The DIY Oil Change
04-05-2008, 05:24 PM
#33
I do my own because it gives me a sense of accomplishment, I know it will be done right, and maybe most importantly it gets me under the car now and then to keep an eye on things like leaking seals, worn bushings, etc.
I use ramps, front out in my driveway. The incline of the driveway helps offset the effect of the ramps so the car is closer to level. I have one of those great aluminum heavy duty floor jacks but I prefer the ramps for most under-car work.
A combination drain pan/disposal jug is cheap and works great. I do set it on top of a big old towl in the trunk or use the truck to take it to the parts store where I buy my oil. You can return used oil to just about any auto parts store for recycling. DO NOT throw it in the trash...it ends up in landfill. There's enough crap in there already.
I use Mobil 1 Synthetic. I've heard plenty of arguments for other high end lubes but this has always worked fine for me and is readily available here "in the sticks."
Great idea about the foil. I will try it next change (tomorrow most likely).
I use ramps, front out in my driveway. The incline of the driveway helps offset the effect of the ramps so the car is closer to level. I have one of those great aluminum heavy duty floor jacks but I prefer the ramps for most under-car work.
A combination drain pan/disposal jug is cheap and works great. I do set it on top of a big old towl in the trunk or use the truck to take it to the parts store where I buy my oil. You can return used oil to just about any auto parts store for recycling. DO NOT throw it in the trash...it ends up in landfill. There's enough crap in there already.
I use Mobil 1 Synthetic. I've heard plenty of arguments for other high end lubes but this has always worked fine for me and is readily available here "in the sticks."
Great idea about the foil. I will try it next change (tomorrow most likely).
05-10-2008, 05:19 AM
#38
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Location: Virginia
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Guess it's time to resolve the issue with my Costco aluminum floor jack. It leaked some oil... I hope it just needs bleeding. Hey, what kind of fluid do jacks use?
06-30-2008, 07:49 AM
#39
Registered User
Originally Posted by mlc,Feb 1 2008, 05:28 AM
Money is one consideration. But the fact that I know that it is done correctly and not just half a$$ed by someone that has been working at the dealership two weeks is more important to me. I don't want to have to post one of those "I was driving down the road and heard a stranage noice and OMG no oil plug" stories. So that is why I do most if not all of my own maintenance.
Besides to me that is one of the things about owning this car that I like you can do the mainenance yourself.
mlc
Besides to me that is one of the things about owning this car that I like you can do the mainenance yourself.
mlc
So yea..the small hassle of changing it far outweighs the hassle of getting a new motor..
