I usually change the oil in my two vehicles and often in the one daughter's car that isn't getting if done for free during the warranty period. My wife's also gets done for free but I did hers once because the free ones are so far between. I did both my SUV (2006 Suzuki) and convertible (2009 BMW 128i) today in a couple hours. The SUV has a quarter turn ball valve and hose on the drain plug because it is horizontal and made a mess the first oil change. I have to pull the drivers front wheel to reach the filter but it was a Fram so no tool required. There is clearance enough under the SUV I would change it on the ground if I could reach the filter. I have to raise the convertible but I made little ramps out of 2x4s just to get a jack to the center lifting point and I discovered that I can change the oil just by raising it that 1.5 inches. I need a ratchet and a 17mm socket for the drain plug and cap over the filter. The cap over the filter is right on the front of the engine so only the drain plug is a bit hard to get to. I use a torque wrench on the drain plug and the filter cap after a bad experience with the cap (didn't get it on tight enough, oil leaked and made a mess).
My reasons to change it myself are: cost, convenience (takes less time and flexible schedule), and more confidence it is done right. I got free oil changes for the first 4 years on the bimmer but the drain plug threads are a bit rough now and the plastic cover over the drain plug is missing. My mom lost an engine when Walmart didn't refill it after the drain. But the downside is it is a bit messy and negative things can happen. My SUV didn't have a lot of oil come out, I am worried it has started using oil (it's at 120K miles). So I will start checking it. I wouldn't know that if I'd taken it somewhere. I also looked at the life remaining on the brakes when I had the wheel off. Good chance to look things over.
So what do you do? Take it somewhere or change it yourself? Issues?
My reasons to change it myself are: cost, convenience (takes less time and flexible schedule), and more confidence it is done right. I got free oil changes for the first 4 years on the bimmer but the drain plug threads are a bit rough now and the plastic cover over the drain plug is missing. My mom lost an engine when Walmart didn't refill it after the drain. But the downside is it is a bit messy and negative things can happen. My SUV didn't have a lot of oil come out, I am worried it has started using oil (it's at 120K miles). So I will start checking it. I wouldn't know that if I'd taken it somewhere. I also looked at the life remaining on the brakes when I had the wheel off. Good chance to look things over.
So what do you do? Take it somewhere or change it yourself? Issues?
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