DIY oil change VS. dealership

[scott37300]

I have been doing my own oil change on my diesel because it's really expensive at the dealership or any other oil change place. I buy the rotella synthetic oil and filter and save a good chunk of change for the half hour of time it takes me to do it. But that is for the diesel that takes 4 gallons of oil each change!

Now women's 09 malibu the dealership charges 20 bucks for an oil change. Last time I had it done we were leaving and the check engine light comes on so we go back. They tell us our O2 sensor just happened to go out at the same time and there was no way the oil change had anything to do with it going bad. So they fix it under warranty. The next oil change I decide I will do it myself, and see how in order to get to the filter your hand goes right next to the O2 sensor, pretty sure they hit it or spilled oil on it. So I buy 5 quarts of oil and a filter and it comes to 18 bucks, just under the price of the dealership.

So my question is-is it worth it to change your own oil? I don't mind doing the work but wondering if there are other benefits to doing your own oil changes? Quaker state and penzoil are 12 bucks for 5 quarts at walmart and the filters are around 5 bucks. So that means I am saving 2-3 bucks an oil change, so it obviously isn't for the money! Is there a difference in the oil the dealership uses vs what I"m using, or do they just get that good of a deal buying in bulk? Right now I am doing my truck, women's malibu, my grandma's impala, and my mom's civic. So I keep different oils and filters on hand.

Guess I'm just seeing if anyone can throw some justifacation for doing your own oil changes, besides the 2 bucks I save! Would be nice if there was a clear advantage.

 

[ruby76]

I just flat out enjoy doing my own oil changes. Like you said if you can have a dealer or oil change joint do it for ~$20 and you can do it for ~$20 you aren't really saving any money.

 

[Ign]

Guess I'm just seeing if anyone can throw some justifacation for doing your own oil changes, besides the 2 bucks I save! Would be nice if there was a clear advantage.

Seriously? You answered your own question in your post.

You do your own because you don't trust anyone else messing w your vehicle. And because you get a sense of accomplishment and prefer to do your own work. If these things don't matter to you, then take it somewhere.

If you own a vehicle still under warranty and it's running well, I avoid the dealer like the plague, afraid SOP is to flash my PCM with whatever the latest updates might be. If I'm happy w how the vehicle is running, I don't want updates.

 

[taylorguitar]

I've never heard of anyone doing this, but because I know no one will come close to what I do...I always do my own.

I drain my oil, put plug in and pour a qt new oil. start engine and run for a minute or less. stop and let it settle down into pan mostly and drain again..repeat probably about 4 times maybe 5 until oil draining out looks 100% new. Then change filter and top off. Everyone else pretty much has dark dirty oil right away or very soon. My oil looks, smells and feels new for ages.

If people don't do this or similar they are leaving old oil in to contaminate the new. My last car (Honda accord...which could have something to do with it) has over 400,000 miles on it and doesn't burn any oil and purrs like the day i got it. I've been doing this method of oil change for 30 plus years. I wouldn't go to a dealership if it were free!

That includes my Porsche 911 that takes 10 qts to fill...that gets really expensive but that engine will last the rest of my life. No one elses will.

 

[Joe B.]

For me there is a big time savings. I hate sitting in waiting rooms doing nothing. I can do three of my four cars without lifting them off of the grounds so the actual oil change time for me is about the same as it would be anywhere else. However, I don't have to wait in line at home and I don't have to drive anywhere. If I plan it out, I can do more than one at a time so that really makes it a lot more efficient than having someone else do it.

The best part about doing your own is knowing that some *** clown did not strip out your drain bolt.

 

[cf2004]

I just flat out enjoy doing my own oil changes. Like you said if you can have a dealer or oil change joint do it for ~$20 and you can do it for ~$20 you aren't really saving any money.

am with ya! I just enjoy it. Am no tech, just like getting my hands dirty once and awhile and playing with my tools. Its not hard and it important maintance to the truck.

plus i don't trust people. lol

 

[johnny]

This is the most bizare oil change method that I have ever heard of.

I've never heard of anyone doing this, but because I know no one will come close to what I do...I always do my own.

I drain my oil, put plug in and pour a qt new oil. start engine and run for a minute or less. stop and let it settle down into pan mostly and drain again..repeat probably about 4 times maybe 5 until oil draining out looks 100% new. Then change filter and top off. Everyone else pretty much has dark dirty oil right away or very soon. My oil looks, smells and feels new for ages.

If people don't do this or similar they are leaving old oil in to contaminate the new. My last car (Honda accord...which could have something to do with it) has over 400,000 miles on it and doesn't burn any oil and purrs like the day i got it. I've been doing this method of oil change for 30 plus years. I wouldn't go to a dealership if it were free!

That includes my Porsche 911 that takes 10 qts to fill...that gets really expensive but that engine will last the rest of my life. No one elses will.

 

[DHCrocks]

I've never heard of anyone doing this, but because I know no one will come close to what I do...I always do my own.

I drain my oil, put plug in and pour a qt new oil. start engine and run for a minute or less. stop and let it settle down into pan mostly and drain again..repeat probably about 4 times maybe 5 until oil draining out looks 100% new. Then change filter and top off. Everyone else pretty much has dark dirty oil right away or very soon. My oil looks, smells and feels new for ages.

If people don't do this or similar they are leaving old oil in to contaminate the new. My last car (Honda accord...which could have something to do with it) has over 400,000 miles on it and doesn't burn any oil and purrs like the day i got it. I've been doing this method of oil change for 30 plus years. I wouldn't go to a dealership if it were free!

That includes my Porsche 911 that takes 10 qts to fill...that gets really expensive but that engine will last the rest of my life. No one elses will.

so you're only putting in 1 quart and starting the engine? isn't that basically starting it dry? I doubt the pick up will be able to get to only 1 quart of oil in the pan.

 

[ruby76]

I've never heard of anyone doing this, but because I know no one will come close to what I do...I always do my own.

I drain my oil, put plug in and pour a qt new oil. start engine and run for a minute or less. stop and let it settle down into pan mostly and drain again..repeat probably about 4 times maybe 5 until oil draining out looks 100% new. Then change filter and top off. Everyone else pretty much has dark dirty oil right away or very soon. My oil looks, smells and feels new for ages.

If people don't do this or similar they are leaving old oil in to contaminate the new. My last car (Honda accord...which could have something to do with it) has over 400,000 miles on it and doesn't burn any oil and purrs like the day i got it. I've been doing this method of oil change for 30 plus years. I wouldn't go to a dealership if it were free!

That includes my Porsche 911 that takes 10 qts to fill...that gets really expensive but that engine will last the rest of my life. No one elses will.

So you go through 20 quarts of oil for an oil change? or did I read that wrong? Maybe just 1 quart and repeat draining 4 times - so maybe you go through only 9-10 quarts per oil change.

 

[denis4x4]

I change the oil in my wife's 911 only because the closest Porsche dealer is 180 miles away. One of the advantages of living in a small town is that the dealers depend on repeat business and tend to treat you right. When I take my late model vehicles to the dealer for an oil change, I get a loaner to drive, no charge!

 

[ServiceWithIntegrity]

It you want it done right, you have to do your oil change yourself. From personal eyewitness experience while working for dealerships, the oil change/quick service techs are so low paid, they don't care about quality control. Sad but true.

 

[MrMark]

I wouldn't trust anyone with a new vehicle. Too many things can go wrong when the vehicle leaves your control. Not to mention the ritual grease and oil all over your door panel.

 

[gumbudah]

I try to do my own, but from time to time I get lazy and pay someone to do it. Particularly if I'm in a rush. When you can find an oil change for less than $20, i look at it as a draw, maybe saving $5.00 once every 4 months, I can easily see how some people (including myslef) would elect to have others do it. Noooow if your being charged $40, for an oil change.... nooooo way... My biggest beef is getting rid of the old oil. I hate having to try to get rid of it, although I recently found walmart takes used oil, so that's convenient. I work daily 8-5 so I don't like to rely on places that are only open government hours to get rid of oil (or other services for that matter). sooo much more conveninet if I can get rid of it as I'm getting other stuff at walmart at 7:00 at night.

 

[jgoglick]

I do them myself - the dealerships hire the guys who can barely turn a wrench to do oil changes. It doesn't take me that long, plus it gives me a chance to inspect whats going on underneath the car. Oh, and I enjoy doing it too.

 

[taylorguitar]

This is the most bizare oil change method that I have ever heard of.

Can any of you say with certainty that you don't contaminate your oil with old oil? I've tried various methods and this is the one that works best for me. I drive my engines very hard, so i think this method has to be the explanation of the longevity I have gotten out of every vehicle I have ever owned.

Whether Fiat, VW, Honda, Toyota, Porsche, Nissan...All of those weren't good engines, but they lasted for me like they were. With about 1.25 million miles logged, I have never had to do any engine repair in over 30 years.

 

[MrMark]

It actually costs me more for my MB to change the oil than the dealership will do it for, yet I've never entertained the thought of letting them do it. Nothing good can come of it.

 

[mcdtommy23]

Funny this should come up. I just hit an oil change place today. Was way, way overdue. The place had a monitor right next to the car going to an under car camera. You could see everything the tech was doing. I had to lol when he used the box/open end wrench method to loosen the drain plug. He was using Craftsman raised panels.

 

[taylorguitar]

so you're only putting in 1 quart and starting the engine? isn't that basically starting it dry? I doubt the pick up will be able to get to only 1 quart of oil in the pan.

Well, considering how long it takes to let all the oil drain down into the pan...forever...there's surely enough "up there" for it to not be dry. plus, i can hear the oil falling down even when there is just one quart. so i don't share this concern. good thought though.

 

[taylorguitar]

So you go through 20 quarts of oil for an oil change? or did I read that wrong? Maybe just 1 quart and repeat draining 4 times - so maybe you go through only 9-10 quarts per oil change.

for a 4 qt engine i go through 8-9 qts

10 qt engine i go through 14-15 qts

 

[stealthbob]

Geeez...if you take away one of my chores it may get replaced with dish washing or changing my kids diaper!

Next your going to ask if I should pay the kid next door to cut my grass, thats 2 hrs (2 beer lawn) of good riding man!

Loosing a good Saturday morning in the garage changing oil and then hanging out all afternoon with a bud talking about it, and how good a job it was, will never happen.

 

[pdangerp]

Can any of you say with certainty that you don't contaminate your oil with old oil? I've tried various methods and this is the one that works best for me. I drive my engines very hard, so i think this method has to be the explanation of the longevity I have gotten out of every vehicle I have ever owned.

Whether Fiat, VW, Honda, Toyota, Porsche, Nissan...All of those weren't good engines, but they lasted for me like they were. With about 1.25 million miles logged, I have never had to do any engine repair in over 30 years.

I seriously doubt that you've never had to do any engine repair in 30 years. Do you qualify this by saying no rebuilt heads or bad cylinders or what? What about cooling systems and head gaskets? You never change those?

 

[MrMark]

what is the box/open end wrench method??

I use a 6 point socket but have used the 12 point box before.

 

[Falcon67]

Dealer - no recycle place close by. Except for the race cars, but they only get it twice a year. Still, that's 16 quarts (8 per car per change) I have to dispose of. Great weed killer.

 

[taylorguitar]

I seriously doubt that you've never had to do any engine repair in 30 years. Do you qualify this by saying no rebuilt heads or bad cylinders or what? What about cooling systems and head gaskets? You never change those?

i had to change a head gasket on my first vehicle...at age 17...bought a used Fiat X1/9. Gunned it when frozen cold....stupid teen...other than that, i have never done a single thing to the engine of any vehicle other than cooling system flush and radiator replacements, changing starters...but to me those are not engine repairs...those are ancillary repairs.

 

[Car54]

Changing your own oil forces you to pay attention. It's not about money.

You guys don't have Advanced Auto or the like to take your old oil to?

 

[taylorguitar]

I usually just shake my head at guys that pay someone to change their oil. A friend of mine pays someone to hang a ceiling fan in his house. But then again, it is probably good that this guy doesn't do any of that stuff.

 

[scbird94]

I've never heard of anyone doing this, but because I know no one will come close to what I do...I always do my own.

I drain my oil, put plug in and pour a qt new oil. start engine and run for a minute or less. stop and let it settle down into pan mostly and drain again..repeat probably about 4 times maybe 5 until oil draining out looks 100% new. Then change filter and top off. Everyone else pretty much has dark dirty oil right away or very soon. My oil looks, smells and feels new for ages.

If people don't do this or similar they are leaving old oil in to contaminate the new. My last car (Honda accord...which could have something to do with it) has over 400,000 miles on it and doesn't burn any oil and purrs like the day i got it. I've been doing this method of oil change for 30 plus years. I wouldn't go to a dealership if it were free!

That includes my Porsche 911 that takes 10 qts to fill...that gets really expensive but that engine will last the rest of my life. No one elses will.

WTF? Stay away from my cars... that is NOT good for your bearings. Not to mention the fact that in newer engines, operating variable cam solenoids, and hydraulic timing chain tensioners that OPERATE on oil pressure, something is bound to happen.

 

[Farmrod]

Funny subject just today we got the stuff to change the oil in the bosses truck it cost 96.** called the dealer just to check and they do the service for $85 plus if you go to the dealer they do all the little extra stuff lube all points top off washer fluid and radiator, check power steering and brake fluid our local dealer is the bomb when it comes to services if you add up all those things and count your time because your time is worth something then it pays off to have the dealer do it and when you get the rig back then go over it to check things out

Chris

 

[burnitwithfire]

Changing your own oil forces you to pay attention. It's not about money.

So true. I like to know it has been properly done. Has the new filter gasket been oiled? Yes. Has the filter flange been cleaned? Yes. Has the copper washer been replaced? Yes, it's only $0.50 anyway and so on.

When I change my oil, I check the CV boots, oil pan gasket, Inner tie-rod boots, VC gasket, fuel lines, vac lines, air filter, intake boot, clean battery terminals if needed, check and clean the throttle if needed, belts and tensionners and anything that might wear out. I check the suspension bits and brakes when I change tires in spring and fall.

 

[thrashkid4]

I change my own oil all the time. I "won" a free oil change at a tire shop and let them do it. When it was time to change the oil again, I crawled under the truck and with my fingers only, unspun the oil filter!!! I will never let anyone else change my oil again.

 

[xcgates]

At a cost difference on the order of single dollars, I don't see a reason to go to the effort of taking each of my three vehicles in for an oil change, when I can't be sure they will know how to undo the odd stuff on my Kawi, or clean/check the pre-screen on the Duck, etc. They probably can't screw up a Subaru oil change, but all I need to do is slide a pan under, remove the drain plug, remove the filter, replace stuff, dump new oil in. And I've heard some pretty horrific stories about the quick lube places.

(Though I can't say I know what a motorcycle oil change costs, I've never even looked at it. All I've had done in a shop is me taking a wheel in to swap a tire when I don't have the time/inclination to fight with tire irons.)

There are always the times that all three get due for a change at once, and it is much quicker just to space them out, and knock out one after another, instead of driving somewhere, finding out they can't do it right then, waiting, reading a magazine, waiting. Especially with bikes, most people treat them as toys, so shops don't realize that I expect my bike to be back up and going as fast as most people expect their cars back up and going.

I can knock out an oil change quickly, letting things drain while I'm doing dinner, so I'm not wasting time waiting for oil to drain. Plus I get my hands on the vehicle I am trusting my life to, check hoses, CV boots, wiring, any leaks that might be beginning, etc. And I generally enjoy working on vehicles.

I don't worry about disposing of old oil. I collect it in a 15 qt pan, and when that starts to get full, I transfer the oil to 1 gallon jugs. Old washer fluid/milk/etc jugs. Every once in a blue moon I'll pull together all the old oil, and make a trip to AutoZone or someplace similar. Tape up the lids to prevent leaking, and bag up in a thick trash bag in case of a leak, and put in a car. Not rocket science. Or, find a person who uses old oil to heat up their shop, and they will gladly take old oil.

Now, for my father, who doesn't get any enjoyment out of working on vehicles, and makes way more than I ever will, his time is better spent dropping off a vehicle, and picking it up later. In his case, time IS money, and he would rather spend it doing something other than working on his car.

 

[NWphotog]

WTF? Stay away from my cars... that is NOT good for your bearings. Not to mention the fact that in newer engines, operating variable cam solenoids, and hydraulic timing chain tensioners that OPERATE on oil pressure, something is bound to happen.

X2. Its great to get ALL the old out but I would never do it by this process.

 

[scott37300]

Wow, an hour and a half and on page 2 already! Like I said I don't mind spending the 30 minutes to change the oil. Just was wondering if there was a reason why the dealer can charge 2 bucks more than I am doing it for and still make money. I know they buy bulk oil and probably get a deal on filters but 2 bucks for labor? And my price is using the cheaper oil, 12 bucks for 5 quarts.

I will continue to do oil changes for myself and family since I know it will be done right. Just was starting to wonder why the dealer can pay some guy to change my oil for the same price it costs me in materials!

 

[NWphotog]

Wow, an hour and a half and on page 2 already! Like I said I don't mind spending the 30 minutes to change the oil. Just was wondering if there was a reason why the dealer can charge 2 bucks more than I am doing it for and still make money. I know they buy bulk oil and probably get a deal on filters but 2 bucks for labor? And my price is using the cheaper oil, 12 bucks for 5 quarts.

I will continue to do oil changes for myself and family since I know it will be done right. Just was starting to wonder why the dealer can pay some guy to change my oil for the same price it costs me in materials!

Its a loss leader to get you in.

 

[Keith_MN]

So true. I like to know it has been properly done. Has the new filter gasket been oiled? Yes. Has the filter flange been cleaned? Yes. Has the copper washer been replaced? Yes, it's only $0.50 anyway and so on.

When I change my oil, I check the CV boots, oil pan gasket, Inner tie-rod boots, VC gasket, fuel lines, vac lines, air filter, intake boot, clean battery terminals if needed, check and clean the throttle if needed, belts and tensionners and anything that might wear out. I check the suspension bits and brakes when I change tires in spring and fall.

This is how I justify changing my own oil. I can see how things are changing under there over time. For example, I will be more likely to detect new leaks or see how much my muffler is rusting out. Certainly can not justify it on the money saved.

Also, I have a quick oil change horror story from my youth. It was about 1989 or so we were on a family vacation down to Florida towing a pop-up camper with a 1983 LTD Ford wagon. My father brings the car into one of these quick change places to have the oil changed. The next day, we pulled out of the camp ground and noticed a puddle of oil under the car. It turns out that the schlepper at the oil change place only tightened down one of the drain plugs (there are two on this car). It could have ruined our vacation if we lost that plug on the freeway.

 

[tcianci]

WTF? Stay away from my cars... that is NOT good for your bearings. Not to mention the fact that in newer engines, operating variable cam solenoids, and hydraulic timing chain tensioners that OPERATE on oil pressure, something is bound to happen.

I would proffer that the OP's longevity with the engines he mentioned has much more to do with them being well-engineered machines to begin with and it has little if anything to do with his oil change ritual. In short, he's been just plain lucky. 1 quart of oil in a crankcase is barely enough to fill the oil pump, galleys, lifters, chain tensioners and get a few drops back to the pan! Those engines are being subjected to multiple, repeated dry starts. The attempt to avoid cross contamination from old oil to new is basically a waste of time and good oil.

Of course it's impossible to argue with the fact that the engines still operate correctly after all they have been through, but he would be surprised to find that his machinery would be in just about the same shape without all the bother he goes through.

What about the rest of the vehicle? Body, upholstery, interior surfaces, paint, brightwork, suspension? Is there any point in worshiping an engine when the rest of the car may be well past its prime in terms of appearance, function or even safety?

I have stated numerous times on engine oil related threads that it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to wear out a modern automobile engine as long as the crankcase is kept full of oil regardless of its age or quality (unless you drive a Chrysler)

I'm actually running an experiment of my own... 2000 GMC Sierra, worked everyday for the past 10 years, 202,000 miles. Nearly every oil change has been done by a quicky lube joint, usually hundreds of miles past the oil life indicator coming on, and with my type of driving, the indicator comes on at about 5000 miles or so. In short, everything that would cause most car freaks to puke in their cornflakes. So far, so good, NO oil consumption, NO leaks, No smoke, NO lifter noise, NO rapping and the engine idles at EXACTLY the same oil pressure as the day it came from the factory. It also has the same coolant, transmission and brake fluid, starter, water pump, heater, hoses, radiator, head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, AC charge, shocks, exhaust system, and it has never been on a front end machine. The alternator went at 200,000 so it got one of those and its first new serpentine belt (OK, I know I'm a maintenance fanatic) And those quickie lube idiots have managed to put enough grease into the front suspension so that I'm also running the original ball joints and tie rod ends.

Sorry to hijack the thread but that post sort of got to me. I think sometimes folks lose sight of the fact that the best thing we can do with our cars and trucks is to use them so that most of the systems in them are pretty much worn out at the same time and we get the most use out of them for the least amount of time and money spent on them.

 

[RLRRLRLL]

Wow, an hour and a half and on page 2 already! Like I said I don't mind spending the 30 minutes to change the oil. Just was wondering if there was a reason why the dealer can charge 2 bucks more than I am doing it for and still make money. I know they buy bulk oil and probably get a deal on filters but 2 bucks for labor? And my price is using the cheaper oil, 12 bucks for 5 quarts.

I will continue to do oil changes for myself and family since I know it will be done right. Just was starting to wonder why the dealer can pay some guy to change my oil for the same price it costs me in materials!

When i worked in a service station we would buy oil by the 55 gallon drum. it came out to about 1.85 a qaurt for oil, we used napa pro select oil filters, they were 2-3 bucks if i remember right. So for roughly 12 bucks for 5 quarts and a filter, you make 8 bucks doing it if you charge 20 bucks. But then u factor in topping off all the fluids, and greasing it. You will still make a few bucks off of it. But typically people who take their car in for service, also dont work on their cars. So if you find an issue, you tell them, give them an estimate if they wish, and get the job. Thats how they make money.

 

[MattT]

I drain my oil, put plug in and pour a qt new oil. start engine and run for a minute or less. stop and let it settle down into pan mostly and drain again..repeat probably about 4 times maybe 5 until oil draining out looks 100% new. Then change filter and top off. Everyone else pretty much has dark dirty oil right away or very soon. My oil looks, smells and feels new for ages.

You're probably pushing dirty oil out of the filter for the most part. Unless you're using fram. They'll be empty before the pan drains

Also if you like clean oil try Pure One filters. They keep the oil noticeably cleaner IME.

Anyways I always change the oil myself. Aside from saving money on oil and filter I also save money and time by not wasting an hour and at least 1 gallon of gas driving to town and back. Not having to deal with slimey upsellers is another bonus.

 

[Jeremy W]

I managed a quick lube back in the early 90's and I would never let anyone change my oil because of what I saw and had to deal with. Lots of idiots work in those places, believe me I fired several. Lots of turnover and lazy slobs who don't care. at the time oil came bulk in a truck and was pumped into a 600 gallon tank. i can't remember what off the shelf oil cost back then but the bulk was about 50 cents a quart. filters were $2.00 cost. when I started there it was $18.95 for an oil change. when I left 3 year later $22.95. they made good money back then on changes. but the big money was air filters and auto trans fluid changes which they pushed like crazy.

To the guy doing the 1 quart odd way of changing oil, I did a similar thing but put in 3 quarts to flush my engine, and my engine held 5.. 1 quart isn't enough in my opinion, and I only did this about every 3rd change, surprised he never has had a problem with an oil pump losing prime.

 

[MrMark]

If the 1 quart person is so obsessed with clean oil then he should just dump a quart of rislone in a few hundred miles before the change and then dump it.

I still want to know what the open end/box thing is all about.