Oil change: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What oil change is

An oil change drains the old engine oil, replaces the oil filter and refills with the grade your engine needs, then resets the service reminder. Most people need it on a regular schedule set by the car maker or by mileage and time, whichever comes first.

Signs you need it

  • The service reminder or dashboard light says oil change is due
  • Your mileage or the time since the last change has passed the interval in your owner's manual
  • The oil on the dipstick looks dark, gritty or low
  • You notice oil smell, smoke or drips under the car
  • You are about to take a long trip and the oil is due soon

What the pro does

  • Warms the engine slightly, then drains the old oil fully
  • Replaces the oil filter and checks the drain plug washer
  • Refills with the viscosity and quantity your engine specifies
  • Resets the maintenance reminder on the dashboard
  • Checks coolant, washer fluid, tire pressure and belts, and reports anything that needs attention

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The oil type the engine requires, such as conventional, blended or full synthetic
  • How much oil the engine holds
  • Whether the filter is standard or a higher quality model
  • Whether the car needs a cabin air filter or other service at the same visit
  • Whether the car uses a special oil or extended interval service
  • Whether a reminder reset or a multipoint inspection is included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The oil grade and type, and the quantity used
  • The filter brand and part number
  • Whether the drain plug washer is replaced
  • Which fluids and parts were checked, and what was topped up
  • Whether the reminder was reset

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which oil grade and type does my engine require?
  • Is the filter included, and what brand is it?
  • Will you check the air filter and tires, and tell me what you find?
  • Do you dispose of the used oil and filter for me?
  • Does this oil change come with a warranty on the labor?
  • Can you show me the level on the dipstick before you leave?

Red flags

  • Recommends a different oil grade from the one in your owner's manual without explaining why
  • Pushes a long list of add-on services at the counter
  • Says a top-up of engine oil is needed without checking the level
  • Will not show you the old filter or drained oil

What you can do yourself

Many people change their own oil, and it is a common first job when the car is on level ground with a safe lift or jack stands. Use the oil grade and quantity from your owner's manual, and take the used oil to a proper collection point. Call a shop if you have no safe way to raise the car, or if the drain plug or filter area is hard to reach.

Licenses and permits

A license is usually not required for an oil change. Shops may need local business registration, so check with your state or local licensing agency if you are unsure.

Oil change questions

How often should I change my oil?

Use the interval in your owner's manual. Some cars have an oil life monitor that tells you when to change, so follow that reading and the manual together.

Do I need synthetic oil?

Only if your engine requires it. Your owner's manual will say which type and grade is correct for your engine.

Why does the shop check my tires and belts?

The oil change is a good time to spot low tread, uneven wear or a worn belt before it becomes a breakdown.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More car services guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request oil change