Oil change... do you do your own or have it done?

I change mine every other time, mostly out of my controlling nature when it comes to my vehicles. It's just piece of mind knowing that I'm checking their work.. When I get it changed I like to make sure they are using the correct weight and filter. I always check their work, most of the time they aren't mechanics or even close to it. Most guys working at quick lube places are just part exchangers at best.

One kid put a filter on my Volvo that was about the third of the size of the one needed for my vehicle, it wasn't even being pumped into the filter it was so small.

Another, stripped out the drain plug threads on my oil pan but I noticed that one at the shop and made them fix it.

I like the feeling of doing things myself too. I go to the shop out of convenience, but would do it on my own every time it I could.
 
Omegaboy13 said:
I change mine every other time, mostly out of my controlling nature when it comes to my vehicles. It's just piece of mind knowing that I'm checking their work.. When I get it changed I like to make sure they are using the correct weight and filter. I always check their work, most of the time they aren't mechanics or even close to it. Most guys working at quick lube places are just part exchangers at best.

One kid put a filter on my Volvo that was about the third of the size of the one needed for my vehicle, it wasn't even being pumped into the filter it was so small.

Another, stripped out the drain plug threads on my oil pan but I noticed that one at the shop and made them fix it.
Click to expand...

You're not going to find a certified mechanic changing oil.
 
DO IT YOURSELF!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiCAJ8ULnaI

I used to be an oil change technician when I was in highschool/college. Our boss used to have us for go on changing the filter when times were busy and also tell customers that more expensive stuff had to be changed when it actually didn't. Sure everyone says "Oh, I know my mechanic is trust worthy and takes good care of me"...ahh, yeah could be, but you really have no idea.

Watch the video above, most mechanics are under incredible pressure to meet a high quota. Unless you have worked in the business, you will not understand and you will just have to take someone's word that has been in the business. Changing oil is incredibly easy. If you are too lazy to do it yourself, just put a mark on your filter and check to see if it is replaced when you get the car back.
 
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I do it if I have the time, which isn't that often. Mainly in the summer when it's nice out, which is only 4 months out of the year. It's not like you even save that much any ways though, and there's 3 different vehicles in my household that would have to be done.

Also, it's a bitch to dispose of the old oil. I've got quite a few jugs full of it in my garage I haven't gotten rid of.
 
i did it on my acura EL

i get it done on the audi
 
I run synthetic in my 350z so it's not very cost effective to take in. Having said that, I wouldn't take it in anyways. There are VERY FEW mechanics I would trust around my vehicle.

I asked a yes or no question to a Honda specialist and he replied "I work on cars, I don't teach classes". I felt like touching him with teh jab.

If they can't even communicate with the public proper how the hell am I going to know how long I can go before that cv joint goes out? He sure as hell isn't going to give me a legit answer.
 
It takes 15mins. Disposal is a bitch. I do it myself with quality products. Price is equivalent to paying a shop to use inferior products.
 
I do it myself as I want to make sure it's done right and I do most of my own maintenance anyway, it's a easy job and takes no time.

Almost all places that sell oil take the old oil and filter.
 
I always take it to the shop. But the dudes who work there are all like high school kids. These assholes are like 12 years old, probably can't even drive yet, and I'm completely depending on them to fix my car. Shit's dark. What kind of man am I?
 
why are people complaining about disposal? just take your old oil to your local auto shop and dump it there when you need to get your new oil. it's free
 
Can change my own oil, and have worked at a business when i was younger changing oil. I can understand why people dont trust certain people. There are some dumb people that don't give a shit. Changing oil isn't hard.
 
When I was in my early 20s I had a ford bronco that I would literally just crawl under and change it. Now that I'm older, richer, and have a smaller car, I get it done at the shop
 
Oil can Henry's. Their high pressure sales pitch sucks, but it's worth me not fucking up my car and inevitably disposing of my used oil in an illegal manner.
 
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I take it in. An older man I knew was a do it yourself'er and his jack slipped and he was crushed. I'll take the hint.
 
I drive a looooot, so I need oil changes every 4-6 weeks, easier to just hit the oil change place.
For my bike I do those myself.
 
An oil change in my car is a peta without a lift so I take it to a shop, I get the clutch fluid swapped as well. Costs $110.

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I take it to a performance shop not a dealer or local pos national chain. Also I don't want to deal with the dry sump either.

I service my quads and dirt bike myself.
 
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I'll do it occasionally just because I feel like it.

Mostly I'm too busy / can't be bothered.
 
Used to do it myself. Now it's worth the price difference to have a reputable shop do it.
 
Do it myself. Nice Saturday afternoon in the garage, working on your car is great feeling. I don't understand people having a problem with disposal or time, every autozone I've ever been to has a disposal center and the whole oil change process takes about 15 minutes.

But I grew up with a grandfather who was a junkyard dog. I have many memories of going to the junkyard to find parts for his '38 Ford Pickup or '73 Ranchero. He would roll over in his grave if he knew I was going to a Jiffy Lube type place or as he used to call them Crackerjack mechanics.
 
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