Diesel oil changes are essential for maintaining your diesel engine’s performance, fuel efficiency, and longevity. In this complete guide, we will discuss diesel oil change costs, compare motor oil brands and service chain prices, provide tips to save money, and offer a DIY guide for diesel oil changes. Additionally, we’ll answer frequently asked questions related to diesel oil changes.
What is a Diesel Oil Change?
A diesel oil change involves draining the old engine oil from your diesel-powered vehicle, replacing the oil filter, and refilling the engine with fresh diesel-specific motor oil. Diesel engines require specialized oil that has unique properties and additives designed to handle the higher compression, increased soot production, and distinct demands of diesel engines.
Cost of Diesel Oil Change by Motor Oil Brand
We have compiled a comparison table below that provides examples of costs for a diesel oil change based on different motor oil brands.
Motor Oil Brand | Diesel Oil Change Cost |
---|---|
Shell Rotella | $30 – $60 |
Mobil Delvac | $35 – $70 |
Valvoline Premium Blue | $40 – $75 |
Castrol GTX Diesel | $30 – $65 |
Chevron Delo | $35 – $70 |
Diesel Oil Change Cost at Leading Auto Service Chains
The following table shows examples of diesel oil change costs at 8-10 leading auto service chains:
Auto Service Chain | Diesel Oil Change Cost |
---|---|
Jiffy Lube | $100 – $150 |
Midas | $110 – $160 |
Meineke | $95 – $145 |
Pep Boys | $120 – $170 |
Firestone | $130 – $180 |
Goodyear | $140 – $190 |
NTB (National Tire & Battery) | $100 – $150 |
Valvoline Instant Oil Change | $105 – $155 |
Walmart Auto Care Center | $85 – $135 |
Les Schwab Tire Centers | $90 – $140 |
Tips to Save Money on Diesel Oil Changes
- Shop around: Obtain quotes from multiple auto service centers to compare prices and find the best deal.
- Use coupons or promotions: Many auto service centers offer discounts or special promotions for oil changes. Check their websites or local advertisements for deals.
- Purchase oil and filter separately: You can often save money by buying your diesel motor oil and oil filter separately and bringing them to the auto service center.
- DIY oil change: Performing a diesel oil change yourself can save you money on labor costs, but be prepared to invest time and effort.
DIY Guide: Step-by-Step Diesel Oil Change
- Gather tools and materials: You will need a socket set, oil drain pan, oil filter wrench, funnel, and new diesel engine oil and oil filter.
- Warm up the engine: Start your vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to warm the engine oil, making it easier to drain.
- Locate the drain plug and oil filter: Consult your vehicle’s service manual to find the location of the oil drain plug and oil filter.
- Position the drain pan: Place the oil drain pan beneath the drain plug.
- Remove the drain plug: Using a socket wrench, carefully remove the drain plug and allow the old engine oil to drain into the pan.
- Remove the oil filter: Use the oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter.
- Prepare the new oil filter: Apply a thin layer of fresh oil to the gasket of the new oil filter.
- Install the new oil filter: Thread the new oil filter onto the engine block by hand, then tighten it securely with the oil filter wrench.
- Replace the drain plug: Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it securely with the socket wrench.
- Fill the engine with new oil: Using a funnel, pour the appropriate amount of new diesel engine oil into the engine.
- Check the oil level: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off.