T
The Daily Insight

Is a mobile oil change business profitable?

Author

Ava Robinson

Published Apr 01, 2026

How much profit can a mobile oil change make? A fully booked oil change business can earn an annual profit of six figures. For example, assume a business does two oil changes per hour and charges $50 per oil change. Working 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year the business would bring in a revenue of $200,000.

How do I open a oil change shop?

Steps to Starting an Oil Change Business

  1. Step 1: Write your Business Plan.
  2. Step 2: Form a Business Entity.
  3. Step 3: Name the Business.
  4. Step 4: Select your Location.
  5. Step 5: Register for Business Licenses and Permits.
  6. Step 6: Find Financing.
  7. Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account.
  8. Step 8: Get your Marketing Plan in Place.

How much money do you save from changing your own oil?

It is the intangible costs (your own time) that keeps the investment afloat. If you wanted to exclude those, it actually would save you about $4.50 each year to change your own oil, as opposed to costing you $3.70 if you include them.

What percentage of car owners change their own oil?

Informed sources estimate that as many as 18% of the US car-owning population change their own oil.

Does AutoZone do free oil changes?

AutoZone does not offer oil change services at any of its store locations, AutoZone’s customer service representatives told us.

How much do oil changes typically cost?

Typically, an oil and filter change using conventional oil will cost between $35 and $75, depending on your area. If your car requires synthetic oil, you should expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $125. Some people are handy and have the time and tools to replace their own oil and filter.

Does oil brand make a difference?

They all make a lot of claims, that their oil is better at this or that, but they all have to meet a certain spec.” The fact is, there’s very little difference between brands of motor oil. Motor oil manufacturers must meet minimum industry standards for performance and compatibility of the API mark.

What is the disadvantage of synthetic oil?

Probably the most glaring downside of synthetic oil is the cost. The price of synthetic oil is around two to four times the price of conventional oil. Synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions.

Do cars drive better after oil change?

Changing your oil offers a lot of noticeable benefits, as well. Regular oil changes improve your car’s gas mileage. As the fresh oil moves through the engine, the lubrication of the metal parts increases your engine’s performance and helps it run more efficiently with less work so it doesn’t eat up as much gas.

Why are oil changes so expensive?

Manufacturers are requiring a different type of higher-grade oil, a synthetic, as well as a higher capacity of that oil to be used in the newer vehicles. Although the initial cost for the oil change is higher, this is also what allows the vehicle to go for longer intervals between oil changes.

Can I bring my own oil to an oil change?

The truth is most garages and dealerships will allow you to bring your own oil if you simply ask. They will even charge you less for the oil change because they typically remove the cost of the bulk oil they would normally be putting in your car from the bill.

Can I bring my own oil and filter to an oil change?

Can I bring my own oil and filter to the mechanic when changing oil? Yes, you can. The mechanic will use your filter and your oil and charge you the same price for the oil change. Some may refuse the service, but you can certainly ask them.