It doesn’t take very long to do an oil change. In fact, if you familiarize yourself with your vehicle, you can get it done yourself faster than you can drive it to the shop.
How Long it Takes a Shop to Do an Oil Change
We will list out the steps that a shop is going to take to do an oil change, as well as how long each of them should be. This doesn’t account for the X factor, which is waiting for your turn in the oil change bay.
Try going to get your oil changed on a Sunday evening if you are going to a quick lube shop. That seems to be a perfect time to avoid a crowd.
The total time it should take a quick-lube type shop to change your oil would be between 7- 10 minutes. Here are the steps involved:
1. Pull in and Ask Questions (3 minutes)
Once you pull into the oil change bay, a tech is going to ask you some questions. First, they’ll want to know what type of oil you want (synthetic, blend, or regular). Then, they’ll scan the VIN to see if you are in the system. The first time you go somewhere for an oil change, expect to lose a few minutes while they get your name and address.
They’ll most likely ask you to turn on your blinkers, tap the brakes, and turn on the headlights. They’ll also test your battery and check your air cleaner. They ask you all of this to sell you the parts. You can decline. These guys are paid by the hour; they’re not going to care if you decline the service.
While you are answering the questions and testing the vehicle, the oil is already draining.
2. Fill With Oil and Fluids (3-5 Minutes)
Once the oil is drained out, the tech under your vehicle will put a new oil filter on and come out of the pit. Then, they’ll begin filling the vehicle with the oil type that you asked for. You don’t need to worry about the viscosity; they’ll get that from scanning the VIN.
While adding oil, most shops will check the transmission fluid and top off the windshield washer fluid.
3. Pay and Leave (1-2 Minutes)
The last step is to pay and leave. This is usually not initiated while oil is still going into the vehicle.
How Long it Takes to Do an Oil Change Oil at Home
The amount of time required to do an oil change at home is comparable to a quick lube shop (once you get some practice). It’s way more cost-effective to do it at home too. You can put synthetic oil in for the price of conventional oil at the shop.
When changing your oil at home, watch out for hot exhaust and hot oil. They can burn you.
Here are the steps involved in changing your oil at home. It usually takes between 8-17 minutes.
1. Lift the Vehicle (1-5 Minutes)
How long it takes you to lift the vehicle into the air is going to largely depend on what type of device you use to do the job. Ramps are faster and safer than a floor jack.
- Ramps– You can drive your car or truck right on them. They’ll give you plenty of room to get under the vehicle. You can get under a vehicle in less than a minute with them. The cheaper ones can be difficult to use on a smooth concrete floor. Total Time: 1-3 minutes
- Floor Jack– Using a floor jack to change a vehicle’s oil will take a little more time. You need to get the jack under the frame, jack it up, and then get the jack stands under it. Total Time: 3-5 minutes
If you are changing the oil on a larger truck, you may be able to get under it without even lifting it at all.
2. Drain the Oil (2 Minutes)
The next step in the process is to drain the oil out. On most modern vehicles, you’re going to need a metric wrench between 13-17mm. There is not a standardized size.
Disposing of the oil is one of the downsides of doing an oil change at home. Save an old washer fluid bottle or milk jug to pour the oil into. Once it’s in there, you can take it to your local parts store. Wal-Mart takes them too. Disposal is free.
3. Remove the Filter (2-4 Minutes)
Once the oil has been drained completely, tighten the oil drain plug and pull the filter off of the vehicle.
You’ll likely need an oil filter wrench. Although, it is possible to get it off without one. DO NOT stab it with a screwdriver and turn. A rag can provide enough grip. If you’re still having trouble, use a dish glove to turn the filter.
Once the filter is removed, it‘s going to lose a lot of oil. Be prepared, have the oil pan centered below it, and catch what comes out of the filter.
4. Put a New Filter On (1-2 Minutes)
Now that all of the old oil and the filter have been removed, you can put the new filter on.
Fill it up with oil until it’s almost full.
Dip your finger in fresh oil and run it around the rubber seal of the filter. This will help it seal and make it easier to get back off later.
Now that the filter is ready, it’s time to spin it on. Don’t over-tighten it.
5. Add the New Oil (2-4 Minutes)
Now that the engine has been drained of oil, the new filter is on, and the drain plug has been re-tightened, it’s time to put oil in.
Make sure to put the right amount and viscosity that the manufacturer recommends.
Put the oil fill cap back on, and you’re done.
Conclusion
An oil change can take between 7-17 minutes.
It’s usually a bit faster to change the oil at the shop than it is at home. But, if you have to drive out of your way to get to the shop, the advantage is more than erased.