Does Costco Do Oil Change? [Updated]

Costco, known for its bulk shopping, used to provide oil change services at some of its stores. Sadly, as of February 2024, they stopped offering this service. This could be a letdown for drivers who liked the convenience and savings from Costco oil changes. But don’t worry! Costco still helps you save on car maintenance.

Even though you can’t get your oil changed at Costco’s auto service anymore, they have a great selection of car care products. You can find synthetic and conventional motor oils and oil filters there. And the best part? The prices are reasonable! So, even without the oil change service, Costco can still help take care of your car.

Key Takeaways:

1. Costco does not offer oil change services.
2. Costco is ideal for DIY oil change supplies and services.
3. Alternative oil change options include quick-lube centers, independent shops, and dealerships.

Does Costco Do Oil Change?

People who know a lot about cars, like me, have heard a funny rumor for a long time. Some people think you can get your car’s oil changed at Costco. But here’s a surprise: Costco has never offered oil change services.

That’s right! Even though Costco has an extensive section for car stuff and amazing tire deals, they’ve never done oil changes. So why do people think they do? There are a couple of guesses.

One reason might be that Costco sells a lot of good motor oil. Some people may think that if they sell the oil, they must also do oil changes. Another reason could be that Costco has everything in one place, which makes people think they’d do oil changes as part of their services.

Here are more in-depth details about the discontinued oil change service at Costco:

As of now, Costco in the United States doesn’t offer oil changes at its stores. This service stopped around 2016 or 2017, depending on the location. But don’t worry! Even though they don’t offer oil changes, you can still buy motor oil at Costco to do it yourself. For example, they have 10 quarts of Kirkland 5W-20 full synthetic oil for only $38.99 or 6 quarts of Mobil 10W-30 full synthetic oil for $41.99.

Another cool thing you can do is buy Jiffy Lube gift cards at Costco. These cards can save 25% on your following oil change at Jiffy Lube.

In Canada, it’s a bit different. Some Costco stores in Ontario and Nova Scotia still offer oil changes, but it’s not exactly clear when they stopped this service in other areas.

So, if you’re in the U.S., you can’t change your oil at Costco, but you can get some fantastic deals on oil for doing it yourself. If you’re in Canada, check with your local Costco to see if they still offer oil change services in your province.

Considering a DIY Oil Change? Here’s How Costco Can Help

While Costco doesn’t provide oil change services, it’s an excellent place for people who like to do things themselves. Their stores have a superb selection of motor oil at reasonable prices. Whether you’re experienced in fixing cars or just starting your first oil change, Costco has many different kinds of oil to match your car’s needs.

But there’s even more at Costco! They have everything you need to change your oil in one place. Here’s a quick list of what you can find:

• Oil Filters are super important, just like oil. Costco offers a wide range of high-quality oil filters from trusted brands.
• Oil Drain Pans: Correctly getting rid of old oil is essential. Costco sells strong drain pans that catch the old oil when you change it.
• Funnels: To avoid spills and make pouring oil easier, grab a funnel from Costco.
• Shop Towels: If you think you might make a mess, Costco has absorbent towels to keep your work area clean.
• Engine Degreaser: If there’s tough dirt around where the oil filter is, Costco has different engine degreasers to help clean it up.

So, even though Costco doesn’t do oil changes, they have many things to help you do it yourself!

Relevant: Is It Cheaper to Change Your Own Oil?

What is Motor Oil, and Why Does it Matter?

Motor oil is essential for keeping a car’s engine running smoothly. It works like a lubricant to stop parts inside the engine from rubbing too much and wearing out. Costco has many motor oils if you like to care for your car yourself. These oils are perfect for vehicles that need regular oil changes to keep their warranty and to last a long time.

At Costco, you can find Kirkland Signature, a fully synthetic oil that protects your engine and doesn’t require frequent changes. It’s also easy on your wallet but still high in quality. If you like well-known brands, Costco also has famous ones like Mobil.

Here’s a quick look at what Costco offers:

• Full synthetic motor oil: Their Kirkland brand is great for new engines.
• Popular-brand options: They have Mobil oil too.
• Oil filters have many different brands and sizes, essential for changing your oil.

Even though Costco doesn’t offer oil changes, it ensures that people who like to do things themselves have everything they need. This includes top-notch synthetic oil and filters for changing oil.

What are the Good and Bad of Costco Oil Changes (Even Though They Don’t Offer Them)

When it comes to car care, Costco makes some good points and suggests some things to consider regarding oil changes.

Good Things About Choosing Costco:

Easy Shopping—Costco is known for making shopping easy, which used to be true for its car services. Even though they no longer change oil, they still have many car items that make them a one-stop shop for many people.

Great Products—Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand has reasonable, good, full synthetic oil. Synthetic oils are great in all kinds of weather, which is a big plus for customers living in different places.

Costco Value—Batteries, tires, and synthetic oil are usually cheaper at Costco than at car dealerships or mechanics. This means you can save much money on keeping your car running well.

Tire Services—If you buy tires from Costco, you get extra services like checking the air, rotating them, and fixing flats. This adds more value to the Costco Auto Program.

Things to Think About with Costco:

No Oil Changes—Since 2024, Costco has not offered oil changes. You’ll have to find another place for that, but Costco does sell what you need if you want to do it yourself.

Limited Services—For more specific services like wheel alignments or tricky engine work, you’ll need to go to a special car service place.

It depends on your location. Not every Costco location has the same services and products. You can check what they have in your area by looking at Costco or entering your zip code.

Wait Times—Sometimes, especially when it’s jam-packed, you might have to wait longer at Costco for car services like getting new tires than you would at a place that only does car stuff.

Knowing these pros and cons can help you decide if Costco’s car services suit you and your car’s needs.

What additional services do you get at Costco?

Costco Tire Centers works with well-known third-party service providers like Jiffy Lube, Mobil, Valvoline, and Midas. This partnership allows Costco members to get excellent services like installing new tires, rotating tires, and aligning wheels.

You can also get other services like fixing brakes, working on transmissions, replacing batteries, and repairing flats. Call your local Costco Tire Center to schedule an appointment if you need any of these services. Here’s a look at some of the services they offer:

• Tire Rotation: Getting your tires rotated regularly at the suggested times helps them last longer.
• Brake Work: They check your brakes and replace brake pads and rotors.
• Battery Service: They test your battery, add a new one if necessary, and recycle the old one.
• Flat Repair: If you have a flat tire, they’ll check it out and fix it.

These services from Costco Tire Centers make taking care of your car easier!

Where to Get the Best Oil Change? Alternative Solutions

If you’re not into doing it yourself, that’s okay! There are some great places you can go to get your oil changed:

• Franchise Quick-Lube Centers: These places specialize in oil changes. They’re fast and convenient. Compare different ones to see how their prices and services compare.
• Independent Repair Shops: Many local repair shops offer oil changes and other car services. This is a good choice if you prefer a more personal approach.
• Dealership Service Departments: These can be a bit more expensive, but they use parts recommended by the car maker and have certified technicians.

Other stores do oil changes at reasonable prices:

• Walmart: At Walmart, you can get an essential oil change starting at just $34.88.
• Sears: It might surprise you, but some Sears stores are still open, and they do oil changes for about $45 for the basic service.

So, you’ve got plenty of options for changing your oil without having to do it yourself!

Final Thoughts

When you see that reminder for an oil change on your car’s dashboard, keep this in mind: Costco won’t change your oil, but they’re an excellent place for people who like to do things themselves. They have what you need to change your oil.

But if you need to get into doing it yourself, looking for other places that do oil changes is okay. Changing your car’s oil is essential to keep it running well and lasting long. So, keep your car’s oil fresh, whether you do it yourself or go elsewhere!

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