gear02

So I just took my car to Jiffy Lube (yes, I remember Kim's thread, but it's just too damned convenient. I can actually walk back to work and not wait.

I got Mobil 1 oil and a air filter changed and while waiting for the other mechanic to check my license plate and tires for a tire rotation, I noticed how FREAKING easy it was to change my air filter. It's like two bolts and that's it. I can do that.

My goal is that soon I will start maintaining my car. If I can build and fix a computer, I can do a car. I looked online for oil and I saw the prices for Mobil 1 is like in the $3-6 range? That doesn't make much sense. Dude, they charged my $60 for it. How much does the oil cost itself?

InfiniteNothing

You can buy Mobil 1 at WalMart. I think it's $3-4/quart (So if you need 5 quarts it's $15-20)

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guiseppewv

You can buy a 5 qt bucket of Mobil 1 for $19.96 at Wally world. Then you can buy a better oil filter for $9-10 (mobil 1 filter) or $6-7 for a Bosch or Pure 1.

I had the same thinking that you have now as far as the building of computers and the maintaining my car. Since I started working on cars 5 yrs ago I have done tire rotations, air filter replacement, WAI installation, leather seat installation, brake pad & rotor replacement, head gasket replacement, supercharger installation, etc...

It is easy to work on your car. Find someone who knows what they are doing and learn from them. Also find an online car community for your car so you have other people to get advice.

Showtime

Yep and it goes on sale at Walmart, so you can stock up. I think it was under $2 a quart last time.

Jiffylube probably buys their oil in big drums for a better price. Air filters, oil filters and fuel filters are generally pretty easy to change out yourself. Spark plugs can be done relatively easily also. Just set the gap and line the threads and don't under or over tighten.

-j

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gear02

I think the only thing stopping me right now is that I have no driveway. I live in an apartment and I don't think I can change my oil in the parking lot.

Btw how much oil does a car need? I guess I assumed one bottle is enough

also for oil changes, how do you get your car in the air? With a jack?

Same goes for tire rotations.

Showtime

4 - 6 quarts. Check your manual. Fill up half a quart short and check with dip stick.
Add till filled according to dip stick. Close it all up and run motor for a little while (go for drive). Check level and add accordingly.

Use a jack to jack it up and use some jackstands to hold it up. Block off the rear tires so it cant roll. Set parking brake. Safety 1st.

Be careful when rotatin tires. Many sport tires are unidirectional and you can only switch from rear to front/front to rear. Rotate once or twice a year depending on how much you drive. Some people do it every oil change (3-4k)

-j

DarkFury

I can change the oil in my HEMI, no problem...

However the NAS-T Bird is just way too low to the ground for me to get under it (even with a jack or ramps) plus Furd in their ultimate wisdom put the oil filter in such a difficult location that for me it's worth it to me to pay someone else $6 - $10 to do it for me (while I buy my own oil... which is currently AMSOIL synthetic. )

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Acy

How often should oil changes be done anyway?


Here's an article on how to change it yourself from Edmunds:

http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/par...8/article.html

DarkFury

Honestly, it depends on the oil and your driving habits...

If you use regular petroleum oil and a standard filter and drive normally, then changing it every 3 months 3,000 miles will ensure that you will have normal wear on your engine.

However, if you go to synthetic oils, you can extend the drain period somewhat...

If you go with something like a Mobil 1 with a premium filter (in this case, the Mobil 1 filter would probably be the best bet even though it costs more), you most likely can get at least 6 months 6,000 miles out of a single oil change. Mobil 1 only guarantees their oil for the MAXIMUM of your vehicle manufacturer maintentance schedule (which is usually around 6 months, 6000 miles in most cases)

Then you have the synthetics like AMSOIL with a premium filter that have an even longer drain period... (which they claim 12 months/35,000 miles on their Series 2000 oil).

Now honestly, I don't even drive 35K miles in a year... It is more likely that I'll drive between 10 - 12K per year, so basically you are looking at the difference in doing 1, 2, or 4 oil changes in a year depending on which type you choose to go with.

The bottom line is... you should change your oil when it is dirty (i.e. has too many particulates in it that that are not being trapped by your oil filter and are causing wear on your engine ). Usually this is evidenced when the oil turns a dark color... however even then, you probably wouldn't know exactly how good/bad the oil is without having the oil tested by a lab. So pretty much most folks just stick to the maintenance schedule to be on the safe side.

ray

The owner's manual to your car should have all that information. I was actually going through some of the items in my owner's manual for my Camry and they tell you how and when to change the fluids, fuses etc

chrissy

As for living in an apt, you can still do it. cardboard to cover the ground around the oil drip pan and you are set.

If you would feel more comfortable changing it elsewhere, check with community colleges or trade schools. Some will rent bays. (we have a place on base but that won't help you none )

guiseppewv

You can use a jack or ramps for the oil changes. As said before if using a jack use jack stands. If you are going to rotate the tires you need a jack and jack stands.

ramazank2

I used to change my oil all the time but eventually i realized it is so much easier to pay someone a couple bucks. The savings is not worth my time and energy.

mcs328

I learned my lesson on the air filter the first time around 10 years ago. Same as you. I saw it and I was like WTF...$15 plus labor??? The air filter is around 10 bucks at Autozone or wal-mart. Save yourself a few bucks and do it yourself.

The oil change I used to do but I don't have the time so I take it to the dealership for 20 bucks on Saturday mornings when needed.

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ramazank2

The air filter is very easy to change. I also replace my PCV valve every once in a while or at least clean it out with some degresser.

Dont forget to change Fuel Filter every year or two. I have a had a few problems in the past by not changing it.

billxp

Its not worth the effort for the small amount saved on an oil change. Plus now you need to dispose of the used oil also. As far as the other things sure change your air filter etc etc.

Plus side of having the dealer or other service shop change your oil is that most will give your underside a good looking at to see if you might need any additional work. You don't have to get it done but its nice to have the heads up on any safety issues.

Bires

Are you sure you got Mobil 1? It looks just like the cheap stuff when its new.


I use a brake/muffler shop in Vegas (Brake Masters) to do my under-the-car work. They only charge me ten bucks when I bring in my own oil and filter (both Mobil1).

Now I need to find a good engine place to replace the seals on my wife's 200SX.

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gear02

I think the appeal of changing your own oil is like building your own computer...you won't save much money, but you have the satisfaction of building something plus you know what went in it.


My point exactly. I paid for it, but I could have gotten seal blubber for all i know. Plus you can avoid something Kim experienced if you know what you're doing. Although, I did see him replace the air filter (he showed it to me, it was dirty) so these people might be reputable. But I have no way knowing whether the oil is changed or whether they rotated my tires.

guiseppewv

a) You can dispose of the oil for free at any advanced auto in the country.

b) unless you know that the shop is not going to rip you b/c they are an honest shop (very few of this type of shop around) then the shop is going to tell you about a bunch of things that you don't really need changed but they will recommend it anyways. I don't call that a heads up.

billxp

Its just an oil change. More like defraging than build a system. It may just be me because I'm in the business. But I can understand how some might feel that way.


I've seen customers mark the tires in the past. I just laughed.

gear02

Why? I thought of doing that, but I figure it's a waste of time.

billxp

Still an extra trip. Add that to the cost.

Ok so lets see the numbers supporting that general statement.

There are crooks in any business. I tell most to go by word of mouth. Ask your friends and family where they go.

I also tell people its not like buying a dozen eggs. Price of eggs may differ from store to store but its still a dozen eggs. When shopping for any other services you have to remember that quality workmanship normally cost more. When I get prices I try to get at least 3 prices. Throw out the high and the low in most cases it seems.

With alloy rims you can tell by looking to see if the dirtier rims have been moved to the rear of the car. Honestly rotating tires in most shops is a no brainer. Plus it makes it easier to inspect the brakes once the wheels are off. Maintenance suggestion on future work need not be looked upon as bad, but that depends on the shop.

gear02

Well, I think people who mark tires (my mom included) do so because they're afraid they will claim to have rotated the tires, but not do a thing. It is a bit hard for the non-auto inclined to figure out if they have been rotated, Heck I don't even know right now if they did it. I'm just trusting them. Others are not so trusting.

DarkFury

While I agree of the "convenience" of letting someone else change it (They have a pit or a lift and can do in 10 minutes which might take me 30 to 45 minutes plus "clean up"...

But think about this... At the average oil change place, my HEMI (which takes 7 quarts of oil) costs roughly $32 for normal dino oil or $59 for synthetic (unless I get it done at Wal-Mart where they can do it for $20 dino/$45 synthetic)

Multiply those numbers x 4 changes = $128 dino/$236 synth (average) $80 dino/$180 syth Wal-Mart.

Since I use AMSOIL, which only requires one oil change per year (and 2 filters... one every 6 months) I can buy 7 quarts of the Series 2000 and 2 Filters for roughly $80 and change it one time myself and have better protection than dino oil... My T-Bird uses the 5 1/2 quarts of the regular blend (which is cheaper than the Series 2000) and 2 filters for around $45 per year

If I want, I can still pay someone $10 to put it in for me... but that's just a choice there.

Either way, I still end up saving money in the long run and I save time by not having to keep running back and forth to have the oil changed (which includes the waiting for the change itself) A true "win win" situation. Yes, you pay more up front, but you save in the end.

mcs328

I once went to a jiffy lube and he told me I needed a new air filter. I didn't get one because I just replaced it the month before. It was very shady I thought because it looked very dirty and I don't think it even looked like the one I put in.

palayah8ta

Forget Jiffy lube, 1nce a year take your car to an authorized dealer. Because i went to an acura dealership and payed $29.50 for an oil change (and a car wash and vacuum), i found out about a recall acura had done, and they replaced my starter ignition system for free. also everytime i go they top off my power steering fluid, cooling, and grease my doors, and rotate my tires when i ask them. and they even drive me to work when i drop my car off.

so my point, at least 1nce a year break the bank and goto the stealership. it pays off

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Bires

You can change your filter without draining your oil?

DarkFury

Yes...

The oil is in the pan... only a little is in the filter, especially if you change the filter when the engine is cold.

look_ma

lol, not for my old car, i didnt have an oil plug like most cars, i had to undo a screw cap for a 3in opening, and inside was my filter. Such a bad bad setup./

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DarkFury

Yeah... that does sound like a messy situation.

In my case, the oil pan is definitely lower than the filter (which is right above one of the front crossmembers in the HEMI)