it yourself. Before your first DIY oil change, you may need to invest in a few supplies. These include a wrench to remove the drain plug (your owner’s manual should list what size and type), an oil filter wrench, an oil pan, latex gloves, and perhaps a jack.
You can save $25 to $75 per oil change on average, depending on the oil and filter you use. So, once you’ve saved enough to “pay back” what you invested in the right tools, you can enjoy savings each time you change your oil. You can also check out how to save on fuel costs with the gas cost trip calculator.
The Takeaway
The average cost of a basic oil change with conventional oil is $35, but you can find low-cost oil changes for as little as $19.95. Higher prices may indicate a better quality of oil, add-ons such as filter replacement, or faster service.
Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will recommend a type and grade of oil. Conventional oil is typically the cheapest, followed by semi-synthetic, with fully synthetic being the most expensive. Synthetic oils allow you to go longer between oil changes — 10,000 miles compared to 5,000 with conventional. To save the most money on your oil change, don’t be afraid to DIY.
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FAQ
Is $100 a lot for an oil change?
It depends on where you live, the type of oil you use, your vehicle, and add-ons such as filter changes and tire rotation. The cost of a basic oil change starts at $35, so ask your service provider for a breakdown of the $100 they’re charging.
Should I get my tires rotated when I get an oil change?
Consumer Reports recommends rotating your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles. Tires protect you on the road, so this maintenance task shouldn’t be overlooked. If you can combine your oil change schedule with your tire rotation schedule, you might save a bit of money.
How much do oil changes cost in 2026?
The cost of a conventional oil change with no other services ranges from $35 to $75. No-frills service with conventional oil starts at $19.99. You’ll pay for more synthetic oil and add-ons like filter replacement.
What does an oil change include?
A standard oil change typically includes draining the old engine oil, replacing the oil filter, and refilling the engine with new vehicle-specific oil. A full oil service often includes fluid top-offs, tire checks, and light checks, among others.
How long does an oil change take?
Most standard oil changes take 30-45 minutes, with some express centers completing the work in only 15 minutes. Services such as fluid top-offs, inspections, and tire rotations may extend the time to one hour. DIY oil changes can generally be done within an hour.
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