Do you change your own oil?

[bhampton]

Just did both cars last Sunday. I buy my filters from Honda and my oil at Bj's.

Thought about changing the oil in the lawn mower too... may do that this weekend.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I'm not touching this with a ten-foot pole!

John

[toef]

In general I've handled all the oil changes for my car since I got my first car in high school, but if I had a coupon for a free oil change, or something really cheap, like $9, I'd use that. I like the idea of putting what I want in the car, instead of using whatever oil they have, and whatever cheap filters they supply.

Then two years ago I got a new car, and since it's synthetic, I've only had to change it twice (coming up on a third), so it's much less of a hassle.

I've had to rely on the screwdriver trick a few times myself. I learned about it on Google a long time ago.

[sfmarine]

Originally Posted by toefer

I've had to rely on the screwdriver trick a few times myself. I learned about it on Google a long time ago.

Ya...the last time it was changed it was cold as heck out so I had a garage do it. The filter was on ridiculously tight.. after getting a nice blister on my hand I decided to go with the screwdriver and that did the trick. Now all my oil changes have been done by me so I'll be able to get them done rather quickly come next time around.

[Rob71]

I do all my own oil changes. Picked up one of these for the occasional stuck filter, but only needed it once.

http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-FloTool-10620-Adjustable-Wrench/dp/B000EH4V0E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1245195869&sr= 8-2

31DTDWVYW3L._SS400_.jpg

[Blu-Benny]

i don't.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by toefer

In general I've handled all the oil changes for my car since I got my first car in high school, but if I had a coupon for a free oil change, or something really cheap, like $9, I'd use that. I like the idea of putting what I want in the car, instead of using whatever oil they have, and whatever cheap filters they supply.

Then two years ago I got a new car, and since it's synthetic, I've only had to change it twice (coming up on a third), so it's much less of a hassle.

I've had to rely on the screwdriver trick a few times myself. I learned about it on Google a long time ago.

Exactly why I change the oil (and do the general maintenance) on my truck and the wife's durango. I use full synthetic and premium filters. It may cost me a little more, but it also saves me time. I could easily finish both vehicles in 40 min since I have enough clearance that I don't have to use a jack.

Originally Posted by bongzilla

I,ve had too many close calls with lose drain bolts.

I've had 2 different dealers not tighten the drain bolt enough on the wife's durango. One time it was so loose about a quart of oil leaked all over her sister's driveway. That was early on when we first got the vehicle, and I only used the dealer because we had a free oil change deal I think the first 2 years or something like that. Needless to say I never used it up for the full term.

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by red_5ive

Exactly why I change the oil (and do the general maintenance) on my truck and the wife's durango. I use full synthetic and premium filters. It may cost me a little more, but it also saves me time. I could easily finish both vehicles in 40 min since I have enough clearance that I don't have to use a jack.

Better be using Amsoil. Anything else is inferior.

[fatediesel]

I am worthless when it comes to car work, so I take it to the dealership. They know me there because my company buys a lot of cars there so they're always quick and get the job done right. I also like walking around the lot looking at cars while it's going on.

[Bigdog]

Originally Posted by mikejet

Better be using Amsoil. Anything else is inferior.

I think if Mobil one is OK for many professional race teams with 6 figure engines, i think it will be OK in my pickup. Not doubting Amsoil but saying everything is inferior is untrue.

The thing i laugh at is people who spend top dollar on oil then use a fram oil filter which are proven to barley work, nothing but wix filters for me.

Sometimes i change my own, but lately it is more of a pain then what it's worth saving. Not to mention most cars having several grease zerks to service which are impossible to get at without a lift.

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by Bigdog

I think if Mobil one is OK for many professional race teams with 6 figure engines, i think it will be OK in my pickup. Not doubting Amsoil but saying everything is inferior is untrue.

The thing i laugh at is people who spend top dollar on oil then use a fram oil filter which are proven to barley work, nothing but wix filters for me.

Sometimes i change my own, but lately it is more of a pain then what it's worth saving. Not to mention most cars having several grease zerks to service which are impossible to get at without a lift.

Many people I know recommend Purolator as the best oil filters.

I just let the dealership do it with full synthetic cause it's $30 with a $10 mail in rebate. My warranty is good for 4 years as long as I do the regularly scheduled maintenence so going to the dealer is benficial to me in the long run.

[jkwest]

Originally Posted by John72953

I'm not touching this with a ten-foot pole!

John

its alright...nycomet didn't start this thread...

[brettallica]

I changed my oil from before I was 16 (on the car my mom had waiting for me to drive when I got my license, which was at 8:30AM on my 16th birthday), but then when I turned 20 or so and started buying "nice" vehicles -- that's a relative term, of course -- I stopped altogether and just let an oil change shop (or dealer) do it. My issue with performing my own oil change now is I do NOT want to deal with the disposal of the used oil and filter; there's no way in hell I'll put a vat of greasy stuff like that in my car -- not even in my trunk!

[mikejet]

No because it's cheap to do at the dealership and keeps a paper trail at the dealership I purchased the car from in case I ever need to claim the warranty.

[MaCruz]

I go to my Acura dealership and they change my oil for under $30.

[Moefiz]

I do on my Toyota Corolla but I don't on the Escape...

Which is bad because I sell this sort of stuff for a living.