How long does it take to change the oil? Changing engine oil is one of the simplest and most time-consuming automobile maintenance procedures. It’s critical to replace your car’s engine oil every 3,000 miles or every three months. However, how long does it take?
How much time does it take to change the oil? Changing your car’s oil might take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on where and how you get it changed.
- 15 minutes for a quick lube shop
- 30 to 45 minutes for a mechanic
- 30 to 45 minutes with a car dealer
- DIY time: 1 hour
The exact time it takes to change the oil is determined by the mechanic’s ability and the tools he uses. There is additional preliminary work to be done before changing the oil.
Continue reading to find out how long it takes to change oil, whether done by a fast lube business, technician, dealer, or yourself.
How Much Time Does It Take to Change Oil?
There are five major ways to get your oil changed. There are also more factors to consider before making your decision. The two most important considerations influencing your decision are time and money.
Option 1: Change your oil at a Quick Lube Station.
This is the fastest way to replace the oil in your engine. It is also the most efficient since skilled individuals with prior expertise in fast lube jobs will perform it. Most of these service centers will let you wait inside while they service your vehicle.
How long does it take for an oil change at a Quick Lube? The oil change operation will take about 15 minutes from start to end. Some quick lube services may even be able to replace your oil in as little as 10 minutes.
It is more cost-effective to delegate the oil-changing job to a fast lube company. However, it may not be the ideal solution for you. Quick lube shops can do the work more quickly because they employ specific machinery.
These devices suck the rancid oil from the automobile engine through the dipstick tube. The workers conducting the work will not unscrew the oil pan cap. They will not drain the unclean motor oil from the oil pan. The machine extracts the oil.
This is not the greatest way to go about it. If the machine’s suction pump cannot access the dirty oil inside the engine, it will remain there and contaminate the new engine oil that will be poured into the engine. Worse, tainted oil might create troubles in your car’s engine.
Option 2 – Oil Change at a Mechanic
Most automobile owners get their engine oil changed at an independent facility. They go to the nearest auto mechanic or car repair shop and request a lubricant change for their vehicle.
How long does it take for an oil change at a mechanic? Most local garages can do a lubricant change in 30 to 45 minutes.
This time might vary based on the mechanic’s workload and business size. You may also be required to leave your vehicle and return once the oil change is completed.
The mechanic’s service fee may also be exorbitant. He will, however, do a full oil change. It is also a practical oil-change alternative because many of these shops are located in communities, making them accessible to most people.
Option 3 – Oil Change at a Car Dealer
Car dealers also replace oil, particularly for the brands of vehicles that they sell. However, this is the most costly option offered. The entire procedure is also lengthened.
How long does an oil change at a dealership take? A car dealer typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to change the engine oil in your vehicle.
If that is when they will service your automobile, you may be required to leave your car at the dealer and return in 45 minutes to pick it up. Because of their busy schedule, they may even advise you to return in a few days or perhaps a week.
A dealer, on the other hand, may be your best bet. Car dealerships hire expert mechanics who are extremely educated and well-trained for this oil change task. During an oil change, mistakes might occur. Local mechanics who are less skilled and qualified may harm your vehicle.
These errors are reduced in a vehicle dealership. The dealer has excellent mechanics and equipment. In a dealership, you will sign a servicing contract. If something goes wrong with your automobile, the dealer will assume responsibility.
Option 4 – Oil Change at a Car Dealership
An oil change at a dealership typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
However, getting your automobile or truck serviced at a dealership is not always the best option. Your selection will be significantly influenced by the age of your automobile and whether or not it is out of warranty.
The most expensive option is probably an oil change at the dealership. Another issue is time. The oil change takes about 30-45 minutes, but you’ll probably have to leave your car with them most of the day. You may also have to wait a few weeks for an appointment, depending on where you reside and your vehicle type.
On the other hand, going to a dealership may be the safest alternative.
Even during an oil change, errors can occur. Humans are prone to making mistakes. Accidents include a tool falling into the engine during oil filling, an inadequately fastened oil pan plug, using the wrong grade oil, a loose oil filter, not adding enough oil, and so on.
These problems may happen at any oil change facility, not just dealerships. The distinction is that dealerships are typically better suited to accept full responsibility for any faults. Furthermore, you are more likely to locate an experienced master mechanic at a dealership that is properly qualified to troubleshoot any issues with your specific automobile model.
Option 5 – Change Your Oil
If you are a do-it-yourselfer, this is the finest option for changing your oil. You will not be charged for service if you replace the engine oil. You will have to pay for new engine oil and an oil filter. But be prepared to get your hands filthy.
How long does it take to change your oil? It may take you an hour or more to change the oil.
Your abilities and expertise with the project will determine the real-time. Expect to spend more time if this is your first time doing it. However, as previously said, acquiring skills will become a simple task that will take less than an hour.
Learn how to accomplish it quickly and efficiently. You might not do the task flawlessly at first. However, this is a rather simple and basic task. So, with practice, you’ll be able to change oil like an expert – and even faster.
The disadvantage of changing your oil is that you must call a professional technician to fix your problem if you make a mistake. As a result, you must study and prepare everything you will require, such as the necessary tools, vehicle jacks, correct safety equipment, safety gloves/goggles/clothing, fresh oil, and a new oil filter.
What about the used oil you emptied from our automobile engine? Don’t just flush it down the toilet. This will hurt the environment. Inquire with your local auto technician whether he needs spent engine oil.
Some businesses collect spent oil. They deliver them to oil processing firms, who clean the old oil so it may be reused.
Why Do Repair Shops Take Longer Than Lube Stations?
Two major aspects contribute to a quick lube store’s speedier than a repair shop.
The layout may be oriented toward speedy oil changes because a fast lube company specializes in 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 your oil is changed regularly at a fast lube outlet, consider scheduling routine inspections at your local auto repair shop for preventative maintenance and other fluid top-off.
How Long Does Each Step Take in an Oil Change?
Do you want to know how long each stage of an oil change takes? To prevent making a mistake, you must rigorously adhere to these procedures. Here are the approximate times for each stage in an oil change process.
Step 1 – Raise the Vehicle
A mechanic can lift the automobile in 5 minutes or less.
This procedure will be very simple and quick if the dealer or the local mechanic’s shop has a hydraulic lifter. However, if you do it yourself, you will need at least two vehicle jacks to elevate your car and hold it uniformly while you work on it. If you raise the automobile manually, it might take you 10 minutes or more.
Step 2: Remove the Drain Plug
It merely takes a few seconds to remove the drain stopper.
To open the drain stopper, unscrew it. It may be slightly stiff if you haven’t opened the plugin for a while. Cover the plug with a towel to make it simpler to remove.
Step 3 – Remove the Used Oil
It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to drain the old oil.
When you detach the drain cap, the used oil will flow freely. So, prepare the oil pan to capture the spent oil. Because the automobile engine consumes a lot of oil, you’ll have to wait a long time to finish this stage.
Step 4: Replace the Oil Filter
Changing the oil filter might take anything from 10 to 20 minutes.
You must detach the old oil filter and replace it. This assignment is slightly more tough than the others. The mechanic’s expertise will determine the real-time.
Step 5 – Add New Engine Oil
Pouring in new engine oil is a simple procedure. It takes no more than 5 minutes.
You should be aware of how much oil your engine can withstand. Check the depth of the oil using a dipstick after pouring it in.
How Can You Change Oil More Quickly?
You can replace the engine oil more quickly if you plan. You will be prepared, and you will know what measures to take.
The mechanics at vehicle dealerships and repair shops have been performing this task daily for so long that they know how to do it instinctively. As a first-time engine oil changer, you must consider and prepare before beginning the work. Here are some tips for changing oil more quickly.
Schedule the Next Oil Change
Contact your auto dealer or a car repair facility to arrange your next oil change. It will prepare the technician to receive your vehicle at the agreed-upon time. This will expedite the processing of your vehicle. Don’t just walk into the dealer and demand that they service your vehicle first.
Visit the Service Center During Off-Peak Hours
Weekends, after-hours, and lunchtime are the busiest times for auto servicing shops. Do not go there during these hours. Take your automobile to the servicing facility early in the morning or early in the afternoon when fewer people arrive.
Practice
Experiment with changing your oil. More practice will boost your confidence and allow you to make fewer mistakes. You’ll be able to do it faster in no time.
Additional Tips for Speeding Up the Oil Change
Here are some different ideas to help you change the oil in your engine more quickly:
- After the oil change, look for any oil leaks. Start the automobile and inspect the bottom of the engine for any oil leaks.
- Make use of high-quality lubricant oil. It may be more expensive than normal lubricant oils, but it will help your automobile engine and you.
- After you’ve finished changing the oil, check the engine oil level. This ensures that the engine is well-lubricated.
- Be familiar with the drain plug, the oil pan, the dipstick, and other parts associated with oil changes.
- Know your car’s parts, especially its important components. This will assist you in taking care of your automobile so that you do not have to deal with car troubles as frequently.
Finally, how long does it take to change the oil?
How much time does it take to change the oil? A Quick Lube Shop can replace your oil in as little as 15 minutes. How long does an oil change at a dealership take? Getting your oil changed at a professional or dealer might take between 30 and 45 minutes. If you change the oil manually, it can take approximately an hour, but with skill, it can be done in less than an hour.
If you own a car, you can’t disregard the requirement for frequent oil changes. Ignoring this need will backfire on you. It is not a tough chore to change the engine oil. It also does not take a long time.
Remember to change your oil every 3,000 miles or roughly every three months. And depending on where and how you have it changed, you may expect to wait anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.
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