For various reasons, I have decided to start changing my own oil- mainly because I don't know of any place that uses the oil and oil filter combo I want (Castrol GTX and Pureone) on my car.

So I tried this today. I failed miserably. #1) I didn't have the right size ratchet for the drain plug (I thought it was a 17mm, but it seemed a bit loose). #2) I thought I could manually unscrew the filter with my hands... I couldn't. #3) I didn't know what size crush washer to replace the drain plug with (14, 16, etc?).

And do you guys jack the car up during all this? I remember reading some folks can work w/o the car being jacked up, but I couldn't even see the damn oil filter, let alone work on it.

 

You should really use the factory oil filter. As for jacking it up, depends on how big you are. I for one cannot get anything done if the car isn't on jacks...

 

i always go to acura dealership to have my oil changed...beacause they are certify technicians..and they know how to deal with the car..

 

its not worth it, check out what a labor charge is these days for a lube, oil, and filter, you can supply your own oil, and filter if you like its probably like 7-9 dollars, thats not worth jacking a car up, spending time, getting rid of the waste oil

just my thoughts

 

I go only to the dealer.

29.95 total and I get a loner car (Ford Taurus) for the entire day.
They are only 10-minutes from my office and I don’t get dirt under my fingernails.

I do some stuff to my car like tinkering around with the electronics, but I leave the messy stuff to the guys with overalls.

Shawn S

 

I think it is worth it; access to the oil filter is really pretty easy. Im able to do it without any jacking. Plus you can get Mobil 1 on sale along with a high quality oil filter for a total of about 20 bucks. true that you have to dispose of the oil, but thats not too difficult where I live.

 

It all depends on time and self accomplishment. I've always done the motor and tranny oil, but I've always had access to a garage and a 2.5ton jack & stands.

If you plan to work on cars, or anything, you need tools. Get what you need for next time, if there is a next time.

Check past posts on 'jack stands' and 'cheap oil'.

Besides the money I save, I can get a nice steak dinner. GOOD LUCK!!

 

You must be kidding! Those guys don't have a clue as to how to deal with a car. I have yet to get my car back without a scratch, something left undone, fingerprints everywhere, etc. They are like doctors with engines, but their bedside manor sucks!

[ 08-06-2001: Message edited by: bone_stock ]

 

I have done it both ways and am currently letting other people change my oil. One additional benefit of having pros change your oil is you have documentation for your service records.

 

I will never have any dealership do any work on my car that i think i can do. the last time i had a free first oil change and when i got my car back, my freakin seat had all sorts of oil stains on it. the door panels too. so now, i change my own oil. i bought a pair of ramps from trak auto. bought the oil filter wrench from the dealer cuz i only use honda filters. then i use mobile 1. takes about 25 minutes to do. and costs much less too. then i just keep all my receipts, write the mileage on it....for records purposes.

 

I have been changing oil and oil filters on my cars for more than 45 years. On my CLS it's real easy. I jack up the passanger side of the car up a little and slide an old large refrigerator fruit keeper pan under the drain plug. Loosen the drain plug and let it drop in the pan. While the oil is draining I get a cold beer and relax. The original oil filter did not need an oil filter wrench to remove it. I loosen the oil filter, place an large (2lbs) empty yogurt container under it and keep loosening the oil filter until it falls into the empty yogurt container. Fill the new oil filter with fresh oil and screw it on. Add 4 qts of new oil and it's done. It takes less time than driving to the dealer and waiting. I do not like the Honda filters. The US and Canadian made ones are not of great quality. I like the Purolator Pure One PL14459 filters better, as they are better made and cheaper than the Honda filters. My favorite oil is Mobil 1.

 

I just got one of those large drain pans that has a space in it to put the filter, and a carrying handle, etc. Our car couldn't be easier - the drain plug and filter are right next to each other, with plenty of hand space around the filter!

Personally, I use the M1-104 filter and 15W-50 Mobile 1 tri synthetic.

 

Dealership for me...I don't have the time to do that shit myself. As for dealerships fucking up peoples cars, why don't you guys go back in there and go off on them for doing that?