The light on the dashboard catches your eye. Add an oil change to your list of mundane, human deeds to complete in the near future: file taxes, buy milk and diapers, DMV to renew tabs, post office for stamps, gas, and now, an oil change.

Here lies the start to a new series where we compare prices on basic, practical products and services around Duluth and Superior. First off, oil changes.

The prices below reflect the rate the establishment charges with tax included. Wisconsin and Douglas County sales tax total 5.5%. Minnesota and Duluth sales tax total 7.875%.

$45.30

Jiffy Lube | 115 E. Central Entrance, Duluth | 218-722-2008
(“Ask for Ellen and you will get $5 off!”)

$43.15

Auto Ace Express Lube | 1506 Kenwood Ave., Duluth | 218-728-1453

$43.15

Lube Pros | 4157 Haines Road, Hermantown | 218-727-5823

$43.15

Valvoline | 4431 Trinity Road, Duluth | 218-723-8462

$42.19

Valvoline | 3925 Tower Ave, Superior | 715-399-0451

$42.15

Alignment Brake Center | 1201 Banks Ave., Superior | 715-392-3050

$41.13

Bob’s South Tower Service | 6028 Tower Ave, Superior | 715-394-6693
(The man on the phone had a sense of humor. His initial quote, without hesitation, was “a million plus a tip.”)

$37.75

Tires Plus Total Car Care | 621 W Central Entrance, Duluth | 218-409-8834
(But there’s a deal: “$19.99 if you just mention the coupon. We’ve been running the deal for a while.” Total price with coupon: $21.56)

$34

Allouez Auto Repair Inc. | 4003 E. Second St., Superior | 715-398-6631

$30.54

Auto Pros | 513 22nd Ave. E., Superior | 715-392-6764

$29.88

Walmart Tire & Lube Express | 3705 Tower Ave, Superior | 715-392-4108

$25.77

Bill’s Muffler and Brake Center | 2228 W Michigan St., Duluth | 218-461-3829