Changing the oil on a regular basis keeps dirt out of the engine and keeps things running more smoothly. There are numerous demands on your time and attention today. Keep in mind that you need your car if you want to get everything done on your list. Oil changes are a crucial part of preventative maintenance that will help it run smoothly. The question “How long does an oil change take?” is a natural one to ask when looking at your packed schedule. In this guide, we will discuss about the oil changing length and what factors matter in this regard.
How Long Does an Oil Change Take?
An oil change doesn’t take much of your time. Nowadays, an oil change usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes to complete.
The procedure entails removing the old oil from the engine, replacing the oil filter, and then adding fresh oil.
A technician or mechanic will do the following during that time:
- Remove the oil pan drain plug.
- The used oil (motor oil) must be drained.
- It’s time to change the oil, so take out the old filter and put in a new one.
- Change the oil and make sure it’s at the right level.
Besides your tech, gravity is a major contributor to success. This is why waiting for the oil to drain takes up the bulk of the time during an oil change.
Most oil changes include an inspection of the engine to make sure everything is in working order. This can add about 10–15 minutes to the total time required.
Now that we know the answer to the question “how long does an oil change take,” let’s examine the factors that contribute to the duration of the process.
What Factors Affect the Oil Change Time?
There are two factors that affect the oil changing time. If you are a novice going the DIY route, the average 30 to 45 minutes time can quickly change to 2 hours.
1. Who’s Changing The Engine Oil?
It can take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour or more to change the oil in your car if you do it yourself. How long it takes to do an oil change yourself will depend on your knowledge, tools, and garage organization.
Planning on getting an oil change at a local garage?
It takes a trained technician at a dealership or repair shop 30 to 45 minutes to change the oil. That’s because there’s a chance you’ll have to wait around if the dealership is particularly busy on the day of your service appointment.
However, in about 20 minutes, a quick lube shop mechanic can replace your dirty oil with fresh, clean oil. There are, however, some problems with this strategy.
2. How Accessible Is The Engine Oil Drain Plug And Oil Filter?
The length of time between oil changes can also be affected by the vehicle you drive. The oil drain plug and oil filter are typically located at the bottom of the vehicle for convenience.
It may take your mechanic more time to change your car’s oil and install a new oil filter if the oil drain plug and filter are hard to reach.
Now that you know getting an oil change isn’t going to take you forever, I’ll go over some frequently asked questions about oil changes.
When Should I Change My Car’s Oil?
When you should get an oil change is something that varies by brand. You can always consult your owner’s manual, your trusty service guide, to find out.
Another option is to keep an eye on your dashboard for a warning light that indicates when it’s time to change the oil or perform another maintenance check. This should serve as a reminder that it’s time to change the oil in your car.
Motor oil in an older vehicle should be changed at least once every three thousand miles. However, a newer car or one that uses modern lubricants may only need its oil changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Whether your car is older or brand newer, there are a few telltale signs that it’s time to change the engine oil:
- Bad Odor: Your car’s interior has an oily odor. Because dirty oil cannot cool the engine, you may even detect a burnt oil odor.
- Cranking Sounds: Inadequate lubrication from old oil causes the engine in your car to make loud clanking noises.
- Low Mileage: Dirty, old oil decreases fuel efficiency, necessitating frequent trips to the gas station for refills.
What Type Of Oil Does My Vehicle Need?
As of now, the market is filled with different types of Engine Oils. However, the most popular ones include:
- Mineral Oil
- Synthetic Oil
- Synthetic Blend Oil
Among these, Synthetic Oil is the best and improves the performance of your car drastically. Mineral oil or conventional oil is what most older cars use, but synthetic oil protects your engine better and keeps it from breaking down, even in sub-zero temperatures.
Changing to synthetic oil instead of regular oil at your next oil change may be something to consider. It’s important to keep in mind that synthetic oil is more costly. Then, opt for a synthetic blend, which is more cost-effective than pure synthetic oil while still outperforming regular gasoline.
Please use the oil recommended by your owner’s manual. If that doesn’t work, you should consult a service advisor or mechanic. They will assist you in selecting any oil that fits your budget while still providing optimal performance.
