RiceRocket

Do you most of you guys take your car to the dealership for oil changes and other maintenance stuff or do it yourself? Cause I was going to let the dealership do my stuff since I don't want to jack the car up. Does it matter, unless you want to keep a record of your car, if the dealership does it or will break the warranty? Thanks

TeknoKing

well unless your car is 04-05 dealership will turn into stealership for 99-03.

Either go to a local trusted mechanic shop or do it yourself.

And NO it will not void the warranty! its only an oil change.

Reg, oil for like 23.99 will get your oil changed, all other fluids filled up, tires psi checked, and some other crap, and a Free carwash where applicable. (im sure you already know this)

I personally only use Mobil or Amsoil synthetic oils which goes for a litlte bit more expensive around 50 bux.

peaceeeeeeeeeee.

RiceRocket

I have a manual, probably need to read it, but also wondering how thick do you guys run it during the winter and the summer. I live in CO

TeknoKing

if i knew what the question meant i would of helped you, sorry

How thick? if the oil is getting thick, then holy shit, change it!
gots to run, good luck on your quest

PS and unless you are really comfortable doing the oil change yourself, i wouldnt, cauz i believe you do need a special tool to remove the oil filter. (maybe!)

fsttyms1

just stick with what the manufacture recomends for oil weight unless you know wat it all means and what type of driving you do. for 99% of the people the recomended weight is good enough

RiceRocket

Sorry dude, that's what I mean, the weight of the oil. Does it matter if you run synthetic or regular?

TeknoKing

ahh, now i got it... like fsttyms said, stick to the manufacturer's recommendation.

I use synthetic cauz i get 5,000-7,500 miles, plus from experience I know that synthetic 100% does its job at maintaining the performance of the engine and preserves all the critical moving parts by eliminating more bad friction and keeping the engine a bit cooler.

I had Maxima 1997, i always ran synthetic by the year 2000, the engine still ran like new, which was amazing.

later.

spl1011

Oh, and dont forget the gaskets for the oil drain plug (they are like .03 a pop) and torque them as specified (27, I believe it is)

I bought a set of ramps from Walmart. They work well, but are kinda scary when you initially drive up them. Or you can just jack up the right side (the side with the oil filter). I like to put some Dow Corning #4 silicone di=electric grease on the oil filter gasket. Just a coat, dont goop it on there. It makes the next oil filter removal much easier in that it doesnt allow the rubber to cake up and stick to the flange.

I think everyone should get personal with their car and change their own oil. After a while, you get good at it and you can probably squeeze the job out in the same amount it takes for you to drive out there, wait, get it done, wait, and then pay, and then drive home. All you had to do was remember to buy some oil and a filter next time you go grocery shopping. Disposing it can be a pain, however.

But when you take a peak underneath, it really helps you appreciate your machine's heart!

Good luck!