An oil change costs $126 to $212 in 2026
An oil change costs $126 to $212 in 2026 for common cars, per RepairPal. Its national average is $160 to $188. Labor is about $58 to $86 and parts are about $101 to $103. SoFi says conventional oil costs about $35 to $75, a semi-synthetic blend $40 to $100, and full synthetic $65 to $125. KBB says an oil change with conventional oil costs $35 to $75, and synthetic oil costs $65 to $125.
Oil change cost by car
RepairPal lists these ranges for the most common cars. Your year and engine move the price inside each range.
| Car | Price, parts and labor |
|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $183 to $212 |
| Toyota Camry | $130 to $162 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $126 to $155 |
How common cars compare
Against the middle of the RepairPal national average, $174, the Ford F-150 runs about 14 percent more; the Toyota Camry runs about 16 percent less; the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 runs about 19 percent less. The gap comes from where the part sits, how long it takes to reach, and the price of the part for that car.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| RepairPal | National average $160 to $188. Labor is about $58 to $86 and parts are about $101 to $103. |
| SoFi | SoFi says conventional oil costs about $35 to $75, a semi-synthetic blend $40 to $100, and full synthetic $65 to $125. |
| KBB | KBB says an oil change with conventional oil costs $35 to $75, and synthetic oil costs $65 to $125. |
| Bankrate | Bankrate says an oil change is typically $50 to $100, with a national average of $66. |
What pushes the quote up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Oil type | Conventional is cheapest. Synthetic blend costs more. Full synthetic costs the most but lasts longer. |
| Oil capacity | A small car takes about four quarts. Many trucks and SUVs take six or more, so the oil costs more. |
| Filter choice | A basic filter is cheap. Premium or cartridge filters cost more. |
| Where you go | Quick lube shops, independent shops, and dealers all price differently. Dealers are often the highest, near $100 by SoFi. |
| Add on services | A tire rotation or air filter can add $20 to $50 or more to the bill. |
How to tell you need it
- The oil change light or sticker says it is time, or the oil on the dipstick looks dark and gritty.
- The engine sounds louder than normal or the oil level is low between changes.
- A shop checks the dipstick and your car's manual for the right oil and the change interval.
What the price includes
The price covers draining the old oil, a new filter, new oil to the right level, and a quick check of fluids and tires. Some shops add a short inspection. It does not include tax, shop supply fees, or other repairs the shop finds while the car is in.
How to judge your quote
- Ask which oil type and weight the quote uses, and whether it matches your owner's manual.
- Ask if the filter is included and what brand it is.
- Ask if shop fees or disposal fees are added to the price.
- Ask what extras they plan to add, and say no to ones you do not need.
- Compare the total with the range above: $126 to $212 for most cars.
Ways to pay less
- Check for coupons on shop websites before you go.
- Ask for the oil type your manual requires, not a more costly one.
- Buy a multi-change package or a lifetime-filter deal only if you will use it.
- Skip add ons like engine flushes unless your manual calls for them.
Dealer or independent shop
RepairPal puts labor for an oil change at $58 to $86. At the typical independent shop rate of about $140 an hour, that is under 1 hour of work. A dealer charging $200 an hour would bill about $103 for the same labor, and a $100 an hour shop about $51. Parts cost about the same anywhere, so the shop rate is where you can save. See what mechanics charge an hour.
Why this costs more in 2026
Shop labor now runs about $100 to $250 an hour. Many car parts are imported, and freight costs went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Steel, copper, aluminum and resin prices are up too, and they go into almost every part. Base oil for synthetic oil costs more to make, and the extra additives in modern oil raise the price per quart.
How we got these numbers
The national range, the labor and parts split and the prices by car come from RepairPal's oil change estimate, last updated September 3, 2026. We checked them against SoFi, KBB and Bankrate, and read every number on the source page on October 7, 2026. These are planning ranges, not quotes. Your shop's written estimate is the real price.
Common questions
How much does an oil change cost?
RepairPal puts the national range at $160 to $188. SoFi lists $35 to $75 for conventional oil and $65 to $125 for full synthetic.
How often should I change the oil?
Follow your owner's manual. Many newer cars with synthetic oil can go longer between changes than older cars.
How long does it take?
A quick lube shop often finishes in about 15 to 30 minutes. A dealer or busy shop may take longer.
Can I do it myself?
Yes, if you have a jack or ramps, a drain pan, and a way to dispose of the old oil. Many people find it easier to pay a shop.