Today’s vehicles deliver more performance than ever, as each year’s models bring new features for safety and convenience. (Wireless phone charging, anyone?) But your vehicle is still a complex machine that needs to be actively maintained. And that all starts with routine oil changes and the right engine oil. Because if the engine isn’t running properly, nothing else matters.
Not to worry, though. Maintaining your vehicle’s oil is easier than you might think, and Jiffy Lube® is here with the answers to your biggest questions.
HOW MUCH IS AN OIL CHANGE?
Now on to everyone’s favorite question: how much does an oil change cost, exactly? The price of your oil change will depend on a few factors, including the amount of oil required, the type of oil that is used, and the ease of performing the oil change.
To determine the type of oil that’s best, your technician will consult the manufacturer’s recommendations and ask you for your personal preference. Some drivers prefer conventional oil, while others select full synthetic oil, synthetic blend, or high mileage oils . If recommended by your technician, it’s okay to use a different brand than you’ve used in the past, as long as the oil meets the viscosity grade and specifications listed in your owner manual. Contact your local Jiffy Lube® for pricing based on your vehicle and the type of oil that’s right for you.
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DO OIL CHANGES PROTECT YOUR ENGINE?
They certainly do. Your motor oil is one of the most important elements inside your vehicle, because it lubricates all the moving pieces in the engine and keeps it running properly. The oil reduces friction, transfers heat, and absorbs the byproducts of combustion to prevent the engine from overheating.
Think about it this way: if you’re feeling really hungry, your ability to do work starts to suffer, right? Your engine is that way too. Oil is like food for the components inside the engine and makes it possible for them to do their jobs. If oil gets too low or is no longer fresh, it can lead to sticking piston rings, overheating, or even decreased engine life. So by changing the oil, you’re protecting the most important parts of the engine.
HOW MUCH OIL DOES MY CAR NEED?
If we had a nickel for every time someone asked us, “How much oil does my car need,” well, we’d have a lot. The truth is, it depends on what kind of vehicle you have. In the past, almost all cars and trucks required five quarts of oil for an oil change. But now, with the greater range of engines found in modern vehicles, that number can range from four quarts to 10 quarts or more. Ask the trained technicians at Jiffy Lube® how much oil is appropriate for your vehicle and if there’s an oil that could improve your vehicle’s performance. They can recommend a quality Pennzoil® product that meets your manufacturer’s guidelines for engine oil.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN MY OIL LIGHT COMES ON?
When the oil light on your dashboard is illuminated, it means your vehicle needs service: likely an oil change and a new oil filter. Take your vehicle to a service center with trained technicians, like your local Jiffy Lube. At Jiffy Lube®, your technician will do more than just replace your oil and filter and put a reminder sticker on your windshield. They’ll also perform a full courtesy inspection, including inspecting your vehicle’s battery, fluids, lights, and belts. Additionally, they’ll check and adjust your tire pressure, clean your exterior windows, and vacuum the carpets inside your vehicle.
CAN’T I JUST TOP OFF THE OIL MYSELF?
Your oil can be topped off in an emergency situation, but it’s not a replacement for a proper oil change. That’s because the old, worn out oil is still trapped in the system. And when it mixes with the new oil, it keeps that fresh oil from working as well as it should. So a complete oil change involves draining the oil from a drain plug located on the bottom of your engine, under the vehicle.
Recently, some technicians have developed a suction method that removes the oil by siphoning rather than draining. But regardless of which method is used, it’s essential that the old oil is removed and that oil changes are performed as often as your manufacturer recommends.
Following those recommendations is critical. So when you’re evaluating a service center, don’t just ask, “How much is an oil change here?” Make sure to ask whether their technicians follow the guidelines set by your automaker. At Jiffy Lube®, that’s what we do every day. And whether your vehicle needs an oil change, new brakes, or you just want an inspection, the technicians at your local Jiffy Lube® are always eager to help.
READ MORE ABOUT IT
If you’re wondering whether the “three months or 3,000 miles” rule still applies for oil changes, we’ve got you covered.
Can you mix synthetic oil with regular oil? The answer may surprise you.
Please note: Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center or visit jiffylube.com for specific services offered.
FAQs
A full-service oil change includes up to 5 quarts of ValvolineTM oil, new oil filter and lubrication of chassis components according to your vehicle manufacturer's specifications. For an oil change, find a Valvoline Instant Oil Change near you.
How much oil is included in an oil change? ›
A full-service oil change includes up to 5 quarts of ValvolineTM oil, new oil filter and lubrication of chassis components according to your vehicle manufacturer's specifications. For an oil change, find a Valvoline Instant Oil Change near you.
How often do you really need an oil change? ›
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
How much is too much oil change? ›
A quart or more of excess oil in a car can cause engine damage. Overfilling engine oil raises the level of oil in the pan, allowing the crankshaft to come into frequent contact with it. The crankshaft moves fast, essentially whipping your oil into a froth that can't be properly distributed by the engine.
What determines the price of an oil change? ›
The price of your oil change will depend on a few factors, including the amount of oil required, the type of oil that is used, and the ease of performing the oil change. To determine the type of oil that's best, your technician will consult the manufacturer's recommendations and ask you for your personal preference.
What is included with a typical oil change? ›
What Is Included in a Full-Service Oil Change? When you get a full-service change, an auto technician will change your car's motor oil with the type that it needs, which could be conventional, synthetic, synthetic blend, or high-mileage oil. You'll also have your used oil and oil filter replaced and recycled.
Does an oil change include all fluids? ›
These include transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. During an oil change, the mechanic often checks these fluids' levels and quality. If any fluid appears low or dirty, it may be topped off or replaced, maintaining your vehicle's overall health.
How long can a car go without an oil change? ›
However, engine technology has improved greatly over the years. Due to this, cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes.
How many miles can I go over my oil change? ›
Depending on the type of oil you use, your car can run a few hundred or even a thousand miles beyond the recommended interval without experiencing severe engine deterioration.
Should I go by oil life or mileage? ›
The truth is that both mileage and time intervals are important when determining when you should change your oil. The mileage recommendation is important because the longer your drive, the more your oil becomes exposed to high temperatures. Eventually, the additives meant to keep your engine clean begin to diminish.
An oil change is an important and frequent maintenance task for any vehicle, so you want to make sure mechanics don't overcharge you. The cost of an oil change can vary between $20 and $150, depending on various factors.
Is $50 normal for an oil change? ›
The price of an oil change can vary widely, depending on a number of factors. However, since the typical range for an oil change is between $35 to $125, a $60 price tag may not be that expensive.
How much should I spend on an oil change? ›
Typically, an oil and filter change using conventional oil will cost between $35 and $75, depending on your area. If your car requires synthetic oil, you should expect to pay more (anywhere from $65 to $125) but you make up some of the cost, since synthetic oil lasts longer and has to be changed less frequently.
Why did my oil change cost so much? ›
For full synthetic, it's between $65-$100. "The simple truth is there's a lot of factors that go into making up that price," Stadtler said. They include the current price of oil and the amount needed, the type of vehicle, labor, and the complexity of the job — especially since newer cars have more parts to navigate.
Who decides how much oil cost? ›
Petroleum prices are determined by market forces of supply and demand, not individual companies, and the price of crude oil is the primary determinant of the price we pay at the pump.
How much does price change in oil? ›
Oil Price Charts
| Futures & Indexes | Last | % Change |
|---|
| Brent Crude | 85.17 | +0.12%(10 Minutes Delay) |
| Murban Crude | 84.33 | -0.34%(15 Minutes Delay) |
| Natural Gas | 2.912 | +0.1%(11 Minutes Delay) |
| Gasoline | 2.499 | +0.62%(34 Minutes Delay) |
21 more rowsSome new vehicles today will use a quart of oil every 800 to 1000 miles. That means a driver could have to add as many as five quarts of oil between changes.
Is $50 a lot for an oil change? ›
Typically, an oil and filter change using conventional oil will cost between $35 and $75, depending on your area. If your car requires synthetic oil, you should expect to pay more (anywhere from $65 to $125) but you make up some of the cost, since synthetic oil lasts longer and has to be changed less frequently.
Is an oil change part of a full service? ›
What is actually included in your service will be largely dictated by which type you choose, but a full service will likely involve an engine oil and filter change; a check of all fluids and a full brake check, plus usually checks on over 50 other key components including safety-related features.
Do they refill your oil during an oil change? ›
The oil drain plug will be removed to allow the old oil to drain out into a container. While the oil is draining, the technician will remove and inspect the old oil filter and replace it with a new one. The next step is to replace the drain plug and refill the engine with fresh oil.
