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the kind to get and how often to change your oil — which you can find in your owners manual, rather than following the outdated 3,000-mile rule.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. Do they rotate your tires when you get an oil change?Oil change and tire rotation are essential to improve the lifespan of your vehicle engine and tires. Oil changes are recommended for every 5, 000 to 10, 000 miles. A tire rotation can be performed during every such oil change.
How often should you change your oil and rotate tires?When should I rotate? Although it will depend on your specific vehicle, most owners' manuals suggest that you should rotate your tires every 3,000-10,000 miles. Since you should get your oil changed every 3,000-7,000 miles, a good rule of thumb is to get your tires rotated every other time you change your oil.
How long does it take to do a tire rotation and oil change?But how long should an oil change and tire rotation take? if you bring it into a shop, the tasks take about 30 minutes all together. If you do it yourself, it will take about 1 hour. The majority of time is spent on moving around the tires from hub to hub.
How often should I rotate tires?On average, how you know when to rotate tires depends on vehicle mileage. Namely, it's a best practice to rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or so. This is a rule of thumb, however, and you'll want to double-check with your vehicle's owner's manual for more specific information.
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