Are Oil Changes Covered Under Warranty?

What do car warranties cover?

Car warranties cover unexpected repairs and replacements due to manufacturing defects and mechanical issues. They don’t cover normal wear and tear or routine maintenance like oil changes.

Like most warranties and contracts, there may be coverage exceptions. For example, if your car has an oil leak or an engine problem caused by a manufacturing defect, your warranty may cover the repair costs, including any necessary oil changes.

» MORE: Car warranty guide: what you need to know

Do any warranties cover oil changes?

Standard car warranties and most extended warranties don’t cover oil changes, but manufacturers and extended auto companies may offer other plans or promotions that cover oil changes.

Factory warranties

Some car manufacturers offer complimentary maintenance plans at the time you purchase a car. These plans are separate from a car’s factory warranties, like bumper-to-bumper warranties and powertrain warranties, but may be included alongside them. Maintenance plans generally cover routine services like oil changes and multipoint inspections for a certain number of years or miles.

If your manufacturer doesn’t offer a complimentary maintenance plan, you may be able to purchase a prepaid maintenance plan instead.

For example, BMW offers a complimentary maintenance plan called Ultimate Care for all new BMWs. With this plan, you’ll get scheduled maintenance, like oil changes and oil filters, covered for up to three years or 36,000 miles. You can also purchase this plan for BMWs that are at least five years old or have at least 60,000 miles.

Extended warranties

In most cases, extended auto warranties don’t cover oil changes. But you may have some options if you want coverage that includes oil changes, such as maintenance plans. For example, Endurance offers an Advantage Plus plan, which covers up to three oil and oil filter changes per year, plus tire rotations, alignment checks and diagnostic exams.

These plans can provide peace of mind and save you money in the long run, especially if you don’t want to pay for oil changes yourself.

How much do oil changes cost?

Oil changes typically cost anywhere from around $35 to $100, though costs may exceed $100 for luxury vehicles. How much you’ll pay generally depends on:

Car dealerships generally charge more for oil changes than quick lube shops or local mechanics.

• Your car’s make and model
• The type of oil used, such as conventional, synthetic blend or full synthetic
• Where you go for service, such as a quick auto shop, car dealership or local independent mechanic
• Where you live, such as in a city or a rural area

» RELATED: Average vehicle maintenance costs

How to save money on oil changes

There are a few ways you can save money on oil changes.

Look for deals and promotions

Look for deals and promotions from dealers or mechanics. Some mechanics may offer one free oil change for every so many oil changes you get from them, and some dealerships or car brands offer complimentary oil changes for a limited time when you buy a new vehicle.

However, it’s crucial to get all offers in writing when buying a vehicle, even from reputable dealerships, since they’ll likely rescind verbal-only offers. For instance, Lydia, a reviewer from Texas, had this experience.

“[T]hey recanted on giving the 100K mile warranty, the 12 free oil changes and 12 free car washes,” Lydia said. “The repair center also said the man who sold us the vehicle no longer works for them[.] [...] These are unfair business practices and I feel like I was sold a lemon. I will never do business with them again.”

Ask friends or family

It’s possible you may have a friend, family member or acquaintance who’s willing to change your oil for free or at a heavily discounted rate. It never hurts to ask around.

Do it yourself

Doing it yourself (DIY) is often the cheapest way to change your oil if you already have the necessary supplies, such as a car jack, socket set, wrenches, wheel ramps and chocks. But if you’re not experienced with working on cars, it’s best to leave maintenance to the pros.

Note that, if you have an auto warranty, they won’t cover any damages incurred from a DIY oil change.