Changing your own oil

[yads]

Originally Posted by Sliver

It's not about the money for me; I find I save way more time doing it myself versus taking it to a shop. But I hear you, if I could be assured of no hassle/waiting around I would more often than not take it somewhere because you don't really save money doing it yourself.

This for sure. I can change the oil on my own time, instead of the shops time. Doing in winter is another story though.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Synthetic filters on sale at Partsource, $9.99, save $3.

[Titan]

[quote=pope04;2072204]
- While you're under there gettin' all Oiler fannish, check everything out. Look for leaks, etc.
quote]

I have the mental image of the Pope, in his hole-digger hat and white robes, crawling under the Pope mobile changing the oil. It made me laff.

[MoneyGuy]

I built ramps for changing my own oil, which I rarely do anymore as I buy oil change packages when I buy my cars. If anyone wants to build their own, it's not hard and I'd be happy to email photos of my ramps that you can use as a guide. I didn't want the flimsy ones that you buy. These ones are great, and strong enough to drive any vehicle onto. They're also wider.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Shazam

What's a good set of ramps?

I have a set bought from Canadian Tire years ago, and I think I know why people have referrred to ramps as being a pain. Make sure you get some that have a rubber bottom; or something to keep them from skidding. I find most newer cars have enough plastic along the underside to push the ramps across the floor as you attempt to drive up them.

Of course, with me being too cheap to buy a better set, I use a series of 2X4s to make sure they are up against the wall of the garage as I drive the car up.

[socktape]

does it cost anything to dispose of the oil at cdn tire or the firestation?

[pope04]

Originally Posted by socktape

does it cost anything to dispose of the oil at cdn tire or the firestation?

No. Go in and let them know that you're dropping off, though.

[MaDMaN_26]

I was once told as cardinal rule its fine to go from regular oil to synthetic but you must never go back. Once your synthetic your always synthetic - true?

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by MaDMaN_26

I was once told as cardinal rule its fine to go from regular oil to synthetic but you must never go back. Once your synthetic your always synthetic - true?

Actually, false!

http://action.publicbroadcasting.net...t/1603209.page

That site has a brief discussion about it; the very last post is the most insightful.


Three other links to confirm/corroborate:

- https://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English..._Stalling.aspx
- http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...9113708AATlBDA
- http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/arc.../t-649366.html

[arloiginla]

I do it myself, but so far have not been able to avoid getting it all down my arms when unscrewing the oil.

I do it without jacks actually, but have a ramp.

[burn_this_city]

I change my own because its costs over $100 in material alone to do a synthetic change on my truck. Lucky for me I dont have to jack it up. Just a peice of cardboard to lay on and a deep pan to catch all 10 liters. If I took it to the dealer I'd be looking at close to $200 an oil change.

[KTown]

I do mine my self.

My Rav 4 is real easy I don't even have to jack the car up.
My other 2 door vehicle I have to jack up its too low to go up ramps.

2 main reasons I do it myself is.

1) It's convienient some places you have to wait in line. I live in Chestermere and until now there never use to be an oil place change so I didn't want to waste my time driving into the city.

2) Cost, it is a little bit cheaper. I usually wait till cdn tire has a sale, buy a jug of oil and get a free filter. it then ends up costing me like 15 bucks to change the oil.


But yes as mentioned here earlier its real tricky not getting oil on your arm, I try to do it quick and now I only get a small bit on my arm.

[bluejays]

Wow, created this thread and didn't realize it was going to end up with so many responses so far. I do have a fair bit of questions still if anyone doesn't mind to answer:

1) What would be recommended. Ramps or Autojacks with Axel Stands? More or less they're the same price (here are the Ramps and Autojacks with Axel Stands I'm referring to). Each has pros and cons. Ramps are great because they're simply more sturdy. They stink because of the material, and I really wouldn't know whether one day they'd crack after a couple seasons of use while I'm under there, and that'd be the end of me. And also the aforementioned sliding issue. Third, they don't offer much lift compared to the Jack. They're also a little bit more expensive than the 2 ton jack (only about $15 more, so no big deal). The jack and axel stands you can use for emergency purposes outside of garage repairs, but are less sturdy, and not too sure about the quality of the motomaster brand. I'm not even sure if 2 tons would be enough?

2) People have been saying to use Mobil 1 synthetic oil, but I've heard Castrol and Mobil's Full Synthetic oils aren't true full synthetic's, but rather a marketing gimmick (except Mobil 1's Extended Performance brand and Castrol's German Full Synthetic)? How is the Pennzoil Synthetic in comparison?

3) What is the difference between 5W30 and 10W30 in layman's terms, and which one should we be using?


Once again, thanks for the info guys, and hope it's been informative to many of ya'll too.

[GGG]

^^^

1) I perfer ramps because I think they are faster then jacks and more stable and idiot proof. I don't think duribility is an issue I have had the same set for 10 years although they have been stored in an unheated garage the whole time. If you have Winter tires or plan to do your own tire rotations the jack stands are likely better becuase you can remove two tires at once and don't have to put the spare on while you rotate with the scissor jack.

2) don't know much

3) the difference is the viscosity or the abiltity of the oil to flow. When cold a 5W30 will remain more liquidy longer then a 10W30. As for which one you should use just check your owners manual and use whatever it reccomends

[REDVAN]

Question: when mr lube offers you to flush the engine, should you EVER do this?

My car is 5 yrs old and over 100000 kms... and I'd like to start on a synthetic high mileage oil but I don't know what will keep the car running the best. Any tips?

[yads]

It's a good idea to flush the engine if you notice metal particles when you drain your oil. Otherwise don't worry about it.

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

Question: when mr lube offers you to flush the engine, should you EVER do this?

My car is 5 yrs old and over 100000 kms... and I'd like to start on a synthetic high mileage oil but I don't know what will keep the car running the best. Any tips?

This or similar.

[macker]

Business idea :

Open up a garage similar to a car wash set up where you go to change your oil and are able to make a mess. Better yet an out of business Mr.Lube where you can go right under and DIY. Sell the oil and oil filters there and upsell other things that we don't really need but will buy because we are there. You could have a guy that knows what he is doing floating around to give pointers if needed. You could even call the place "Oilers.....for a change" Otherwise go into the installing showers in garages business.

[kevman]

Originally Posted by macker

Business idea :

Open up a garage similar to a car wash set up where you go to change your oil and are able to make a mess. Better yet an out of business Mr.Lube where you can go right under and DIY. Sell the oil and oil filters there and upsell other things that we don't really need but will buy because we are there. You could have a guy that knows what he is doing floating around to give pointers if needed. You could even call the place "Oilers.....for a change" Otherwise go into the installing showers in garages business.

Not quite the same but close...
http://www.u-wrench.ca/