Hi,

I know this is probably been asked before I could not find a good answer on the search... I apologized b4hand if this a duplicate question..

I have a 2006 Acura TL Navi auto with 68,000 miles. I got the little message telling me oil is <15. I dread going to the dealership since they always find something else that needs to be fixed or they find something that could cause an 'issue'.

So question, Do I have to take it to the dealer for a simple oil change? or can I just go to my local pennzoil which is cheaper too... also what oil brands do you recommend?? I been using dealer oil but I'm open to change..

My previous car was a 2003 Honda Civic EX, I drove that car to 105,000 miles and never had any major maintenance done. I never took it to a dealer so the car drove without any issue for that many miles, I'm sure if I had taken it to the dealer, they would have found 'something'....

I believe a honda/acura will drive for 100k miles without needing anything major other than brakes, battery and fluids...

But last time I took the TL to Acura I needed a new cabin filter, a new power steering sensor, next thing you know I paid 830!!!!!

Thanks for your help!!

 

simple answer:
yes, you can take to an oil chain.
you can use whatever brand of oil they recommend, 5w-20 and 5w-30 are both fine for our cars.

 

Hey Thanks justnspace! I'm also in Houston! where do you take yours?

 

I do my own service
Since you do live in the Houston area, I would recommend a 5w-30 because of our heat in the summers.

 

If you're an average driver and change your oil and filter regularly per the MID indications, any brand oil (reg or syn) and filter will be fine. As many say "whatever is on sale".

If you want to go syn, FYI O'reilly now has their own brand of 5w20 and 5w30 syn oil for dirt cheap (pretty much a clone of Mobil 1 syn). Many places will allow you to bring in your own oil and filter and just charge you labor ($15-$20) to do the change for you.

The biggest issue where someone else changes your oil is them over torqueing the oil pan drain bolt. Make sure they use a torque wrench. 29 ft/lbs.

 

x2

 

Thanks guys, I will take it in tonight and avoid the Acura 120 charge!

 

I would strongly suggest you give serious thought before taking your car in for an oil change to some "quicky" shop. Horror stories abound about these places. But then, I do my own oil changes so I know they're done right.

 

even if you do not take it to the acura dealer you should have the cabin filter changed at a certain mileage or time. I have all the service done on my tsx by a acura dealer I think is excellent. They do not try to sell me unneeded service and are not that expensive. My tsx has almost 120,000 problem free miles (still has the original brakes)

 

Cabin filter is very easy to change and you can do that yourself. Same with air filter under the hood. If you can, do your own oil change, it's easy as well. Perhaps a local member like justnspace can help.

 

Im always happy to help a local member.
I have a garage with tools and have helped members in the past with suspension and brakes.

 

That's cool I've done the same here for locals. Helped with coilovers, CAI's, etc.

 

120k on orginal brakes??? thats crazy

 

if its only an "A" service...which is essentially an oil change, then tell the dealer (if you go choose to go to them) to only do the oil change. its $40. the typical A service costs $110-120. but if you know what each of those services for the letters and numbers are....then you might be able to save yourself a few bucks at the dealer.

i've gone to me dealer for all of my service for my car (except tires) and don't ever get told the "list" of things that need/should be done to the car. the more you know about your car and its needs, the better when going to the dealer. plus establishing a relationship with them may lead to no or less upselling. as with anything you pay for what you get. just don't take your car to jiffy lube. as a "chick" i haven't been taken advantage of by the dealer b/c i usually go in knowing exactly what i want done. they tell me things that will soon need to be done which is fine. at least i'm aware of it.

if you DIY or DIY with help from a more mechanical friend...its the least expensive and most trustworthy. if something gets messed up you have noone to blame except yourself then. good luck.

 

Do it yourself.

You'll learn something, and you will save tons of money in the long run.

If you need help, I can help too. (JUSTNSPACE beat me too it )

At the price of those Penzoil places in Houston ($30 for dino oil- not worth it IMO).

You should check Honda specials, I see oil changes with synthetic blend for $19.99 which isn't too bad.