Oil Check

Oil Check | Oil Change close to me

A regular oil change is essential to keep your engine running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. According to your vehicle owner’s manual most vehicles need an engine oil and oil filter change every 6,000–10,000 miles or every 6 to 12 months – depending on driving style and manufacturer guidelines.

Oil Check comprise of…at Bosch Car Service:

  • High-quality engine oil
  • Bosch oil filter replacement
  • Eco-friendly disposal of old oil
  • Service & documentation to manufacturer standards

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FAQs | Oil Check | Oil Change close to me

Not sure when your next oil change is due or what it should cost?
Our FAQ covers the most common questions about engine oil, oil filters, service intervals, and pricing – so you know exactly when an oil change service is needed and what it includes.

What are the typical oil change costs in the UK?

The price of an oil change service in the UK can vary depending on your car, the type of engine oil used and whether only the oil filter is replaced or a full oil and filter change is carried out.

It is always best to confirm the exact oil change price at your local Bosch Car Service, but here are some general guidelines:

  • Basic oil and filter change: from around £70–£110 (using standard mineral or semi-synthetic oil).
  • Full synthetic engine oil replacement: usually £110–£160, depending on oil grade and quantity.
  • Comprehensive oil service: can include an oil check, documentation and disposal of old oil, starting from £150+.

Why do costs differ?

  • Vehicle size and engine type (small petrol car vs. large diesel or hybrid).
  • Type of motor oil required (mineral, semi-synthetic or full synthetic).
  • Quantity of oil required for the vehicle oil change
  • Additional service elements such as an oil filter change, environmental disposal fees, or inclusion in a full-service package.

These figures are only indicative price ranges. The actual automotive oil change cost is always individual and may differ by location. For accurate details, please visit your nearest Bosch vehicle service workshop for an oil change price, where you will receive tailored advice for your vehicle.

How long does an oil change take?

A standard car oil change is usually a quick job, but the exact oil change duration depends on the type of service and the vehicle.

At a Bosch Car Service workshop, the average times are:

  • Basic oil and filter change: around 30–45 minutes
  • Full engine oil replacement with checks: typically 45–60 minutes
  • Comprehensive oil service (including inspection, documentation and disposal): up to 90 minutes

Why does the time vary?

  • Different oil filters and engine oil types (synthetic vs. semi-synthetic)
  • Accessibility of the filter and sump plug on your car
  • Whether the oil change service is combined with other work, such as a full service or inspection
  • Quantity of oil required for the vehicle concerned

These are only general guidelines. The exact time for your vehicle oil change will always depend on your car and the workshop schedule.

For precise information, please contact your nearest Bosch vehicle service workshop for individual advice.

After how many miles should you do an oil change?

Most manufacturers recommend an engine oil change every 6,000–10,000 miles or once a year – whichever comes first.

However, the correct interval always depends on your car model, driving style and the type of motor oil used.

General guidelines:

  • 6,000 miles → older cars or frequent short trips
  • 10,000 miles → modern vehicles with synthetic engine oil
  • Up to 12,000 miles → only if the manufacturer specifies “long-life” oil service intervals

Why can this differ?

  • Stop-and-go city driving and short journeys cause oil to degrade faster.
  • Towing, heavy loads or high-performance engines may require shorter intervals.
  • Using high-quality synthetic engine oil can extend the time between services.

These are only rough guidelines. The exact interval for your car oil change should always be

confirmed in the vehicle handbook or directly with your local Bosch vehicle service workshop, where you will receive personalised advice.

How often to change engine oil in a car?

For most cars, an engine oil change is recommended at least once every 12 months, even if you drive fewer miles.

Over time, motor oil naturally degrades, loses lubrication quality and collects moisture or dirt – even when the vehicle is not used much.

Typical time-based intervals:

  • Every 12 months → standard guideline for most vehicles
  • Every 6–9 months → if you mainly drive short trips, city traffic or stop-start conditions
  • Up to 24 months → only if the manufacturer specifies “long-life” oil service with special synthetic oil

Why a time interval matters:

  • Oil ages with exposure to heat, oxygen and condensation
  • Old oil may thicken and reduce protection for your engine
  • Regular oil and filter change ensures engine reliability and prevents costly repairs

These are general recommendations. The exact oil change service interval for your car depends on age, usage and manufacturer specifications. For certainty, always check your vehicle handbook or get tailored advice at your nearest Bosch oil change service workshop.

Can you go 2 years without changing oil?

In most cases, waiting 2 years before an oil change is not recommended. Even if you drive very few miles, engine oil naturally ages, absorbs moisture and loses its protective qualities over time.

Skipping a scheduled oil and filter change can lead to increased engine wear or even serious damage.

What happens if you delay an oil change for 2 years?

  • Oil may thicken and no longer lubricate properly
  • Risk of sludge build-up in the engine
  • Higher fuel consumption and reduced performance
  • Possible long-term engine damage and costly repairs

Exceptions:

  • Some modern vehicles are designed with “long-life” oil service intervals that can last up to 2 years (with special synthetic motor oil) – but only if the manufacturer explicitly states this.

As a rule of thumb: plan an engine oil replacement at least once every 12 months, unless your manufacturer specifies otherwise. For reliable advice, always check your handbook or ask your local Bosch Car Service workshop for individual guidance.

Does a full service include an oil change?

Yes – in most cases, a full service does include an oil and filter change. This is one of the core parts of routine maintenance, as fresh engine oil is essential for protecting your engine.

What a typical full service may include:

  • Car oil change with manufacturer-approved engine oil
  • Replacement of the oil filter
  • Additional checks such as brakes, tyres, lights and fluid levels
  • Service documentation for your records

Important to know:

  • Some garages offer a “major service” that includes an engine oil replacement, while a smaller “interim service” may only include an oil check.
  • Prices for oil change services can vary depending on whether it is part of a package or booked separately.

Always confirm with your local Bosch oil change service workshop exactly what is included in the service package. This way you know if an oil filter change and full oil service are part of the booked inspection.

Can I just top up engine oil instead of changing it?

Topping up engine oil can be a temporary solution if the level is low, but it is not a replacement for a proper oil change. Fresh motor oil and a clean oil filter are needed to keep your engine fully protected.

Why topping up is not enough:

  • Old oil contains dirt, metal particles and deposits that a simple top-up does not remove
  • Adding new oil to dirty oil dilutes it, but does not restore lubrication quality
  • The oil filter also becomes saturated and must be replaced during an oil and filter change

When topping up is useful:

  • If the oil warning light comes on between services
  • If you notice the oil level is below the minimum mark on the dipstick
  • As an emergency measure until you can book an oil change service

Regular vehicle oil change and oil filter change are essential for engine health. For individual advice and the correct oil change service interval, visit your nearest Bosch Car Service workshop.

What happens if you don’t get an oil change?

Skipping or missing an oil change may save time in the short term, but it can cause serious problems for your engine. Engine oil is vital to lubricate, cool and clean the moving parts inside your car.

Without regular oil and filter changes, the risk of engine damage increases.

Possible consequences if you delay or miss an oil change:

  • Oil becomes dirty and loses its lubricating properties
  • Increased friction and overheating inside the engine
  • Build-up of sludge and deposits that block passages
  • Higher fuel consumption and reduced performance
  • In extreme cases, complete engine failure and costly repairs

Even if your car seems to run fine, old motor oil cannot protect the engine effectively. That’s why manufacturers specify regular oil service intervals.

For safe and reliable operation, always confirm the right oil change service schedule with your local Bosch Car Service workshop.