Do You Do Your Own Oil Change?

[Lithium381]

Originally posted by: Paulson
I would but I don't know where to take the oil to...

around here you can just leave it out with the trash and they'll take it and leave you empty jugs......San Jose CA.....

 

[Quixfire]

I change my own oil because I used to be a mechainc and I haven't found anybody I would trust.

 

[ILikeStuff]

yup, all the time

 

[StageLeft]

All you guys whining about returning oil damn just get a container and store it for a while. If you have protein powder for instance those huge plastic containers are perfect and will hold a few oil changes. THen several months later just stop by anywhere that changes oil and they'll dump it for ya.

 

[Mallow]

I go to walmart for $15

 

[Marauder-]

Yeah - I get it for $10 from Wheel Works w/ this coupon book that I got. $40 for 4 oil changes w/ other maintenance checks and etc. For $10 - I doubt they can really make anything off that - Oil/Filter/TIME.

 

[thebestMAX]

Yes, always except for the company car.

I dont do it to save money although I did do it for that reason many years. I do it myself now to make sure it is done right.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

I think my Camry has the most accessible place to have the oil filter...on the front of the engine, in full view with very little obstructions.

Indeed. Need to be careful though when taking it off. If you aren't cautious you can spill oil all down the front of the engine.

My RX-5 (Mazda Cosmo) has the very easiest oil filter for removal - it is on TOP of the engine. . . . to avoid spilling oil on the engine, you first PUNCTURE it with a screwdriver so it drains back into the engine completely . . . Spill Prob Solved.

And as to the fellow with the "shield" - just remove it for the Summer. In S. Cali, most German autos go without it all year . . . no salt on the roads here . . .
S

 

[Squisher]

I'm too lazy now with four cars.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Originally posted by: ILikeStuff
yup, all the time

 

[DannyLove]

yea, with a little help from my da at times.

danny~!

 

[Ylen13]

no and have no plans to start. I get free oil for my car untill i sell my car.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919

Originally posted by: godmare

Originally posted by: snooker
changing oil is one of the easiest things on a vehicle you can do yourself. goto the local auto store andf buy like 7 quarts of oil and a filter. Go home, place a oil catch pan under the car (Under the oil petcock) and remove the oil drain plug. Once it drains let it drip for a few to get it al out. Place the drain plug back in and tighten it. Remove the old oil filter and replace it with the new one. Follow the info on installing the new one (Like rub oil on the gasket before you instal it). Once it is installed remove your oil fill cap under the hood and start by putting 3 quarts back in. Check the dipstick after a few seconds to allow the oil to drain down. Fill and check as needed until it shows on your dipstick in the proper area. Drive for a while, then check it again to make sure it is still up. Once that is done, check your oil everyday before you start the car. That is the best time to check oil since the vehicle was sitting all night.

Or take it to a pro and pay between $35-$50

First off, you didn't mention any engine flush before draining your oil. This becomes more important as the engine ages.
And second, I daresay that driving around with three quarts of oil in your engine is a good way to overheat, if nothing else. Most engines hold (and require) four to five quarts, plus capacity enough for the oil filter.

most engine flushes are harsh chemical solvents, which you don't want to remain in your engine. don't use them.

I agree, don't use engine flushes unless you know what you're doing.

That said, any solvent left in your engine will be quickly burned off if you allow the engine to reach operating temperature.

 

[tm37]

Warm out I do it, cold I pay Wal Mart.

I use the super tech oil filters and mobile oil so it costs me about 10 bucks per change if I do it. 16 at wal mart and I have to drive 16 miles. (the hometown Wally world lacks a Oil Change place.)

 

[radioouman]

Always done it myself. One time I paid to have the dealer do it because it was cold and snowy outside.

It's a great time to do an inspection of the CV boots, look for other leaks, and do a grease job if necessary.