How much did you spend on your last oil change? Oil change prices vary widely, but getting the oil changed in your car is a necessary evil. If you want your car to run well and have a long life, it’s essential to get regular oil changes.
You’ve probably wondered, “ How much is an oil change on your car?”; the best place to start is the owner’s manual to the automobile. Each car has different requirements for an oil change, and this impacts the oil change cost.
For example, your car may require synthetic oil. Or, your car may need a particular viscosity for the oil. You will learn this and more by consulting the owner’s manual.
If you want to learn how to get a cheap oil change, our guide shares several ways to reduce costs while keeping your car at peak performance.
How to Find Cheap Oil Changes Near Me
It’s difficult to pinpoint the average cost of an oil change as prices vary widely. You can go to numerous quick oil change places and spend under $30.
However, other places charge upwards of $100. If you find a retailer that tries to upsell you, costs go even higher. If you’re asking yourself, “How can I find the best cheap oil change prices near me?”, here’s what to do.
1. Use Coupons
We all want to save money. One of the best ways to reduce costs on an oil change is to use coupons.
In my area, we receive envelopes filled with coupons from local places in the area. Those usually include one or two oil change coupons each month.
I’ve personally used those coupons and can save at least $20 on my oil changes every time. The best part is I get to support a local business vs. taking my car to a shop that underpays their staff or uses questionable maintenance methods.
Car shops use coupons as a way to bring in new business and convert new customers to lifelong customers. It’s also an incentive for you as a customer because it helps you save money.
It’s a win-win for everyone.
If you don’t receive similar coupons in the mail, go to the internet and use different search terms to find offers. You can use any of the following to find oil change coupons:
- Oil changes near me
- Oil change specials
- Quick oil change near me
Other ways to get oil change coupons is to check local newspapers or ask around and see if anyone has them or knows a shop that offers them.
2. Use Daily Deal Sites
If you can’t find coupons in your area, or if they aren’t offering as good of a deal as you hoped, another way to locate affordable oil changes is to try a daily deal site.
Groupon or LivingSocial are both top choices to use to find oil change deals. Both sites will typically have options for a lot less than you’d usually pay.
You can enter in your zip code, and both Groupon and LivingSocial will give you options in your area, and up to 50 miles if you don’t mind having to make the drive.
You can then grab the oil change for less, and then use it when you need one.
If you go this route, just remember to check the fine print. Not all shops let you use a Groupon more than once.
If you’re not a fan of Groupon or LivingSocial, our guide on Groupon alternatives offers other suitable choices.
3. Get It Done At Walmart
Walmart offers super cheap oil changes. When I had an old car, they were one of the only ones who accepted it in all of its trashy glory.
The great thing about Walmart is that they’re able to “cut out” the middleman because they’re using products that their store already carries. So, they pass that savings on to you.
In most areas, you can get a simple oil change at Walmart for under $20. If you need better oil, or the high mileage option, you won’t pay more than $50.
That’s pretty much a steal.
4. Take Advantage Of Specials
One of the top ways to find cheap oil changes nearby is to take advantage of available discounts or specials. There are numerous oil change specials you can take advantage of, including:
- Discounts for those over 55
- Military and veteran discounts
- AAA member discount
- Discounts through a car dealer
- Discounts available through your employer
There are so many ways to take advantage of oil change specials and discounts.
For example, when I first bought my new car, I negotiated two years of free oil changes, because I paid for it in cash.
Even if you can’t buy your car in cash, it’s wise to negotiate some perks. It’s often surprising to see what a dealership will offer you to get the sale.
You may find the same situation when buying tires too. Ask if they can give you a discount to help stretch your budget. Many oil change places offer discounts, so utilize them if you go to a big chain.
*Related: Looking for a place to buy tires and pay less? Consider buying tires with minor imperfections from TireMart.com to save money!
Goodyear Auto Service offers $5 off any oil change scheduled online. Most Jiffy Lubes offer up to 15 percent off of oil changes for military service members, and some even extend that offer to the family as well. Take 5 Oil Change also offers a 25 percent discount.
If you’re over 50, Valvoline will usually give you 15 percent off your service. Don’t be afraid to ask as you never know what the mechanic will offer.
Read our guide on the AAA membership benefits to see if the cost is worth it.
5. Look For Promotions At Car Washes
If you’re asking yourself, “Where can I get an oil change near me?” and want to save money, ask at the local car wash. Did you know that car washes and car shops work together to bring each other new customers on occasion?
If you go to a car wash, ask if they have any oil change coupons or know about an affordable place.
This works exceptionally well if you go to one of those monthly membership car washes or a place where people clean your car for you.
But if you go to a self-serve car wash, you can still get lucky. Sometimes the owner will allow shops and stores to post oil change deals at their shop.
So, feel free to check around and see if your car wash does that.
6. DIY
Did you know that changing your own oil is super easy? I did this in high school as part of an Automotives for Women class.
It was so much fun, and my car got a free oil change (and I got an A, so it was a win-win).
While I don’t change my own oil now because I don’t have the time, patience, or tools, I’m glad to know I can. DIYing your own oil change is super simple to do.
It’s so easy that even a beginner can have it done in less than an hour.
What you need to do to change the oil in your car varies on the automobile. If your owner’s manual doesn’t describe it in detail, YouTube is an excellent resource.
7. Don’t Do It Every 3,000 Miles
Many believe you need to change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles. That’s often not the case.
You don’t have to change your oil every 3,000 miles like mechanics and companies have told you to for years; this is especially true if you have a car that’s less than 12 years old.
With advances in technology and the service reminders on your dashboard, you don’t have to worry about an oil change every 3,000 miles.
Instead, it’s essential to listen to your car and read the owner’s manual to learn when you should change the oil.
If you go this route, make sure you check the oil in your car regularly via the dipstick. You should do this anyway, but it’s crucial if you go further than 3,000 miles between oil changes.
How To Avoid Upsells
One essential way to save money is to avoid upsells.
Sometimes, after an oil change, a mechanic will run through everything wrong with your car. They very well may be right, and you need to make some serious repairs.
However, these mechanics are often just trying to make more money. Worse yet, it’s typically difficult to tell if these suggested repairs are necessary.
This scenario illustrates why it’s essential to know your car and its maintenance needs. There are several popular oil change upsells, including:
- Air filter changes
- Brake replacement
- Coolant flush
- Fuel injector cleaning
- Transmission flush
Again, one of the above may be necessary, but the best way to avoid upsells is to know the maintenance recommendations for your car. You can find this in the owner’s manual.
If you’re not interested in sales tactics, let them know at the beginning of your oil change appointment. Simply tell them what you want and kindly explain that is all you need.
As a woman, I’ve noticed that some mechanics think they can pull a fast one on me and try to lie about my car and what it needs. Little do they know I know more about cars than they think.
But instead of saying all of that, I just let them know I’m not interested in doing anything else to my car except the oil change. You are your best advocate for your car, so it’s okay to say no to something that you know you don’t need.
Summary
Oil changes are necessary for the upkeep of your car. Even so, it’s often easy to spend more than you should.
The best way to find cheap oil change places is to do a little research to find deals. That may include word of mouth, or merely looking for specials when in need.
Having a reliable mechanic is another excellent way to find reduced prices. Many independent mechanics offer the service slightly above cost to earn and keep your business.
Whichever route you pick, it’s possible to save money on oil changes and apply the savings towards other needs in your budget.
What are the oil change prices where you live? How often do you change the oil in your car?
