Most people are wary about whether a mechanic is giving them a straight answer. They’re unfortunately known to be dishonest and upcharge unnecessarily. But when two different shops quoted this woman the exact same price for the same job, she started to wonder whether they were running the same grift or if that was the actual market value for the job she needed done. How Much Does An Oil Change Cost? In a viral TikTok with more than 49,000 views, content creator Chloe (@chlomommybagss) shows her white 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan parked on the street. "Can CarTok help me out? Pep Boys and a regular mechanic said my oil change would cost $150 for 'special oil' that my car needs... Am I being lied to? It's a 2022 Tiguan," the text overlay reads. Even though both Pep Boys and an independent mechanic quoted her the same price—$150—citing the specific oil required for her vehicle, Chloe was skeptical. "HELP A GIRL OUT. Also if you're on Staten Island and can change my oil for less inbox me," Chloe adds in the caption. What Happens If You Use The Wrong Oil? According to Grease Pro, using the wrong oil can cause poor lubrication, increased friction, overheating, and reduced fuel efficiency. Over time, it can lead to clogged oil passages, degraded seals, or outright engine failure. Symptoms aren't always obvious right away, but knocking sounds, sluggish performance, and unusual oil consumption are all red flags. The fix, if caught early, is straightforward: drain it and use the right oil. But the longer incorrect oil circulates, the worse the damage can get. Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil—And What You Should Expect To Pay Oil change prices vary more than most people realize. According to NerdWallet, a standard oil change at a quick lube shop runs anywhere from $30 to $100—a wide range that depends on a few factors: the type of oil, the make and model of the car, and where you live. Conventional oil is the cheapest option, derived straight from crude oil with minimal processing. It works fine for older vehicles or those with simple engine designs and shorter service intervals. Full synthetic oil costs more because it's engineered with additional additives designed to protect the engine longer, perform better in extreme temperatures, and last through extended drain intervals—exactly what European vehicles are built around. Larger vehicles or those with manufacturer-specific oil requirements, such as many European cars, will typically fall at the higher end of that range, both because they require more oil and because the oil itself costs more. What’s A Volkswagen Driver To Do? People who commented on Chloe’s post were largely well aware of the different oils required by European cars. “VW & Audi require oil that meets a certain specification that most common oil brands like Pennzoil and Valvoline don’t meet. If you use the wrong oil and you suffer an engine failure that could void your warranty,” one warned. “All VW vehicles require special synthetic oil, so they do run that price,” another said. A third offered some advice, writing, “Yep, European oil. I do mine myself and get the oil from FCP EURO. Lifetime warranty on oil and filter.” Motor1 reached out to Chloe for comment via TikTok direct message and comment. We’ll update this if she responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team