Is it worth changing your own oil?

[Meghan54]

Darn, I must be doing it wrong, then. Don't have oil mess everywhere, but the pan I use is one of the larger type, this one:

Then, I personally care what oil goes into my vehicles. I don't really like the idea of having whatever the cheapest bulk oil the place bought that month going into my crankcase. And the filter....well, I don't want anything built by Fram anywhere near my stuff.

About pouring....never heard of a funnel, eh? Don't spill. And disposal is a non-issue.

But I do understand the oil places/dealers especially if you live in a very urban area. I just like doing it myself.

 

[Fritzo]

And the filter....well, I don't want anything built by Fram anywhere near my stuff.

I get kind of annoyed by Fram haters. Yes, Fram makes a super cheap eco-filter carried in orange boxes in stores. However they also make mid-line and high-end filters. I've found their Ultra Synthetic series to be just as good as Mobile 1 filters at half the price. I highly encourage you to try one out.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I won't use fram just on principle alone. We had some fram marketing guy in here a few years ago swearing everything was changed, and he was proven completely wrong. Their high end filters still use cardboard/hard plastic anti drainback valves and unsupported shit media. Just more pleats.



I change my oil primarily because oil change places seem to screw stuff up so often. It's more about piece of mind than anything else. Mobil 1 oil, purolator filters.

 

[7window]

Pro tip---spread cheap kitty litter under the car before you open the plug. If you miss your oil pan, you can just sweep it up.

Yes I am aware of the kitty litter but almost always I tell myself that I wont make a spill then oops drip drip drip. Never fails. I still do the oil change though. As to container I have the basin kind . I believe yours is spill proof.

 

[Meghan54]

I get kind of annoyed by Fram haters. Yes, Fram makes a super cheap eco-filter carried in orange boxes in stores. However they also make mid-line and high-end filters. I've found their Ultra Synthetic series to be just as good as Mobile 1 filters at half the price. I highly encourage you to try one out.

Not a Fram hater, per se, but don't trust the owning company. I was a dedicated Fram user 40 years ago, but their product has gotten cheaper and cheaper as Fram was sold to larger and larger conglomerates. And it's true Fram's upper lines of filters seem good, but too costly vs. Purolator PureOne line.

Switched to Purolators years and years ago and have never looked back. Have used the occasional AC Delco, too. And a few Wix. Too many other brands I trust over Fram.

 

[RiDE]

Do the oil changes yourself and the dealers can do the inspection during your 15k/whatever service interval.

This is what I would do. If I had to pick I would skip Inspection Is and just do IIs.

 

[country2]

I change my oil myself in my F150 and Fusion but on my Fiesta the dealership does it since its under warranty and I usually get a free wash,interior clean and everything else (lights fluids etc) checked also and I get a discount.

Guess it helps when your brother is the service manager and he knows how picky I am.

 

[sze5003]

I take my lancer the dealer for $60 bucks. I drive a little over 20k miles a year so they check it out and tell me what else I need. I then go buy parts and have it done somewhere else.

They don't rotate the tires for free or wash or clean the car but I get my tires at tire rack and put them on at sears where I get free tire rotations as long as I want as long as I get tires put on there.

As for my motorcycle, I do most maintenance myself. I have a stand and a buddy with a garage so we do that stuff together on my suzuki and his cbr.
For stuff like adjusting the tires or chain and other menial things I go to the bike dealer and they do it for like 15 bucks when I get my inspection.

 

[Ferzerp]

Nope, not worth my time.

 

[leper84]

I do my own, even if it wasn't at work I'd still do my own. I've seen/worked/work with too many idiots to let them touch my damn car.

OP I'd do your own. For some reason those Minis are some of the worst cars when it comes to people not changing the filter; whether its jiffy lube or an actual repair shop some people are too big of vaginas to buy the right socket and figure it out.

Do your own oil changes. Mobile 1 is dirt cheap at walmart, something like $22-$25 for a $5qt jug. Some of the aftermarket filters for those are crap so you can stock up on OEM Mini ones online in advance. You know you'll actually be getting good stuff in your car and you can know its done right.

 

[Meghan54]

I change my oil myself in my F150 and Fusion but on my Fiesta the dealership does it since its under warranty and I usually get a free wash,interior clean and everything else (lights fluids etc) checked also and I get a discount.

I keep seeing this as one of the reasons to take your cars into dealers......seriously, do none of y'all ever bother to check your lights, fluids, etc. on your own? Should be doing that at least once a week. Not exactly rocket science to check your oil, washer, ps (trans I do neglect to once a month), brake fluid levels, air pressure, lights working, etc.

 

[JulesMaximus]

This is $6 at Walmart. Drains into the top, then you take it to Autozone and pour it into their oil tank.

I have one of those and it is totally worthless. That top is not oil tight and it leaks. There is no way I'd put it in my car to transport anywhere.

Ever use one of these to try to pour used oil back into a plastic bottle? Even with a funnel it is impossible to do without dripping some and then you have to keep the plastic bottles, they won't take them at the auto parts store and the city won't take them either in the recycling. You have to make an appointment to go down to waste management to dispose of the empty bottles.

It's just too much hassle. I never once changed the oil myself on my Maxima nor have I done it on my wife's Lexus... and I can't imagine I ever will. The Camry Hybrid is going to the dealer for 2 years of free service but even after that I'm not changing it myself.

Next service on the bike is the 15,000 mile valve check which includes an oil change so I might take it in for that but I'm kind of toying with doing it myself too... it's not that difficult. I've been changing the oil in the bike more frequently than recommended simply because I haven't been riding it as much and it is air-cooled (which really means oil-cooled). I'll do some work on the bike because I genuinely enjoy it. It is pleasing to look at, pleasing to work on and I get some satisfaction out of that.

I wash and detail my cars myself but that's pretty much it.

 

[Fenixgoon]

from a money standpoint? no.

from knowing that you got the oil change done the way you want with the oil you want? yes.

 

[pauldun170]

I have one of those and it is totally worthless. That top is not oil tight and it leaks. There is no way I'd put it in my car to transport anywhere.

Ever use one of these to try to pour used oil back into a plastic bottle? Even with a funnel it is impossible to do without dripping some and then you have to keep the plastic bottles, they won't take them at the auto parts store and the city won't take them either in the recycling. You have to make an appointment to go down to waste management to dispose of the empty bottles.

It's just too much hassle. I never once changed the oil myself on my Maxima nor have I done it on my wife's Lexus... and I can't imagine I ever will. The Camry Hybrid is going to the dealer for 2 years of free service but even after that I'm not changing it myself.

Next service on the bike is the 15,000 mile valve check which includes an oil change so I might take it in for that but I'm kind of toying with doing it myself too... it's not that difficult. I've been changing the oil in the bike more frequently than recommended simply because I haven't been riding it as much and it is air-cooled (which really means oil-cooled). I'll do some work on the bike because I genuinely enjoy it. It is pleasing to look at, pleasing to work on and I get some satisfaction out of that.

I wash and detail my cars myself but that's pretty much it.

I agree that drain pans with lids rarely work as advertised.

I stick with this style - http://www.blitzusa.com/products/oil/Oil Drains and Pans/podp2gpod.html
Mine is sized so I don't have to worry about clearance on any of my cars or bikes. No need to toss the cars on lifts. If there isn't clearance for my pan then the car shouldn't be used on public roads.
When oil change is done, I drain that in the 5 gallon container (I keep one for oil, one for coolant). That stays in the garage until a convenient time to drop off. In NY, as far as I know every autoparts store and repair shop is required by law to take the oil. Just show up and ask where do I dump this? (I do prefer putting them in the trunk when the wife takes her car in for yearly inspection. They drain it and clean it up nicely for her)

Disposable nitrile gloves + rag for wipe down.
No mess whatsoever.

No way would I try and use the old oil containers for disposal of oil. That's a pain in the ass and I can see why you would rather just bring it in.

I completely understand not wanting to do maintenance work on a vehicle yourself, especially appliance type vehicles that will just get traded in after 3-5 years.

However, since you do your own maintenance on the bikes I thought I'd just toss it out there how I handle it.

 

[WackyDan]

I change my own, even on the new vehicle. Cost is probably about the same (because they charge list on oil, filter and air filter) and it certainly takes me more time, but I enjoy the process.

The main reason I have changed my own for years is that the shithead kid they have changing your oil (Yes, even at the dealer) has no comprehension of how to properly tighten the oil pan drain plug. - Specially in an aluminum pan. I can't tell you how many times I've had to replace those plugs because the head was rounded or because I had to essentially destroy the thing to get it out of the pan myself after they did work.

Two years ago I had to have a gasket replaced on the wife's car and they drained the oil to do the job... Sure as shit the next oil change I did I had to use a bolt extractor to get the dam thing out - Luckily the threads weren't damaged. If you think they'll take responsibility for that kind of shit you will be mistaken.

 

[NutBucket]

I have one of those and it is totally worthless. That top is not oil tight and it leaks. There is no way I'd put it in my car to transport anywhere.

Ever use one of these to try to pour used oil back into a plastic bottle? Even with a funnel it is impossible to do without dripping some and then you have to keep the plastic bottles, they won't take them at the auto parts store and the city won't take them either in the recycling. You have to make an appointment to go down to waste management to dispose of the empty bottles.

Funny how you have such a different experience. Have you actually had the city complain about the bottles in the recycling bin? I've been tossing mine in there for years. I also toss the used filter into the regular trash can.

And for me I would rather change my own oil. Peace of mind that its done right. Plus my Honda basically has no pan in the traditional sense; its formed into the lower half of the engine block and its aluminum. Yeah, no oil jockey is touching that.

 

[WackyDan]

Darn, I must be doing it wrong, then. Don't have oil mess everywhere, but the pan I use is one of the larger type, this one:

Then, I personally care what oil goes into my vehicles. I don't really like the idea of having whatever the cheapest bulk oil the place bought that month going into my crankcase. And the filter....well, I don't want anything built by Fram anywhere near my stuff.

About pouring....never heard of a funnel, eh? Don't spill. And disposal is a non-issue.

But I do understand the oil places/dealers especially if you live in a very urban area. I just like doing it myself.

I've used the same pan as you for years and years now. Works great. Use a funnel to pour into gallon jugs and I do that on a large piece of cardboard in case I do make a mess.

I use an oil sucker to change the oil on my lawn equipment.

 

[7window]

Thanks Julius and pauldun for the pan info. I will hang on to my old basin.

Wackydan is right but you forgot to mention that they wipe your filter clean instead of replacing.

The bad part of the funnel is sometimes it overflows.

 

[NutBucket]

Would you believe the maintenance schedule for my Honda basically says to replace the filter every-other time you change the oil? For me that works out to every 16k miles!

 

[Fritzo]

Not a Fram hater, per se, but don't trust the owning company. I was a dedicated Fram user 40 years ago, but their product has gotten cheaper and cheaper as Fram was sold to larger and larger conglomerates. And it's true Fram's upper lines of filters seem good, but too costly vs. Purolator PureOne line.

Switched to Purolators years and years ago and have never looked back. Have used the occasional AC Delco, too. And a few Wix. Too many other brands I trust over Fram.

My problem with Purolator is they don't include a crush washer or a new gasket with their filter, where Fram does (at least for my BMW). I have to buy them separately. Fram also includes a window sticker reminder (nice touch )

 

[Fritzo]

I have one of those and it is totally worthless. That top is not oil tight and it leaks. There is no way I'd put it in my car to transport anywhere.

Ever use one of these to try to pour used oil back into a plastic bottle? Even with a funnel it is impossible to do without dripping some and then you have to keep the plastic bottles, they won't take them at the auto parts store and the city won't take them either in the recycling. You have to make an appointment to go down to waste management to dispose of the empty bottles.

It's just too much hassle. I never once changed the oil myself on my Maxima nor have I done it on my wife's Lexus... and I can't imagine I ever will. The Camry Hybrid is going to the dealer for 2 years of free service but even after that I'm not changing it myself.

Next service on the bike is the 15,000 mile valve check which includes an oil change so I might take it in for that but I'm kind of toying with doing it myself too... it's not that difficult. I've been changing the oil in the bike more frequently than recommended simply because I haven't been riding it as much and it is air-cooled (which really means oil-cooled). I'll do some work on the bike because I genuinely enjoy it. It is pleasing to look at, pleasing to work on and I get some satisfaction out of that.

I wash and detail my cars myself but that's pretty much it.

Why do you have to pour the used oil back into the bottles? I just take it to Autozone (or whereever) and pour it in their tank. I've never had a leakage problem. The caps have silicone gaskets in them that prevent leakage.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Why do you have to pour the used oil back into the bottles? I just take it to Autozone (or whereever) and pour it in their tank. I've never had a leakage problem. The caps have silicone gaskets in them that prevent leakage.

Because the drain pan lid leaks. I already said that. :hmm:

 

[JulesMaximus]

I agree that drain pans with lids rarely work as advertised.

I stick with this style - http://www.blitzusa.com/products/oil/Oil%20Drains%20and%20Pans/podp2gpod.html
Mine is sized so I don't have to worry about clearance on any of my cars or bikes. No need to toss the cars on lifts. If there isn't clearance for my pan then the car shouldn't be used on public roads.
When oil change is done, I drain that in the 5 gallon container (I keep one for oil, one for coolant). That stays in the garage until a convenient time to drop off. In NY, as far as I know every autoparts store and repair shop is required by law to take the oil. Just show up and ask where do I dump this? (I do prefer putting them in the trunk when the wife takes her car in for yearly inspection. They drain it and clean it up nicely for her)

Disposable nitrile gloves + rag for wipe down.
No mess whatsoever.

No way would I try and use the old oil containers for disposal of oil. That's a pain in the ass and I can see why you would rather just bring it in.

I completely understand not wanting to do maintenance work on a vehicle yourself, especially appliance type vehicles that will just get traded in after 3-5 years.

However, since you do your own maintenance on the bikes I thought I'd just toss it out there how I handle it.

I've been buying motorcycle oil in the 4 liter container size so I'll use that to empty the drain pan (it is getting kind of full and I need to empty it before my next change).

As for the cars, the pan would fit fine, there isn't any clearance for me. I could not get at the oil filter drain plug or the oil filter without a lift or jack stands. Just not worth the hassle. Not sure what the length of time I keep a vehicle has to do with anything. I owned my Maxima for 10 years, never once changed the oil on it myself. We've had my wife's Lexus for 8 years and I've never once changed the oil on her car myself. Both cars were always serviced according to the manufacturer spec.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Jiffy lube is doing a 5qt change, topping fluids, AND giving me a coupon for free large papa johns pizza for $20.-. For my hoopty rides it makes zero sense for me to even bother with DIY. The pizza is a bonus.

 

[TridenT]

I usually pour it into a gallon milk jug or two. The recycling guys pick it up. They do antifreeze and motor oil. Pretty much covers almost all my needs. I'm not sure what places take ATF though.

Anyway, is it worth it? Yes. You get to do the maintenance yourself and can rely on the results. I do it just because I want a certain kind of motor oil and a certain kind of oil filter. I've used FRAM before, but I prefer using the WIX ones that NAPA Gold has. Sometimes I forget to buy the filter in time and NAPA is already closed... I go to Walmart and buy a FRAM. It happens. I don't like doing it, but it does happen. I try to get the ones that are a step or two above the cheapest when I do. Although, I'm not sure. Maybe I don't because I just think it's marketing and they're all shit anyway.

I'm planning a large 3 month trip in the future that involves about 10k of miles. I will have to pay out of my ass for oil changes on that one to guarantee it's good shit. I'll probably buy the filter and oil, but ask someone to do it for me. (Since I have no way to collect and dispose of the oil properly while on the road)