I do not do my own oil changes because I enjoy it . I do it because I am cheap .
Am I crazy?
- Thread starter BTLew81
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Id trust the dealer. If your asking the question, id say do what takes the least amount of time. I used to use ramps but dont bother anymore as Im able to stretch under far enough to do it without.
Even at 64 I enjoy doing my own oil changes. But some times it's not feasible due to time constraints or the weather. My independent mechanic's shop will do an oil change and tire rotation for $15 labor, using my oil and filter. I can wander in the shop and observe the mechanic doing the work and inspect the under side of the vehicle. The mechanic who gets my jobs is extremely careful, I've observed him do the rear diff, PTU and now oil & filter changes on our 2017 Explorer. I trust him totally. I printed out the proper way to rotate the tires and they do it that way. But in some strange way I still enjoy doing my own oil and filter changes if it's feasible, I guess I'm a masochist
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Whimsey
Whimsey
If this minor decision has you approaching paralysis, how long did it take you to decide to have a child?
The first time the dealer screws something up, like decorate your nice interior with some greasy fingerprints, gets you that "free wash" with a dirty brush, doesn't torque properly the lug nuts etc., you will most likely regret getting these bargain oil changes.
Originally Posted By: BTLew81
My 2018 accord sport is fairly low, so I'll have to rig something up to get it on my ramps to change oil. Alternatively, my dealer does a 'full synthetic' oil change for 39.95. No fuss, no muss. While I can't change it with what I want, it saves a lot of hassle and time, especially with a six month old at home. Considering it. Am I nuts? Changing oil is therapeutic for me, as it is for many here, but this might just be worth it....
I am sure any oil the dealers would use would get you through the owner ship of the car and probably the next owner as well. In my 2015 Ford i have run PP, Magnetec, Valvoline full syn with max life and next oil change M1 High mile. Oil is oil with the proper ratings and marketing aside Some could be better but would we ever realize the better. Make a ramp out of 2 x 10 stacked lumber that would give you a gentle grade.
My 2018 accord sport is fairly low, so I'll have to rig something up to get it on my ramps to change oil. Alternatively, my dealer does a 'full synthetic' oil change for 39.95. No fuss, no muss. While I can't change it with what I want, it saves a lot of hassle and time, especially with a six month old at home. Considering it. Am I nuts? Changing oil is therapeutic for me, as it is for many here, but this might just be worth it....
I am sure any oil the dealers would use would get you through the owner ship of the car and probably the next owner as well. In my 2015 Ford i have run PP, Magnetec, Valvoline full syn with max life and next oil change M1 High mile. Oil is oil with the proper ratings and marketing aside Some could be better but would we ever realize the better. Make a ramp out of 2 x 10 stacked lumber that would give you a gentle grade.
Originally Posted By: Piston_slap
If this minor decision has you approaching paralysis, how long did it take you to decide to have a child?
Thanks for the insensitivity. This hasn’t paralyzed me...at all. Just late night thought. And if you need to know, it didn’t take us long at all...it’ just took long to have a child due to infertility.
Think before you speak...some people around here lately.
If this minor decision has you approaching paralysis, how long did it take you to decide to have a child?
Thanks for the insensitivity. This hasn’t paralyzed me...at all. Just late night thought. And if you need to know, it didn’t take us long at all...it’ just took long to have a child due to infertility.
Think before you speak...some people around here lately.
Thanks for those who answered constructively and didn’t call me lazy. Lol. It’s not being lazy at all.
I think I’ll go the 2x6 route. That should do it. I hope.
For those that said the car isn’t that low, I owe it. It is fairly low and woth the ramps I have, I am concerned about clearance. Then again...what do I know.
I think I’ll go the 2x6 route. That should do it. I hope.
For those that said the car isn’t that low, I owe it. It is fairly low and woth the ramps I have, I am concerned about clearance. Then again...what do I know.
Originally Posted By: BTLew81
... I think I’ll go the 2x6 route. ... It is fairly low and woth the ramps I have, I am concerned about clearance. ...
Good plan! I went that route --- one short 2×6 each side to act as ramp up to the block, and another pre-ramp 2×6 flat on the ground on each side to get the bottom of the fender high enough to clear the top of the inclined one. I do it on a hill with the rear end of the car higher up the hill, so the car ends up approximately level while the front is on my makeshift ramps.
... I think I’ll go the 2x6 route. ... It is fairly low and woth the ramps I have, I am concerned about clearance. ...
Good plan! I went that route --- one short 2×6 each side to act as ramp up to the block, and another pre-ramp 2×6 flat on the ground on each side to get the bottom of the fender high enough to clear the top of the inclined one. I do it on a hill with the rear end of the car higher up the hill, so the car ends up approximately level while the front is on my makeshift ramps.
Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Originally Posted By: Gasbuggy
Let them do it, send a sample in see if you're getting synthetic
What test will tell you that?
I've seen members here narrow down unknown oils from the additive pack, but TBN on oil with some miles will definitely give you an idea if you're running a synthetic or blend/conventional
Originally Posted By: Gasbuggy
Let them do it, send a sample in see if you're getting synthetic
What test will tell you that?
I've seen members here narrow down unknown oils from the additive pack, but TBN on oil with some miles will definitely give you an idea if you're running a synthetic or blend/conventional
from what i have read your honda has a center jacking point, but its far back. most of the jacks might not be low enough to get back there. i had this issue with my e46. the front bumper dam is real low. i have 3 floor jack and the only one that could get to the center point was this one. it just barely get there though.
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200345428_200345428
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200345428_200345428
Realistically, it's probably faster and more convenient for you to do your own oil changes.
WRT the front end height of your Accord, I'd approach the ramps slowly and gently to see whether anything rubs.
I'd bet it won't, since this car is a workaday Honda meant to be okay on typical crappy roads but if there is a clearance problem, a couple of lengths of dimensioned lumber would likely ease the transition as others have mentioned.
WRT your being crazy, most cars go through their entire long lives on nothing more than bulk oil that may or may not meet the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer along with couple of bucks oil filters.
Most engines seem not to suffer for this, so you wouldn't be any more crazy than 99% of the Honda drivers now running around, some in fairly vintage cars.
WRT the front end height of your Accord, I'd approach the ramps slowly and gently to see whether anything rubs.
I'd bet it won't, since this car is a workaday Honda meant to be okay on typical crappy roads but if there is a clearance problem, a couple of lengths of dimensioned lumber would likely ease the transition as others have mentioned.
WRT your being crazy, most cars go through their entire long lives on nothing more than bulk oil that may or may not meet the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer along with couple of bucks oil filters.
Most engines seem not to suffer for this, so you wouldn't be any more crazy than 99% of the Honda drivers now running around, some in fairly vintage cars.
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