Oil & Filter Change Cost
Drain the old engine oil, replace the filter, and refill with fresh oil. The most frequent and most DIY-friendly service on any vehicle.
What this repair is
Engine oil lubricates, cools, and cleans your engine’s moving parts. Over time it breaks down and collects contaminants, so it must be drained and replaced along with the filter at regular intervals — typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for synthetic oil.
Signs you need this repair
- Dark, gritty oil on the dipstick
- Engine running louder or rougher than usual
- Oil change or maintenance reminder light on the dash
- It's been over 5,000 miles since the last change
What's included in the cost
DIY — what you pay for
- 5–6 quarts synthetic oil$35
- Oil filter$9
Shop — what they charge for
- Parts (oil + filter)$45
- Labor (15–30 min)$25
- Shop markup & disposal fee$15
DIY difficulty & what you need
Tools & parts
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When to call a shop instead
Almost never. An oil change is the most beginner-friendly DIY repair and requires only basic tools. The only reason to pay a shop is if you lack a space to work or don’t want to handle used-oil disposal.
Is your quote fair?
If a shop quotes above $105 for a conventional oil change on a mainstream sedan, ask what’s included — synthetic oil, a premium filter, or an inspection package can justify more, but a bare oil change above that is high.
How to budget for this
Budget about $45–$60 per change at home or $85–$105 at a shop — roughly $90–$120 per year for two synthetic oil changes DIY, or $170–$210 at a shop.
Oil & Filter Change FAQ
How often should I change my oil?
With modern synthetic oil, every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Check your owner’s manual for the exact interval — some engines specify longer or shorter ranges.
Can I switch between conventional and synthetic oil?
Yes. You can switch back and forth safely, and you can even top off synthetic with conventional in a pinch. Once you move to synthetic, most drivers stay there for the better protection and longer intervals.
What happens if I go too long between oil changes?
Old oil loses its lubricating properties and accumulates sludge and metal particles. Over time this accelerates engine wear, reduces fuel economy, and in extreme cases can cause engine failure.
Sources
Cost estimates and maintenance intervals on this page are compiled from the following publicly available sources. Click through to verify or explore further.
Related repairs
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