You can’t talk about car maintenance without mentioning oil changes. One of the most popular automobile maintenance jobs is an oil change. However, you may have concerns about this procedure. If you’re wondering how long an oil change takes, where to take your car for an oil change, or if you have any other questions concerning oil changes, get answers to these frequently asked questions now.
Learn how to obtain the finest oil change and keep your vehicle operating smoothly.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE THE OIL?
The length of an oil change is determined by various factors. Do you change your own oil or do you take it to a shop? Oil change specialists, particularly those at “quick lube” businesses, change the oil every day and are typically skilled at changing oil quickly; however, changing oil yourself may take a little longer, especially if you only do it as often as your vehicle requires.
Expect to wait between 15 and 45 minutes for an oil change if you bring your vehicle in. If you drive your vehicle to a fast lube service and are seen right away, the process can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Longer estimates often accommodate for client backlog: other customers who scheduled their service or arrived before you.
A repair shop may take a little longer, so anticipate waiting between 30 and 45 minutes. Finally, depending on your gear, knowledge, and garage layout, DIY oil changes can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
Another consideration is the type of vehicle you drive. On the bottom of many cars, there are easy-to-reach oil drain plugs and filters. However, not all cars have them. It may be more difficult and time-consuming if your car’s plug is less accessible.
WHY DO REPAIR SHOPS TAKE LONGER THAN QUICK LUBE SHOPS?
There are two major aspects that contribute to a quick lube store being speedier than a repair shop. For starters, because a fast lube company specializing in oil changes may be oriented toward speedy oil changes. Second, because a repair shop usually does other standard inspections and tune-ups, it may take longer as they check your tire pressure, coolant level, and other maintenance areas.
Before selecting the finest specialist to service your car, determine whether you require further maintenance checks. While a repair shop may notice additional problems that require immediate care, a fast lube business can usually execute an oil change considerably more swiftly and inexpensively. If you get your oil changed at a fast lube outlet on a regular basis, consider scheduling routine inspections at your local auto repair shop for preventative maintenance and other fluid top-off.
IS CHANGING MY OWN OIL FASTER?
If you want to save money and take responsibility for your car’s maintenance, you may be wondering, “Can I change my own oil?” You can change your own oil, but it usually takes longer than having a professional do it. You may be able to change your oil in as little as 30 minutes if you have the right equipment and knowledge. That being the case, it’s quite unlikely that you’ll change your oil faster than a professional, if only because the expert makes oil changes on a daily basis. It might, however, save you money and be enjoyable!
HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD I CHANGE MY OIL?
While the previous rule of thumb was 3,000 miles or three months between oil changes, this is a broad and out-of-date concept. While oil changes are necessary to keep your car operating smoothly and your warranty valid, many vehicles operate well after 3,000 miles.
Some automobiles require oil changes on a more frequent basis. If you only travel at modest speeds and regularly restart your engine, you may need to replace your oil every 1,000 miles. Vehicles that travel just 10 miles per day or fewer might accumulate moisture in the system, causing oil to wear down faster.
On the other hand, several cars have a range of up to 10,000 miles. When using synthetic oil and driving long distances in a modern car, you may be able to go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. Before traveling this distance without an oil change, it’s recommended to consult a professional at your local auto or repair shop, and whatever your driving circumstances are, an essential rule of thumb is to closely stick to the drain interval requirements provided in your owner’s manual.
WHAT IF I DO NOT CHANGE MY OIL?
Changing your oil on a regular basis helps to improve the life of your engine and other components. Like most individuals, you’ve undoubtedly driven your car several hundred miles above the permissible limit. What happens if you don’t change your oil on time? While sometimes exceeding the prescribed interval may not be obvious, it might have negative consequences over time.
Old oil turns opaque and dark black, causing sludge to accumulate in your engine. It can cause friction spots, clogged components, and engine seizures over time. While this is an extreme case, it is critical to maintaining your oil fresh, clean, and ready to lubricate all of your engine’s moving parts.
WHAT KIND OF OIL DO I REQUIRE?
Now that you know how frequently you should change your oil, it’s time to choose the finest oil for your car. The correct weight of oil for your vehicle is specified in your owner’s handbook. The weight of oil, such as 5W-20 or 10W-30, specifies the viscosity of your oil at its optimal working temperatures.
Chris Miller is an auto journalist who specializes in reviewing new cars and providing helpful advice on family vehicles. He has a passion for cars and enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.
