How Long It Takes to Change Oil in Car

Ever feel like car maintenance is a mysterious ritual only mechanics truly understand? Yeah, same here. One day, my dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, flashing that pesky oil change reminder. I thought, “How long does it take to change oil in car anyway? An hour? A whole afternoon?”

If you’ve ever asked yourself that too, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, I’ll break down the real time it takes to change your car’s oil—whether you’re doing it yourself, going to a quick lube shop, or visiting your dealership. We’ll look at what actually happens during an oil change, why it sometimes takes longer than expected, and what you can do to make the process smoother.

Because let’s be honest—nobody wants to waste time sitting in a greasy waiting room if they don’t have to.

Why Oil Changes Matter More Than You Think

Think about it: oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It lubricates, cools, and cleans vital components. Skip too many changes and you’re basically asking for trouble—sludge buildup, poor gas mileage, or worse, a dead engine.

That’s why knowing how long it takes to change oil in car matters. If it’s quick and easy, you’re more likely to keep up with it. If it feels like a half-day ordeal, you’ll keep putting it off.

The Average Time to Change Oil (with Table)

Let’s get straight to the numbers. Here’s how long it usually takes depending on where and how you’re doing it:

Now, these are just averages. The actual oil change duration can swing depending on a few things:

• Type of car you drive

• How accessible the oil filter is

• Whether you’re using synthetic oil

• Time of day and shop busyness

• If there’s a wait before they even touch your car

So if you’re tight on time, it’s worth calling ahead.

What Happens During an Oil Change (And Why It Takes Time)

You might think it’s just: drain old oil, pour in new oil, done. But there’s a little more under the hood, literally.

Here’s a breakdown of what typically goes down:

• Draining the old oil completely

• Removing and replacing the oil filter

• Checking other fluids (coolant, brake, power steering)

• Inspecting belts and hoses

• Resetting the oil life monitor (for newer cars)

• Disposing of used oil responsibly

Even if the mechanic only spends 20 minutes doing the actual swap, the prep, paperwork, and post-checks add extra time. That’s why even a “10-minute oil change” spot might keep you waiting 30+ minutes if they’re slammed.

And if you’re DIY-ing? Plan to add setup and cleanup time too. Crawling under your car, laying out tools, and cleaning spills can stretch a 30-minute job into over an hour if you’re not speedy.

The Quickest Way: In and Out in 15 Minutes?

Let me tell you about the time I tried a popular drive-thru oil change chain. I was in a rush and figured, “This’ll be faster than brewing coffee.” The guy waved me in, and in less than 20 minutes, I was pulling out with fresh oil, new filter, and a receipt.

But here’s the thing: quick doesn’t always mean best.

They used basic conventional oil, didn’t check my air filter or tire pressure, and didn’t top off my washer fluid. It was fast—but not thorough. If your car is older or you’re running synthetic oil, you might need more than a quick lube can give.

Still, if you’re on a lunch break and just want to keep the engine from dying, it’s better than nothing. Just know what you’re getting.

DIY Oil Change: Fast or Frustrating?

Okay, let’s talk real talk. Changing your own oil sounds easy, right? And in theory, it is.

But here’s how it really went for me the first time:

• Spilled oil on the driveway

• Took 20 minutes to find the right socket

• Couldn’t get the old filter off

• Burned my hand (yep, I forgot to let the engine cool)

What should’ve taken 30 minutes dragged out to nearly 2 hours. And I still had to go to an auto shop to recycle the old oil.

Now that I’ve done it a few times, I’ve got my system down and can finish in 45 minutes. But honestly? Unless you enjoy wrenching, I’d say leave it to the pros.

Still, for the DIY diehards, here’s a basic checklist to speed things up:

• Warm up your engine slightly first (helps oil flow)

• Use ramps or a jack stand—never trust the car’s jack

• Have your tools prepped: wrench, oil pan, gloves, rags

• Use a funnel to avoid spills

• Don’t overtighten the new filter

That way, you don’t waste time running in and out of the garage.

How Your Car Type Affects Oil Change Time

Not all cars are built the same. Some are blessed with easy-to-access oil filters. Others hide them behind layers of shields, sensors, or awkward engine layouts.

For example:

• Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic? Easy peasy. 20–30 minutes.

• BMW or Audi? Expect an hour or more, especially if underbody panels need removal.

• Trucks and SUVs? Might take longer due to larger oil capacities and higher clearance.

Luxury and European cars also tend to have stricter oil standards, meaning your mechanic may do additional checks. That adds time, even if the change itself is basic.

So yeah, vehicle design plays a big role in how long an oil change takes.

When Is the Best Time to Get Your Oil Changed?

Want to cut down on wait time? Timing matters more than you’d think.

Best times to go:

• Early weekday mornings (right after opening)

• Mid-afternoons on Tuesday or Wednesday

• Late mornings before the lunch rush

Worst times to go:

• Weekends (especially Saturdays)

• After 5 p.m. on weekdays

• Holidays or during car service promotions

It sounds obvious, but I once went in on a Saturday at 11 a.m. and didn’t leave until 1 p.m. The place looked like a car-themed music festival—people, engines, snacks, chaos.

Lesson learned.

Common Reasons an Oil Change Might Take Longer

Let’s say you’ve cleared your schedule, booked a time, and you’re feeling confident. But you still end up waiting. What gives?

Here are some of the top reasons your oil change might take longer than you expected:

• Busy garage: Even if it’s just a 20-minute service, if three cars are ahead of you, it’ll be longer.

• Inventory issues: The shop might run out of your oil type or filter.

• Extra inspections: Some places upsell inspections, fluid top-ups, or tire rotations.

• Complicated oil system: Turbocharged engines or newer models might need special oil, increasing prep time.

• Old or stuck oil filter: This happens more often than you think and can take 10–15 minutes alone to fix.

One time, I brought in my older Subaru and it took an hour—not because of a slow mechanic, but because the oil pan plug was stripped. They had to replace it before putting in fresh oil.

The point is, even a simple service can have unpredictable moments. That’s why it’s always smart to buffer an extra 30 minutes, just in case.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

This part gets tricky. You’ve probably heard the old-school advice: every 3,000 miles or 3 months. But modern cars and oils are changing that.

Most cars today can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. Some even push it to 10,000+ miles if you’re using full synthetic oil.

Here’s a rough guide:

But don’t rely solely on numbers. Your driving style matters too. Short trips, cold climates, or lots of stop-and-go traffic? You’ll need changes sooner.

A good rule of thumb: check your owner’s manual. It knows your car better than Google does.

How to Make Your Oil Change Faster (and Less Stressful)

Let’s be honest—nobody loves going in for car service. But you can make the process smoother and quicker with a few smart moves:

• Book ahead: Don’t just roll up. Call or schedule online.

• Know your oil type: Bring it with you if needed, especially for older or high-mileage cars.

• Go during off-peak hours: Like Tuesday at 10 a.m., not Saturday at noon.

• Have your car info ready: VIN, mileage, oil filter type.

• Ask questions: Confirm if they’re checking other fluids or doing a tire rotation so you’re not surprised.

These little things can shave off 20–30 minutes easily. Plus, you’ll feel more in control.

And here’s a bonus tip from my own mistakes: keep a small notebook or phone note with your last oil change mileage and date. It saves guesswork every time.

Why Regular Oil Changes Are Worth the Time

I used to dread going in for oil changes. It felt like a chore, like flossing or sorting receipts. But after I had an engine seize up (true story), I realized those 45 minutes every few months are a tiny investment in avoiding huge repair bills.

When you change your oil on time, you’re:

• Keeping your engine clean and efficient

• Preventing overheating and wear

• Boosting fuel economy

• Extending your car’s lifespan

And yeah, your ride just feels better. Smoother starts. Quieter engine. That peace of mind? Totally worth the small time trade-off.

The average oil change might take less than an episode of your favorite show. But skip it too often and you’ll be binge-watching repair tutorials instead.

Final Thoughts: How Long It Takes to Change Oil in Car

So, how long does it take to change oil in car?

Short answer: 15 to 60 minutes—depending on where you go, your car type, and a few unexpected twists.

Long answer: it depends on whether you’re after speed, thoroughness, or a DIY adventure. Fast-lube places are great for a quick fix. Dealerships and auto centers offer more care (and upsells). Doing it yourself is rewarding, but not exactly quick unless you’re experienced.

But what matters most? Consistency. Changing your oil regularly—whether it takes 20 minutes or an hour—keeps your engine healthy and your car on the road.

It’s a small thing that adds up to a big difference. Like brushing your teeth, calling your mom, or stretching before a run—easy to skip, but you always feel better when you don’t.

So next time your dashboard reminder lights up, you’ll know what to expect—and you won’t be left wondering how long you’ll be stuck waiting.

Instead, you’ll smile, roll up your sleeves (or your window), and think: “I’ve got this.”