How Long Does an Oil Change Take?

Oil changing is inevitable. Every car owner experiences this process. So, how long does an oil change take? Well, it is a quick process but the professional car services sometimes take a long time because of the long line of cars in front of you. Let’s find out how the time span varies from one service to another and what you can do about it.

How Long Does an Oil Change Take?

If you choose a car servicing center for the job, it will take somewhere between 15 minutes and one hour.

Most quick-change places can have it done within a short time, somewhere around 15 to 20 minutes. However, it really depends on the number of vehicles waiting in front of you for the oil change.

If you are a DIY-lover and want to do it yourself, the task should not take more than 15-25 minutes. It will be quick only if you are familiar with the process. If you have not changed the oil before or have to take the help of someone more knowledgeable, the process may take 45 minutes or even more.

      SEE MORE:

• Get the Price Estimate for an Oil Change
• 5 Signs Warning You about Oil Change

How to Change the Oil at Home

As you have got an estimation of how long does an oil change take, knowing how to do it at home will save you both time and money.

The traditional and the simplest way is:

1. Flush the old oil by lifting the car with a jack and opening the oil pan’s drain bolt. Don’t forget to place a tray or bucket under the pan to catch the flowing oil. It may take a while but you should wait unless the pan is empty.
2. Remove the oil filter and replace it with a new one. Use new seals for both drain bolt and oil filter. Close the drain bolt. Remember that the old oil filter contains some oil too, so be careful when removing it.
3. Pour oil into the engine. Take the jack off and check the level of the oil.

The process won’t take more than 20 to 40 minutes.

Is There Any Way to Quicken the Oil Change Process?

The time-length depends on your skill and experience of changing the oil. Besides, applying these things can slightly reduce the total time:

• Using ramp instead of jack to lift the car is easier and quicker. However, be careful at the time of driving the vehicle up the ramps. Driving over the ramps will damage the car.
• Flushing the old oil takes some time. The process becomes quicker when the oil is warm. So, run the engine for a few minutes before changing the oil.
• Keep your clean and take to a service center for regular maintenance. Oil changing takes more time when the oil filter is jammed because of dirt, the pan is caked solid, and there is excessive gunk around the related components.