How Long Does It Take to Do an Oil Change? A Complete 2025 Guide
Changing your car’s oil is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can perform to keep your vehicle running smoothly. But one common question many drivers ask is: how long does it take to do an oil change?
Whether you are planning a quick visit to a service center or considering doing it yourself at home, understanding the time required for an oil change can help you plan better. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down how long an oil change takes, what factors affect the time, and how you can save both time and money.
This article is written specifically for U.S. drivers and follows the latest automotive maintenance standards.
How Long Does It Take to Do an Oil Change?
On average, how long does it take to do an oil change depends on where and how it’s done:
Professional oil change shop: 20–45 minutes
Dealership service center: 45–90 minutes
DIY oil change at home: 30–60 minutes
In ideal conditions, a standard oil change can be completed in under 30 minutes. However, several factors such as vehicle type, engine design, oil type, and service location can affect the total time.
Factors That Affect How Long an Oil Change Takes
Understanding these factors helps explain why how long does it take to do an oil change can vary from car to car.
1. Vehicle Type and Engine Size
Sedans and compact cars usually take less time
Trucks and SUVs may take longer due to larger engines and higher oil capacity
Luxury and European vehicles often require additional steps
2. Oil Type Used
Conventional oil: Faster to drain and refill
Synthetic oil: May take slightly longer but offers better engine protection
High-mileage oil: Similar timing to synthetic oils
3. Service Location
Quick-lube shops are designed for speed
Dealerships often include inspections that increase service time
DIY oil changes depend on experience and tools
4. Engine Condition
Dirty or neglected engines may take longer because oil drains slower and filters can be harder to remove.
How Long Does an Oil Change Take at Different Locations?
Quick Lube Shops (20–30 Minutes)
These shops specialize in oil changes and are the fastest option. If you’re wondering how long does it take to do an oil change during a lunch break, this is your best choice.
Dealerships (45–90 Minutes)
Dealership oil changes usually include:
Multi-point inspections
Tire pressure checks
Fluid top-offs
This increases wait time but adds value.
Independent Mechanics (30–60 Minutes)
Independent shops offer a balance between speed and thorough service.
How Long Does It Take to Do an Oil Change at Home?
A DIY oil change typically takes 30–60 minutes, especially if you are learning how to change oil in car for the first time.
Steps involved:
Warm up the engine
Drain old oil
Replace oil filter
Refill with new oil
Check oil level
Once experienced, many car owners complete how to do oil change tasks in under 30 minutes.
How to Change Oil: Step-by-Step Overview
Knowing how to change oil properly can save time and money.
Basic Tools Needed
Oil filter wrench
Drain pan
Jack and jack stands
Correct oil type
Quick Process
Park on level ground
Drain old oil
Replace filter
Refill oil
Check for leaks
Learning how to change oil in car correctly ensures engine longevity and smoother performance.
How Often to Change Oil?
Another important question related to how long does it take to do an oil change is frequency.
General Guidelines (U.S.)
Conventional oil: Every 3,000–5,000 miles
Synthetic oil: Every 7,500–10,000 miles
Severe driving conditions: More frequent changes
Modern vehicles with oil monitoring systems may alert you when service is needed.
How to Reset Oil Change Light After Service
After completing how to do oil change, many cars require resetting the oil change reminder. Knowing how to reset oil change light ensures your vehicle’s maintenance system correctly tracks the next service interval and prevents unnecessary dashboard warnings.
How to Reset Oil Change Light (General Steps)
Turn the ignition to “ON” (engine off).
Navigate to the oil reset or maintenance option using dashboard controls.
Press and hold the reset button until the light clears or resets.
The exact process varies by vehicle brand, so always check your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions.
Does Synthetic Oil Take Longer to Change?
A common myth is that synthetic oil changes take longer. In reality, how long does it take to do an oil change with synthetic oil is nearly the same as conventional oil. The main difference is performance and oil life, not time.
Can You Speed Up an Oil Change?
Yes, here are proven tips:
Visit quick-lube shops during off-peak hours
Schedule dealership appointments online
Keep tools ready for DIY oil changes
Warm up the engine slightly before draining oil
These steps reduce waiting time significantly.
Is a Fast Oil Change Safe?
Speed is fine as long as quality isn’t compromised. A rushed oil change without proper filter replacement or oil level check can cause engine damage.
Always ensure:
Correct oil grade is used
Oil filter is replaced
No leaks are present
Cost vs Time: Is DIY Worth It?
| Option | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Lube | 20–30 min | $40–$80 |
| Dealership | 45–90 min | $70–$120 |
| DIY | 30–60 min | $30–$60 |
DIY oil changes save money but require time and effort.
Common Mistakes That Increase Oil Change Time
Using the wrong oil
Over-tightening the oil filter
Not warming the engine
Forgetting to reset oil change light
Avoiding these mistakes ensures how long does it take to do an oil change stays within normal limits.
Why Oil Changes Matter More Than Time
While people often focus on how long does it take to do an oil change, the real importance lies in engine protection.
Regular oil changes:
Reduce engine wear
Improve fuel efficiency
Prevent overheating
Extend engine life
Skipping oil changes can lead to costly repairs.
Final Thoughts: How Long Does It Take to Do an Oil Change?
So, how long does it take to do an oil change?
For most vehicles, the answer is 20 to 45 minutes at a professional shop and 30 to 60 minutes if done at home.
Whether you choose a quick-lube service or learn how to change oil, staying consistent with oil maintenance is far more important than saving a few minutes.
For U.S. drivers, regular oil changes are one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your vehicle and avoid expensive repairs.
Author Bio
Mashal Khan is an automotive content writer with hands-on experience in car maintenance, vehicle care, and DIY auto repair guides. He specializes in writing practical, easy-to-follow articles for U.S. drivers, covering topics such as oil changes, engine maintenance, and car ownership tips. His content is research-based, helping readers make informed decisions while keeping their vehicles running smoothly.
Rameez Aslam