Most vehicle owners are aware of the importance of regular oil changes. Changing your oil is vital to prolong the lifespan of your car engine, but in our hectic lives, when every minute counts, you wonder how long does an oil change take? So, here we’ll explore this car maintenance task in a little more detail, so you can appreciate the time needed for this crucial task.
The Oil Change Process
When heading into the garage for an oil change Edmonton drivers are likely to sit in the waiting area and have no idea what is going on in the service area.
Once your vehicle is taken into the service area, there are several steps to complete an oil change.
- Oil Drain
The first step of any oil change services is to put the vehicle on a lift, so the technician can access the underneath of the vehicle. Most car models have a plastic undertray mounted to protect the engine components. This has to be removed to be able to access the oil pan.
The technician will then place a container under the oil pan before they remove the drain plug to allow the old oil to drain out., which takes approximately five minutes.
- Remove the Old Oil Filter
The oil filter is a cylindrical shaped, softball sized component. Depending on the vehicle make and model, it may be screwed onto the engine or it could be a filter cartridge inside a housing.
The technician will check the oil filter gasket has been removed and will wipe down any oil covered surfaces.
- Drain Plug in and Filter On
The drain plug can now be replaced securely and a new oil filter will be installed. The technician will apply a little oil to coat the rubber gasket on the filter to create a proper seal.
- Add New Oil
The technician will now open up the car hood to add the new oil. The specific oil type, weight and volume is determined by the manufacturer recommendations.
- Final Inspection
Once the new oil is in, the technician will start up the vehicle and run the engine to allow the oil to circulate. They can check the oil is at the proper level and make sure there are no leaks around the oil filter or under the vehicle.
Most technicians will also inspect other fluid levels, the battery water, belts and the wiper blades to complete the process.
Express Oil Changes
Now you know how long does an oil change take, you may be wondering if there is any way to speed up the process. If you are in a hurry, there are some express oil change services at some garages and dealerships. This can speed up the process by using a special vacuum to suck the oil out of the engine, which can cut down the total oil change time to approximately 15 minutes.
DIY Oil Changes
You may think that you could speed up an oil change by doing it yourself. However, it is important to remember that professional technicians are very familiar with oil changes and have the expertise and tools to work efficiently. If you attempt a DIY oil change, you can expect it to take longer than 45 minutes.
If you change your oil four times a year, you’ll need to refamiliarize yourself with the process, while a professional garage or dealership technician is likely to complete oil changes every day of the year.
So, you’re not likely to save any time and just cause yourself extra stress, since the used oil needs to be properly and responsibly disposed of.