How much does an oil change cost?
An oil change costs more with full synthetic oil than with conventional oil. In AAA’s survey of its approved repair shops, the typical oil change cost $38 with conventional oil and $70 with synthetic. Those are 2017 prices. Repair and maintenance prices have risen about 69% since then (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), which puts the same services near $64 and $118 in late 2026. Your price depends on your car, the oil it needs, and the shop, so get a written quote.
On this page (7 sections)
Oil change cost at a glance
| Type | AAA survey, 2017 | Rough 2026 estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional oil change at a shop | $38 typical; 71% of shops charged $21–$40 | About $64 |
| Full synthetic oil change at a shop | $70 typical; 79% of shops charged $41–$80 | About $118 |
| Do it yourself: 5 quarts of conventional oil | About $28 | Check the store price |
| Do it yourself: 5 quarts of synthetic oil | About $45 | Check the store price |
AAA prices are for 4–5 quarts with a standard filter, without coupons. The 2026 column multiplies them by the change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics price index for motor vehicle maintenance and servicing (June 2017 to October 2026). It is an estimate, not a quote. Checked November 12, 2026.
What makes an oil change cost more
- The oil your car needs. Many newer engines call for full synthetic oil, often a thin grade such as 0W-20. AAA found that very few cars strictly require synthetic, but most carmakers require oil that meets their own specification. GM, for example, calls for full synthetic oil approved to its dexos1 standard in the 2019 Equinox.
- How much oil the engine holds. The AAA prices assume 4–5 quarts. Bigger engines in trucks and SUVs often hold more, and each extra quart adds to the bill. Your manual lists the capacity; for popular models, so do our oil pages, such as the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Honda Pilot.
- The filter. Filters differ by engine. The AAA prices assume a standard filter; ask whether your quote does too.
- The shop and your area. Dealers, independent shops, and quick-lube chains set their own prices, and labor costs differ by region.
- Extras. Many shops add a tire rotation, an inspection, or a filter they recommend. Some of it is on your schedule; some is not.
Synthetic oil change cost: is it worth it?
If your manual calls for synthetic oil, it is not optional: use it. If your manual allows either, AAA’s testing found synthetic oils performed about 47% better on average in eight industry tests, and AAA figured the switch cost about $64 more a year (in 2017 prices) for a driver following the factory schedule. AAA says synthetic oil helps most in turbocharged engines, stop-and-go driving, towing, and very hot or cold weather.
A conventional oil that meets your manual’s specification will not harm your engine, AAA says. The choice is yours when the manual allows both.
How to pay less for an oil change
- Know your interval. The cheapest oil change is the one you don’t need yet. Follow your manual or oil life monitor instead of a fixed 3,000 miles: see how often to change your oil.
- Know what your car takes. Write down the oil grade, the specification (such as dexos1 or API SP), and the capacity from your manual. A shop can then quote the right job.
- Get a written quote. Ask for the total, with the oil, filter, labor, disposal fee, and tax.
- Compare the extras with your schedule. If a shop recommends an air filter or a fluid flush, check your maintenance schedule first, and ask to see the old part.
- Keep the receipt. Note the date, odometer, oil type, and price in your car maintenance log. It shows what you really pay per year, and the FTC says your warranty company could ask for maintenance records.
Doing it yourself
A home oil change saves the labor, but you need the right oil and filter, tools, a way to lift the car safely, and a place to take the used oil. Take the used oil and filter to a used oil collection center; your state or city environmental agency lists them. Read the oil change steps in your manual first. The FTC says a dealer can’t deny warranty coverage just because someone else did your routine maintenance, but you need records, so keep the receipts for the oil and filter. More in maintenance and your warranty.
FAQ
How much does a full synthetic oil change cost?
In AAA’s 2017 survey of its approved shops, a synthetic oil change typically cost $70. Scaled by the government’s repair price index, that is about $118 in late 2026. Engines that hold more oil or need special oil cost more. Get a written quote.
Why are oil changes so expensive now?
Repair and maintenance prices have climbed: the BLS price index for motor vehicle maintenance and servicing rose about 69% from mid-2017 to October 2026. Many newer cars also need full synthetic oil, which costs more than conventional.
Is it cheaper to change your own oil?
Usually, if you already have the tools. In 2017, AAA put 5 quarts at about $28 for conventional and $45 for synthetic, plus a filter. Add the cost of tools and safe disposal of the used oil.
Does the price include a tire rotation?
It depends on the shop. Some include a rotation or a basic inspection, and some charge extra. Ask what the price includes before the work starts.
Sources
- AAA, Synthetic vs. conventional engine oil, research report, 2017 (shop survey: $38 and $70; price ranges; DIY oil cost; test results): ace.aaa.com
- AAA Newsroom, AAA spills the truth on oil changes, June 6, 2017 ($64 a year; when synthetic helps most): newsroom.aaa.com
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI for all urban consumers, motor vehicle maintenance and servicing, U.S. city average (series CUUR0000SETD; June 2017 and October 2026) (checked November 12, 2026): data.bls.gov
- Chevrolet, 2019 Equinox owner’s manual, Engine oil (dexos1 full synthetic) (checked November 12, 2026): chevrolet.com
- American Petroleum Institute (API), Latest oil categories (API SP) (checked November 12, 2026): api.org
- Federal Trade Commission, Auto warranties and auto service contracts (maintenance records) (checked November 12, 2026): consumer.ftc.gov