How Long Should an Oil Change Take at a Dealership

Getting your oil changed is routine maintenance to keep your car in good working order. If you’re taking your vehicle ownership, you might be curious about how long should an oil change take at a dealership?

In the following article, we take a look at the process and how long oil change might take at a dealership.

How Long Should an Oil Change Take at a Dealership

At an average dealership, you can expect an oil change to take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.

This allows for the change and removal of the oil filter, plus the time it takes to run a brief inspection of other parts on the car, although this timing can change depending on any one of several factors.

1. Dealer Efficiency

Some dealer shops are very well organized, with separate service lanes and technicians who get the car back in and repaired in just 30 minutes (assuming the dealer has a process set up for that).

2. Service Load

This is simply the ratio of inbound service requests to the capacity of your dealership to service cars.

For instance, if there is a lot of usual foot traffic into the dealership, you might end up having to wait a little bit longer to get your oil changed, as the service department is under more pressure than usual.

Maybe it’s an uncommonly busy weekend, or it might be the period right before a major holiday (when many folks aren’t working).

3. Additional Services

Extended timing asks for other services or tests when you order your oil change, like a tire rotation or a multi point vehicle inspection, that increases the time required to complete your oil change.

Ask your service advisor if other services are included in your oil change appointment.

4. Type of Vehicle

Due to the design of some vehicles or the type of oil used, some vehicles take longer than others when being serviced.

For example, high performance vehicles or those with more complex engine layouts may take longer than vehicles that are not high performance or don’t have a complex engine layout.

5. Type of Appointment

You may get in and out much faster if you have an appointment versus a walk-in (but you most likely will still have to wait some time for the technicians to get around to you).

Appointments tend to be planned, so the service department has a limited time slot for your vehicle.

Standard Oil Change Process

Start by assembling the materials and tools: motor oil, oil filter, oil filter wrench, drain pan, and funnel. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and on jack stands if necessary.

Drain Old Oil

Run the engine a little to warm up the oil so that it flows better. Turn the engine off. Locate the oil drain plug.

Tilt the car to the side to spot the plug underneath the car. Place the drain pan under the plug. Take out the plug and let all the oil drain out.

Replace Oil Filter

While the oil is draining, locate the old oil filter and remove it with an oil filter wrench. Put a small amount of fresh oil on the gasket of the new filter, then install it by hand.

Add New Oil

Replace the drain plug and screw it into the bottom of the pan tightly. Take your funnel and pour the new oil into the engine. Dipstick the new level to check if it has reached the optimal filling.

Check and Clean Up

Run the engine for a couple of minutes to let the oil circulate, then shut it off and check for leaks. Afterward, check the oil level again to see if more is needed, then drain away the old oil and filter. Then we’re ready to roll.

What To Expect from a Dealership

Upon your arrival at a dealership, you’ll be greeted by a service advisor who will assess the needs of your vehicle and take note of it.

Next comes the process of checking in, at which point the technician will handle an oil change by:

• Draining the old oil
• Replacing the oil filter
• Adding fresh oil
• Inspecting the vehicle for any immediate issues

You might also receive a courtesy inspection report, depending on the dealership’s practices.

Benefits of Dealership Oil Changes

Expertise: Only they know the particular requirements and pet peeves of your car and are certified to do it right. 

Quality Parts and Fluids: The OEM fluids and parts used by dealerships can be specifically tailored to your vehicle’s needs, which can improve performance and help you maintain it longer.

Extensive Service: Most dealerships perform a multi point inspection or tire rotation so your car is also checked for anything that could require attention in the future.

Warranty Guarantee: a dealership is likely your best bet for keeping the warranty valid on your vehicle, such as following the owner’s manual guidelines and using manufacturers’ parts.

Record Kept: Dealers keep records of your service history in case you need to make repairs or sell the car.

Tips for a Smoother Experience

To avoid waiting around, book your oil change appointment in advance. 

• Know Your Vehicle: Know which parts of your vehicle may need maintenance, and talk with your Service Advisor before the appointment regarding any recommended additional services. 

• Check The Dealership’s Reviews: Look at how last mile deliveries happen with customer reviews. Make sure staff is well trained, and the service is efficient and quality.

What Can Cause an Oil Change To Take Longer Than Expected?

There are several reasons why your oil change may take longer than expected. Heavy service demand at the dealership especially if the shop gets busy between 7 am and 5 pm could contribute to delays.

If you request additional service let’s say a tire rotation and brake inspection. You’re bound to spend more time at the center. Sometimes, there might be a delay while we wait for parts to arrive.

Also, your car could be more complicated than the average vehicle, which could take a longer time (difficult to reach oil filters come to mind). Perhaps your car requires special oil, others could need more fluid changes.

Maybe when technicians remove your vehicle’s lever cap, they notice leaks and other maintenance issues.

If the technician finds anything that increases the bill, you’ll be phoned to describe the fixes and, if you’re requested, your approval.

Before leaving the shop, ask your service advisor for an expected timeframe for the service work. Ask to be called if there are any delays.

Can You Save Time With a DIY Oil Change?

A do it yourself oil change might save you time, but it is the wrong way (which can cost you time!). Whether a DIY oil change saves you time depends on your skills and tools.

If you know what you’re doing, then it might be quicker to change your oil at home rather than negotiating the time spent at the dealership scheduling your appointment with the service department and then the time you wait to have the shop staff change your oil.

At the same time, you could do it yourself much faster and get the vehicle washed while you’re at it.

But, if you don’t know what you’re doing, then you need to allow for the longer time it will take you to troubleshoot and figure out how to change your oil because you lack the right parts or specific tools for the plastics and hoses on your car (such as ¾ inch blue handle wrenches).

A DIY oil change sign outside a service station.  DIY oil change might also not save you time if you end up needing other services, such as a tire rotation, a fluid check, or whatever else your car might need.

In that case, schedule to handle everything at the dealership. Having time might help determine if a DIY approach would save you time. If you lack this resource, then a DIY approach might not save you time.

FAQs on How Long Should an Oil Change Take at a Dealership

Conclusion

A dealer oil change might take anywhere from half an hour to an hour or a half. But there are many factors at play.

Do your homework, prepare in advance, and you’ll be able to leave the service experience to be more or less predictable.