Should I Buy Motor Oil Online? Cost and Availability Analysis

First Published: Apr 29, 2024
Last Updated: Apr 30, 2024
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Introduction

You can choose to buy motor oil from a number of places, and our hunch is the internet is the best source for thoughtful consumers. Many DIY oil changers are simply looking to replace their oil at a reduced rate and increased quality, so the choice usually comes down cost and brand availability. Since just about every motor oil brand on the planet is available online, we'll put most of our focus on cost.

Brick and Mortar Motor Oil Sources

You probably can quickly list the brick and mortar stores that sell motor oil, but here they are for consideration:

  • Major auto parts chan stores (think AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advance, AutoPlus, Parts Authority, etc.)
  • Department stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, Sams's, and similar local options
  • Most gas stations and convenient stores (although choice is usually limited)

A quick note on oil availability and choice...

The good news is that if you walk into any major retail auto parts store, you are almost guaranteed to find an oil that suits your engine. The bad news is that it might not necessarily be the brand you're looking for, and if you're trying to make a conscious choice between brands there is a downside to your main information resouce being the person trying to sell you the product. Most retailers offer an in-house brand that they manufactured themselves, producing a much higher margin for them than the vendor-sourced brands with a wider reputation (think Pennzoil, Mobil 1, etc.). For that reason, store managers are incentivized to recommend store brands which are generally regarded as a lower-quality option than many manufactures.

Online Motor Oil Sources

There are a few major players in online motor oil sales; some more popular than others:

Availability and choice for online sources:

While we can't guarantee every motor oil brand and grade on earth is available online, it's a pretty safe assumption. One way or another, you can find what you're looking for with reasonable (usually free) shipping through one of the sites above.

Time to Think is More Easily Found Online

It takes time to make an informed decision, and that doesn't just involve receiving information from a store clerk. Processing what every infomation source has to say takes some time, and it's important to do that before you make a purchase. Most people find it easier to walk away from a bad purchase decision when shopping online than when holding a product in the checkout line.

The Shipping Gap: How Long and Does it Matter?

Amazon's free two-day shipping for Prime Members (which now make up almost half of US households) is common knowledge today. In major cities it's even common to get one-day or same-day shipping for frequently purchased items like motor oil. If you aren't shopping on Amazon, many major auto parts sites offer free shipping over a certain dollar amount (AutoZone.com ships orders above $35 for free). Those same chains often offer same-day pickup from their local store as well if you're in a hurry.

Cost Assessment: Online vs. Retail

There are two clear winners when it comes to cost to the consumer in the comparison of brick and mortar versus online vendors. A great example is this common option for 5W-20 compared across some popular sources, a 5-Quart bottle of Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil:

The trend continues for a popular brand and run of 5W-30 engine oil, Valvoline High Mileage Full Synthetic 5W-30 Engine Oil. This time we're comparing the 1-Quart option:

Online Sources Compared

If you're looking for the best price for trusted brands, our experience tells us that the World Wide Web will better suit your desires for motor oil purchases. Additionally, if you happen to be in that vast group of households with an Amazon Prime Membership, we highly recommend checking their offerings the next time you're in the market for a few quarts. If you don't have a Prime membership you can get a free 30-day trial through this link: Amazon Prime. You may find that the savings on oil purchases alone overcome the annual subscription costs, and if not then there's no harm in getting free shipping this time!

Best Brands and Oil Types Online

We sourced a list of the best motor oil brands you can find online for each of the major oil types. Try the link below for the type of oil your vehicle uses to see oil grade and brand specific information:

Conclusion

When it comes to purchasing motor oil, the internet emerges as the optimal choice for consumers seeking both affordability and variety. While brick-and-mortar stores offer immediate conveniences, their selections are usually limited, and their prices are almost always higher than online alternatives. Conversely, online retailers provide a vast array of options, competitive pricing, and the convenience of doorstep delivery.