How Long Does an Oil Change Take? A Quick Guide to Service Times
If you've ever wondered, "How long does an oil change take?" when scheduling your car maintenance, you're not alone. Getting an oil change is a simple but time-consuming maintenance task— one that often requires a short (and occasionally inconvenient) wait in a mechanic’s shop while your vehicle is being serviced.
Factors Affecting the Duration of an Oil Change
- Type of Oil Change: The type of oil change you request plays a significant role in how long the service takes. There are three primary types: conventional, synthetic, and high-mileage. Conventional oil changes are usually the quickest, while synthetic and high-mileage options may require more time.
- Vehicle Make and Model: The make and model of your vehicle can affect the ease and speed of accessing the oil filter and drain plug. Some vehicles have more accessible components, while others may require more effort and time.
- Service Location: Whether you're getting your oil changed at a dealership, an independent repair shop, or a quick lube facility can impact the duration. Quick lube facilities and dealerships typically aim to complete oil changes swiftly but often skimp on the job in their rush to get you out the door. A local mechanic may take a bit longer but their care and attention to detail are well worth it. If a local shop like ours consistently services your vehicle, they’ll take the time to perform additional inspections so you can plan ahead for upcoming maintenance milestones.
- Technician Experience: The expertise of the technician performing the oil change can also influence the time it takes. Experienced mechanics like ours tend to work more efficiently, which can help to reduce service time.
- Additional Services: If you request additional services like tire rotation, filter replacement, or a comprehensive inspection, it will extend the overall time of your appointment.
What To Expect At An Oil Change
An oil change is a pretty straightforward service. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect for at each stage of the process:- Draining the Old Oil: First, the technician will remove the drain plug, allowing the old oil to flow out. This typically takes about 10 minutes but can take longer if your oil is overdue for a change. Old oil can turn to sludge, like the oil pictured above.
- Replacing the Oil Filter: Next, the technician will perform a filter replacement, removing the old filter and installing a new one.
- Filling with Fresh Oil: The technician will carefully measure and pour the appropriate amount of oil for your vehicle into the reservoir.
- Quality Check and Cleanup: After completing the oil change, the technician will perform a final check to ensure everything is in order. They'll also clean up any spilled oil and check for leaks.
- Inspection and Other Services: If you've requested additional services or the technician needs to inspect your vehicle for other issues, this may add additional service time.
Tips for Reducing Oil Change Wait Times
If you're in a hurry or want to expedite the oil change process, consider these tips:- Schedule an Appointment: Booking an appointment can help ensure a quicker turnaround time, as the shop can allocate dedicated time for your service.
- Choose a Reputable Service Center: Well-established and reputable local shops like ours often have experienced technicians who work efficiently— much more efficiently than the other guys.
- Avoid Peak Times Or Drop Your Car Off: Try to schedule your oil change during non-peak hours to reduce wait times, or see if you can drop your car off for service instead of waiting around. V&F Auto has a key drop available to help reduce scheduling conflicts and improve our contactless services. Simply drop your keys in the box with our short form— even outside our regular business hours— and we’ll take care of the rest.
- Find a Comfy Place to Wait: Not all shops have comfortable waiting rooms. When you call to book your appointment, ask about the area you’ll be waiting in. If you plan to wait for your car to finish service, you’ll be glad you did! At V&F Auto, our waiting room has plenty of comfy seating, TVs, and free wifi for our waiting customers.