How Long Does an Oil Change Take?

How long should an oil change take? Our service center in Auburn prides itself on quick, efficient service, but the answer can vary quite a bit depending on the vehicle, oil change facility, and other factors. Generally speaking, a standard oil change service takes 30-45 minutes on average. How long does an oil change take if you need additional services or if you do it yourself? Let’s take a more detailed look,

How Long Should an Oil Change Take?

For most vehicles, an oil change involves draining the old oil, changing the oil filter, adding new oil, and checking other fluids. Some Auburn facilities may also perform additional inspections or maintenance during an oil change. This can add more time to the overall service. How long does an oil change take under these circumstances? Here’s a breakdown:

Here are some key factors that can impact how long an oil change takes:

• Vehicle Type – An oil change on a compact sedan with easy-to-access drain plugs and filter may take 30 minutes. Pickup trucks or SUVs with larger oil capacities or more complicated filter locations can take closer to 45 minutes or longer.
• Facility Type – Quick-service oil change chains have the process down to a science, with bays, tools, and technicians dedicated to oil changes. This allows them to complete most standard changes in about 15-20 minutes. Full-service dealerships or independent shops may take longer with 30-45 minutes being more common.
• Additional Services – Getting other maintenance done at the same time as an oil change will lengthen the time of your visit. Common additions like tire rotations, inspections, fluids top-off, etc. can tack on 10-15 minutes or more.
• Waiting in Line – If the shop is busy you may have to wait for an open bay. Sitting in the waiting area can obviously extend the total time.
• Type of Oil – Conventional motor oils are the fastest to drain and refill. Synthetic oils or other specialty products can take a few minutes longer during the oil change process.

How Long Does an Oil Change Take If I Do It Myself?

Some of our Maple Valley customers are intrepid DIYers who like to tackle projects like oil changes on their own. How long should an oil change take if you do it yourself? You should probably allocate an hour for your first time, including clean-up and storing used oil for later disposal. Most are able to do an oil change in less than 30 minutes once they have gained experience.

Let the Oil Experts at Auburn Chevrolet Take Care of It

Letting our service center take care of your next oil change is a great way to keep your vehicle running smoothly while getting outstanding service. Our GM-trained technicians have the genuine parts and expertise to get you in and out quickly. So, schedule an appointment. In the meantime, check out our post on how often you should get an oil change. We’re just down the road from Covington, so drop by or contact us today!