Getting a car serviced doesn’t have to break the bank. This list shows where you can save
As inflation rises and gas prices remain high, finding ways to cut corners on unavoidable costs remains important.
Among these necessities are oil changes for personal vehicles.
We called several locations around Washington state to ask oil change chain companies their rates, and compared the prices to tell you where you can get the most affordable service.
Prices vary based on the store’s location and do not include taxes or additional fees. Prices are approximate, and also vary based on the type of car and the grade of oil.
Here is how your Washington state oil change chains compare:
Jiffy Lube
Jiffy Lube has 102 locations in Washington state and offers oil changes, tire rotations, transmission services and brake services depending on location.
Jiffy Lube’s Signature Service Oil Change offers more than just an oil change, but also interior vacuuming, cleaning exterior windows, inspections of lights, wiper blades, engine air filtration systems, brake fluid levels, serpentine belts, as well as inspecting the chassis and antifreeze levels. The oil change service also includes checking tire pressure, battery water, and fluids in the car’s transmission, power steering, transfer care and windshield washer. Some offerings such as vacuuming might not be available at some locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jiffy Lube also offers complimentary fluid top-offs weeks after you get your oil changed. Your vehicle’s motor oil, transmission, windshield washer, transfer case and power steering fluids all receive free checks and top-offs within 3,000 miles of your last Jiffy Lube oil change.
Jiffy Lube also has coupons to save on oil changes and other services, such as $15 off a synthetic oil change. Coupons also vary by area.
Oil change prices range depending on the type of oil used, from conventional, high mileage, synthetic blend oil or full synthetic oil.
Jiffy Lube prices as of April 2022 are as follows:
▪ Conventional oil change service: $50.99
▪ High mileage oil change service: $75.99
▪ Synthetic blend oil change service: $79.99
▪ Full synthetic oil change service: $95.99
Valvoline
Valvoline is known for its 15-minute stay-in-your-car oil change and has locations in 32 Washington cities.
The drive-through oil change requires no appointment and provides a number of services in addition to getting your oil changed.
Full-service oil changes include a safety check of wiper blades, headlights and taillights, battery, antifreeze, tire pressure, air filter and the serpentine belt, as well as transmission, power steering, windshield washer, transfer case and differential fluids.
Valvoline also has coupons to save on oil changes, such as $7 off a full synthetic oil change. For other coupons such as $15 or $25 off oil changes, call your local Valvoline location.
Valvoline oil change prices are as follows:
▪ Premium conventional oil change service: $48.99
▪ Synthetic blend oil change service: $71.99
▪ Full synthetic oil change service: $93.99
Grease Monkey
Grease Monkey has 21 Washington locations and offers services such as oil changes, brake service, tire services as well as windshield repair.
Grease Monkey offers a 16-point inspection with every oil change that includes installing a new oil filter, checking the air filter and brake fluid and checking and filling power steering, battery, windshield washer, transmission and differential fluids. The oil change also includes interior vacuuming, checking exterior lights, washing windows, and checking and setting tire pressure. Some offerings such as vacuuming are not available due to the COVID-19 pandemic at some locations.
Grease Monkey oil change prices vary by oil type, and has four oil types to choose from: economy blend, high mileage, synthetic blend or full synthetic oil.
Grease Monkey also offers coupons such as $10 off an oil change depending on location, which can be found on each location’s independent website.
Grease Monkey oil change prices are as follows:
▪ Economy blend oil change service: $51.99
▪ High mileage oil change service: $69.99
▪ Synthetic blend oil change service: $87.99
▪ Full synthetic oil change service: $97.99
Firestone
Firestone has over 1,700 locations in the United States and many are in Washington, including about 30 locations just along the Puget Sound.
Firestone offers services beyond an oil change, including tire services, brake repair, transmission maintenance and vehicle repairs.
Firestone full-service oil changes include an inspection of your entire vehicle, including lights, filters, battery and wiper blades and refilling fluids.
Firestone offers four oil choices, Quaker State, Pennzoil High Mileage, Pennzoil Gold (synthetic blend oil) and Pennzoil Platinum (full synthetic oil).
Firestone also offers online coupons to save on your next oil change or service, such as a standard oil change for $27.99.
Firestone oil change prices are as follows:
▪ Quaker State oil change service: $30.00
▪ Pennzoil High Mileage oil change service: $55.00
▪ Pennzoil Gold oil change service: $64.00
▪ Pennzoil Platinum service: $80.00
The best value oil change:
Based on services provided and pricing, Firestone offers the most affordable option for standard oil changes.
If you are looking for full synthetic oil with the most services included in the oil change, Firestone also has the most affordable option, while still providing additional services and inspections.
Jiffy Lube does offer their complimentary fluid top-offs for motor oil, transmission, windshield washer, transfer case and power steering after you’ve had our oil changed, which adds to the value of their service.
What type of oil do I need?
To help determine what type of oil is best for your car, AAA offers some guidance, as well as a list of AAA-approved auto repair facilities that could help you the next time you need an oil change.
How often should I change my oil?
AAA says that changing your car’s oil every 3,000 miles used to be normal, but most engines today only need to be changed between 5,000 to 7,000 miles, depending on the type of car and the oil it requires.
This story was originally published April 20, 2022 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Getting a car serviced doesn’t have to break the bank. This list shows where you can save."
