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30 October 2025 (updated) Oil Change Cost: How Often to Change Oil and Filter
Motor oil lubricates your car's engine's moving parts, reducing friction and preventing wear to keep your engine running smoothly. As the engine operates, motor oil also captures and suspends by-products from combustion, such as dirt and debris, which helps prevent buildup and damage over time.
How much is an oil change?
An oil change typically averages around £113 in the UK, though prices can vary widely, ranging from £60 to over £200 at both national repair chains and independent garages. Dealerships, however, may charge significantly more, especially for luxury or high-performance vehicles. It’s a good idea to compare quotes to find the best deal for your car's maintenance.
Here's a table of estimated average prices for oil changes based on popular car brands. Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on factors such as location, specific model, and service provider.
|
Car Brand |
Average Oil Change Cost (GBP) |
|
MERCEDES-BENZ |
£130 |
|
BMW |
£120 |
|
VW |
£100 |
|
FORD |
£85 |
|
AUDI |
£110 |
|
PEUGEOT |
£75 |
|
NISSAN |
£80 |
|
TOYOTA |
£90 |
|
RENAULT |
£70 |
|
OPEL |
£75 |
These prices provide a general overview, but it’s recommended to check with local garages for precise quotes.
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Car oil change prices in the UK
In the UK, the average price of a car engine oil change is around £113, with costs typically ranging from £60 to £200 depending on where you get it done. Dealers and premium brands could charge more, especially for specialised oils. Here you can find the average oil change price range by city.
|
City |
Price range |
|
London |
£60 – £190 |
|
Manchester |
£49 – £122 |
|
Birmingham |
£60 – £150 |
|
Leeds |
£56 – £144 |
|
Glasgow |
£50 – £100 |
|
Southampton |
£59 – £166 |
|
Liverpool |
£56 – £144 |
|
Newcastle upon Tyne |
£53 – £122 |
|
Nottingham |
£80 – £130 |
|
Sheffield |
£60 – £150 |
Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC Sold by AUTODOC
-27%
Article number: 5011987001831
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compared to
RRP
£22.73
£16.49
£16.49
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
VAG Engine oil
0W-30, 1l
Article number: GS55545M2
£12.49
£12.49
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-20%
Article number: 83212365929
More
compared to
RRP
£20.67
£16.49
£16.49
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Oil filter
M 20 x 1,5, Spin-on Filter
Article number: F 026 407 210
£5.59price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Oil filter
Filter Insert
Article number: 1 457 429 249
£5.59price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Oil and filter change costs
The average cost of an oil and filter change is around £90, with prices typically ranging from £70 to £230. This service includes the replacement of the oil filter, which is crucial to maintaining the efficiency and life of the engine. The precise cost can differ depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of oil – synthetic, semi-synthetic, or conventional – recommended by the manufacturer. If you use the right parts and oil, this will ensure optimum performance and help prevent engine problems in the future.
How often should you change your oil?
Oil changes are recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for most modern vehicles, although older guidelines suggested 3,000 miles. Advances in oil technology mean that many engines can safely go longer between oil changes. If your car requires fully synthetic motor oil, you may be able to extend the interval up to 15,000 miles. Always check your owner's manual for specific recommendations, as factors such as driving habits and conditions can affect the optimum oil change frequency.
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How long does an oil change take?
An oil change usually takes around 30-45 minutes. This involves draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, and adding fresh oil to the engine. Some service centres may complete it even faster, but it’s a good idea to allow up to an hour for the entire service, especially if additional checks are carried out or if there’s a wait at the garage.
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What oil for my car?
Your vehicle's owner's manual will tell you which engine oil to use. Different engines require specific grades, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40, to function optimally. You should also consider factors like climate and your driving habits, as synthetic oils may be better for extreme temperatures or heavy use. Always use the manufacturer's recommended oil to get the best performance from your car and extend engine life.
How to change oil in a car
Changing the oil in your car yourself is a moderately easy task if you have the right garage tools and a bit of patience. You'll need basic supplies like a wrench, an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, and, of course, fresh oil and a new oil filter for car. If you're comfortable following instructions and getting under the car, it can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. However, if you’re unsure or lack the tools, taking it to a professional might be the best option.
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Article number: 08880-80845
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£51.49
£10.30
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-18%
LIQUI MOLY Engine oil
5W-30, 5l
Article number: 3707
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compared to
RRP
£71.35
£58.49
Price per item
£11.70
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
BOSCH Oil filter
Filter Insert
Article number: F 026 407 205
£14.99price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-19%
Article number: 15F7E5
More
compared to
RRP
£50.65
£40.99
£10.25
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: A000989940213ALEE
More
£71.49
£14.30
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Here’s a quick, step-by-step guide for changing your oil:
- Prepare: Warm up the car, gather supplies, and jack up the car.
- Drain oil: Place the oil pan under the drain plug, unscrew it, and let the oil drain.
- Replace oil Filter: Unscrew the old filter, coat the new one’s rubber seal with fresh oil, and screw it in by hand.
- Replace drain plug: Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it.
- Add new il: Open the hood, remove the oil cap, add the new oil with a funnel, and replace the cap.
- Check level: Run the engine for a minute, then check the dipstick, adding more if needed.
- Dispose of oil: Pour the used oil into an appropriate container and recycle it properly.
Changing your own oil can be a rewarding DIY project and save you money!
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