Some Helpful Information Regarding Oil Changes.
Over the last 3 years auto shops have seen their petroleum prices quadruple. Currently an oil and filter change using conventional oil will cost between $35 and $85, depending on your area. If your car requires synthetic oil, you should expect to pay more (anywhere from $75 to $125) but you make up some of the cost since synthetic oil lasts longer and has to be changed less frequently.
Why the difference in pricing?
There are valid reasons for this big span, mainly relating to your vehicle manufacturer choice of oil requirements. Conventional oil (made from fossil fuel) is the least expensive option. A blend of conventional and synthetic bases ( Synthetic Blend) is the next step up. The most expensive oil is fully synthetic.
In addition: The price of your oil change will depend on a few factors, not only the type of oil used but the amount of oil required, and the ease of performing the oil change. Most new vehicle have gigantic road shields/baffles (skid plates) that need to be removed to change to oil. To determine the type of oil that's best, your technician will consult the manufacturer's requirements.
Why is synthetic oil so costly? Its high-quality base makes it more stable, reducing the oxidation and acidifying time to a slower rate. It prevents deposits and “sludge” ( sludge forms when oil solidifies and loses its protective qualities and viscosity ) Reduced degradation when towing or hauling heavy loads is another benefit. In addition, fully synthetic oil reduces wear and tear, protects against high engine temperatures in modern vehicles which tend to run very hot, and reduces the build-up of sludge and deposits.
After an oil change your vehicles engine oil gets contaminated with gasoline seeping past the piston rings, causing the beginning of the fluid breakdown. Just driving from the oil change place to your home is enough to contaminate your engine oil.
Even if you drive fewer miles each year than your automaker suggests for changing the oil (say, 6,000 miles, with suggested oil-change intervals at 7,500 miles), you should still be getting that oil changed twice a year.
Synthetic oils will enhance the engine protection in older vehicles with higher mileage, just as they do for new engines, but can expose leaks that were not noticed before.