I'm about to change my oil myself. After searching, I bought synthetic oil, filter, and everything. What I'm having a trouble with is that I can't get through under the car becuase it is too low as shown in the pic. (Sorry for crappy pic; it's taken by phone) I bought a new lifting jack and can lift up enough from the side so that I can put my head under. Do you think it would be safe? It seems little dangerous to me. If it is, do you have any good tips for this situation?

 

Use jack stands. I wouldn't trust my head under the car with just a jack.

 

Ah...... more money to spend... hella expensive oil change. : (

 

Technically, a floor jack is designed to lift a car, not hold it in place. Use jack stands if you're going to actually go under the car. I'm sure a lot of folks get away without stands, but better safe then sorry, or dead.

Alternatively, you can buy a pair of ramps (Rhino Ramps) for oil changes. It's less hassle then a jack and stands.

Another alternative is to use an oil extractor so you don't have to jack things up at all. A number of us have them an they work well on the CL. You still have to change the filter, but that's an easy reach behind the passenger front wheel.

 

I've bought a package deal that came with a jack and stands for around $100 from sears (and other set I got under $75 years ago).

I don't mind spending money on tools, 'cause once you have 'em, you have 'em for ever. I don't have alot of tools, but the ones I have I use alot.

I probably have about 8 jackstands between me and my bother in the garage now, and 2 or 3 jacks. It's nice to have the right tools for the job

 

those rims are hot - what kinda rims are those and what kind of springs did u get to get that low?

 

Those are 18" Motegi FF7. You can find a great deal with tire package (I got Yokohama Parade). And H&R spring. I'm trying to post more pics with digital camera tomorrow for daytime pics. : )

 

Thanks for comments, guys. I thought about getting an oil extractor, too, but I still needs to change the filter. But is it really easy reach for filter while oil change is not?

 

If you turn you wheel all the way to the right, it's not too hard to reach under and change the filter.

It is a bit of a reach though, and it is a bit easier to change the filter if you lift the front of the car (your choice - ramps or jack + stands).

 

well for me, the filter was an easy reach, but the worst part for me is to lossen the damn filter, cause my friend tigthen it to much on the last oil change

 

those ramps work well, but since our cars are front wheel drive, it is kinda hard to get the front tires up on the ramps. The first time I did it, my front left tire spun and threw the damn thing under my car - luckily I was still stock (4x4) height so it was easy to get.

But never rely on the jack to hold the car up - you life is worth more than the $30 it costs to get some stands.

 

A filter wrench with a 1/2 ratchet and breaker bar takes care of removing the filter very nicely.

 

Or just stab it with a screwdriver and turn.

I usually find it easier to just jack the car up and remove the filter. I dont use jack stands, but my car isnt low enough to fall & hurt me. Once it has the springs on then yeah, jackstands are a must.