Are oil changes getting more expensive?

At Zarin Truck & Automotive in South Heights, PA, it’s important to us that you see the value in the work we do. Over the course of the past decade, depending on what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive, it may seem like oil changes have gotten more expensive, and there’s a lot of differentiation in pricing at different locations. What’s going on?

Oil Capacity - Oil capacity in modern engines is going up - years ago, there weren’t many vehicles on the market that held more than 5 quarts of oil. These days, 8 or more quarts for an oil change isn’t uncommon. It isn’t all bad, as manufacturers find more ways to help engines run more efficiently and generate more power. But, it does affect the price of an oil change - that’s why you may notice you paid 80 dollars for your last oil change, but you saw a sign later that day for a 35 dollar oil change. Most places that charge a flat rate only cover up to 5 quarts, then charge per additional quart you need.

Labor - The actual cost of labor hasn’t risen much - but the time it takes to perform an oil change has. Often, there are splash guards that need to be removed, or other special procedures required to do the job right. Specialized tools and equipment are also sometimes necessary. The 10-minute oil change no longer applies to every vehicle out there today.

Oil Quality - Oil is getting more complex, and more precise. The balance of additives, lubricity, viscosity, and so on are finely honed to work in your engine. As a result, the reliability and longevity of modern vehicles depend heavily on oil maintenance and getting the right oil. These days, complex VVT systems and very tight tolerances don’t allow for a wide variation in oil types, to the point where similar but wrong oil can actually damage the engine. OE standards or equivalent are also necessary. In short, you need to be wary of knockoffs and use only brands that are trusted by technicians. With oil quality, you get what you pay for, and modern engines don’t fair well with cheap and incorrect oil. Your technician will know what your vehicle calls for.

No matter your repair or maintenance needs, we’ve got you covered. For the best automotive service shop in South Heights, PA, call or stop by Zarin Truck & Automotive today.

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Thank you for visiting Zarin Truck & Automotive in South Heights, PA. Count on our automotive repair technicians to keep your car, truck, suv, or van on the roads longer and safer.

Schedule your appointment today (724) 375-7500.