Knowledge base
Oil change: how to compare prices fairly
“Oil change from …” You see that line at many garages. Yet almost nobody pays exactly that amount. The price depends on your engine: how many litres go in, which oil it must be and which filter belongs to it. Below you read how to put prices side by side fairly.
What a from-price often doesn't say
National chains and many garages quote a from-price. That is not wrong, but always check what is included. Often it covers only the labour, or a limited number of litres of a standard oil. The oil filter, extra litres and an oil with the specification your engine needs then come on top.
A from-price is a starting point, not a final amount. So don't compare the lowest number, compare the price for your own engine.
The four parts of the price
- Litres of oil: from about 3.5 litres in small petrol engines to 6 litres or more in larger diesels.
- Type of oil: oil with a specific specification, for example for a car with a particulate filter or a longlife interval, often costs more per litre than a standard oil.
- Oil filter: the filter that belongs to your engine code.
- Labour: draining, replacing the filter, filling to the right level and resetting the service indicator.
Some garages also charge separate costs, for example for small materials or disposal of the old oil. Ask about it, so there are no surprises afterwards.
Five questions to ask
- How many litres go into my engine, and are they all in the price?
- Which specification does the oil have, and is it the one for my engine?
- Is the oil filter included, and which filter is it?
- Is the price including VAT, and are there extra costs?
- What happens if the price turns out higher during the work?
Ask every garage the same questions. Only then are you comparing like with like.
How we show the price
In our service calculator you enter your number plate. You then see how many litres of oil your engine needs, which specification the oil must have, the oil per litre and the oil filter with part number. Labour for an oil change is € 40 including VAT; the oil and oil filter come on top.
All prices are an indication including VAT. If the final price differs by more than 10 %, we call you first. A fault code readout always costs € 20, also during a service. We give a warranty of 3 months or 5,000 km on labour and parts used.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the oil for my car dearer than oil on special offer?
Your engine needs oil with a particular specification. A special offer is often a standard oil that doesn't meet it. The right specification comes before the price per litre.
Is a from-price misleading?
Not necessarily. It is a starting point. Ask what is included and what the price is for your own engine.
What is included in the € 40 labour?
Draining the old oil, fitting a new oil filter, filling to the right level with oil to specification and resetting the service interval. The oil and oil filter come on top.
Do I get a warranty on the work?
Yes. We give a warranty of 3 months or 5,000 km on labour and parts used.
See the indicative price for your engine in the service calculator or read more about the oil change in Tilburg.