Chain Garage vs DIY oil change
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Yep, dareo has it nailed.
There is no real argument about how you'll save time and money as well as get a better quality job using better materials when you DIY.
I have neither the time nor the inclination to drive to any shop and sit around in some grotty waiting room with crummy Wifi for something as simple as an oil change.
There is no real argument about how you'll save time and money as well as get a better quality job using better materials when you DIY.
I have neither the time nor the inclination to drive to any shop and sit around in some grotty waiting room with crummy Wifi for something as simple as an oil change.
Nobody works on my junk except me.
I use to change my own oil for all the reasons mentioned here, the warm fuzzy felling, saving money, using quality parts etc... But its just not possible any more so like many I have to rely on someone else. I have a good mechanic we take our cars to but they require the car for a day and its a hassle just for an oil change so I've been using a privately owned quick lube which has always done a good job up until the last time I had my Buick changed. I did post about it a while back and it was deducted that they put in way over 5 qts as it was over an inch about the full mark. The usual guy I know was not working that day but when I took it back he was and they drained some out and said he wasn't sure what happened. So my choices are take in my own oil since they let me bring in my own filter so I know the correct amount gets put in or go back to my mechanic and hassle with the dropping it off for the day. Either way your still dealing with human error.
Originally Posted By: 5170
Yes you can get synthetic+filter cheap at WMart but you also have to buy gloves, paper towels or rags, cleanup sprays for any mess, clean that mess then yourself, not to mention the amount of time changing then dumping that oil at a store nearby and storing those rhino ramps.
Buying gloves and rags? Clean-up sprays? I don't use gloves at all when changing oil. If my hands get oily, I just wipe them off on a rag. And speaking of rags, why would you pay money for them? I use old T-shirts, socks, and any other clothing items that's old, has tears in it, and is no good for any other purpose any more. I also don't need clean-up sprays. I have a system for oil changes that creates very little mess in the first place, and what little that needs to be cleaned up can be cleaned by wiping it down with a rag.
Storing ramps isn't an issue either. Even if I didn't do my own oil changes, I still need ramps for other repairs anyway.
Yes you can get synthetic+filter cheap at WMart but you also have to buy gloves, paper towels or rags, cleanup sprays for any mess, clean that mess then yourself, not to mention the amount of time changing then dumping that oil at a store nearby and storing those rhino ramps.
Buying gloves and rags? Clean-up sprays? I don't use gloves at all when changing oil. If my hands get oily, I just wipe them off on a rag. And speaking of rags, why would you pay money for them? I use old T-shirts, socks, and any other clothing items that's old, has tears in it, and is no good for any other purpose any more. I also don't need clean-up sprays. I have a system for oil changes that creates very little mess in the first place, and what little that needs to be cleaned up can be cleaned by wiping it down with a rag.
Storing ramps isn't an issue either. Even if I didn't do my own oil changes, I still need ramps for other repairs anyway.
Absolutely, for many people it makes a lot of sense to get the oil changed at a garage--I emphasize "garage" because in an ideal world you will be better off with a good independent rather than a chain. The problem with the chains is they tend to pay very little, therefore they have high turnover, and the person working on your car is very likely to be young, exhausted, burnt out, and with little skill or knowledge in the first place. Chances are very high (close to 100% IMHO) that eventually you will have a stripped drain plug, the wrong filter on the car, the wrong oil in the car, and too much or too little of it.
Bottom line here is that most of us enjoy doing the job!
Bottom line here is that most of us enjoy doing the job!
I have my tires rotated at my local Walmarts and watch them change oil on other vehicles. They do a good job and see them use the oil and filter requested by the car owner. I see them SNUG up the drain bolt with a 10 inch wrench. I DIM but, would have no problems with this store doing my oil and filter changes.
Ed
Ed
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I have my tires rotated at my local Walmarts and watch them change oil on other vehicles. They do a good job and see them use the oil and filter requested by the car owner. I see them SNUG up the drain bolt with a 10 inch wrench. I DIM but, would have no problems with this store doing my oil and filter changes.
Strangely, my local Walmart is the same. If I went to a chain it would be there, but it is not typical in that a couple of the managers have been there for years. However, watch out if one of the experienced hands isn't around!
I have my tires rotated at my local Walmarts and watch them change oil on other vehicles. They do a good job and see them use the oil and filter requested by the car owner. I see them SNUG up the drain bolt with a 10 inch wrench. I DIM but, would have no problems with this store doing my oil and filter changes.
Strangely, my local Walmart is the same. If I went to a chain it would be there, but it is not typical in that a couple of the managers have been there for years. However, watch out if one of the experienced hands isn't around!
For the DIYers, how many of you use gloves when you change the oil?
I know that used oil is really nasty stuff that is better to not touch, but I'm doing about 4 changes a year...IDK, I'm sure it's still not GOOD for me, but I'm not too worried about that frequency of exposure. I feel like even thin gloves would make me lose "touch" on a small thing like a drain plug, and a pumice-based hand cleaner leaves me hands spotless when I'm all done. I guess gloves would help a little with heat issues since I like to change my oil when it's fairly hot, but that still hasn't led me to buy any.
What say you??
EDIT - ninjaed by exranger06!! ;^)
I know that used oil is really nasty stuff that is better to not touch, but I'm doing about 4 changes a year...IDK, I'm sure it's still not GOOD for me, but I'm not too worried about that frequency of exposure. I feel like even thin gloves would make me lose "touch" on a small thing like a drain plug, and a pumice-based hand cleaner leaves me hands spotless when I'm all done. I guess gloves would help a little with heat issues since I like to change my oil when it's fairly hot, but that still hasn't led me to buy any.
What say you??
EDIT - ninjaed by exranger06!! ;^)
Last edited:
If I could get a change for $20+tax with a reasonable filter I'd never change my own oil either. But I think a quick lube place here is going to be $40-45-50 for bulk oil and a white mystery filter...
The small garages cost about the same, so for that money I do my own and end up with good syn and a good filter and run long OCI's and end up saving money.
The small garages cost about the same, so for that money I do my own and end up with good syn and a good filter and run long OCI's and end up saving money.
Originally Posted By: 5170
In a recent discussion a bitog member discussed now having to go to Firestone for his OC due to unforseen reasons. So I got to thinking and came up with a few benefits of doing so. I will use Firestone as the chain example.
Using a chain store isnt bad if you trust them. Yes you can get synthetic+filter cheap at WMart but you also have to buy gloves, paper towels or rags, cleanup sprays for any mess, clean that mess then yourself, not to mention the amount of time changing then dumping that oil at a store nearby and storing those rhino ramps. Meanwhile, Firestone will do it all for $19.99 using a great synthetic blend, and decent filter. Yes, i know you have to wait here as well.
If under warranty, you get the benefit of two receipts. One hard copy for you plus what is stored in their database. No need to worry if you lose your WMart receipt which are also prone to fade over time.
I know the satisfaction of diy is really nice but there are more ways to skin this cat and be satisfied. Just my two cents for those that always poopoo chain garages.
Thanks
Regarding DIY
Time? Do you charge yourself for the time spent eating or any other necessary things you do during your life?
Storage of ramps? Come on. Getting pretty picky, I'd say.
I have plenty of rags that never cost me anything, you do wear out cloths do you not?
Gloves? Have changed my own oil for almost 60 years, never wore gloves yet and none of my fingers have fallen off, yet. Course I haven't factored in the price of soap!!
Time it takes to go and dump used oil? Guess it depends on where one lives. But again that gets pretty picky.
Me, even at my age I'll keep on changing my own oil, alway have, always will if possible. I use top of the line filter and top of the line oil, and I know the plug is not cross threaded.
In a recent discussion a bitog member discussed now having to go to Firestone for his OC due to unforseen reasons. So I got to thinking and came up with a few benefits of doing so. I will use Firestone as the chain example.
Using a chain store isnt bad if you trust them. Yes you can get synthetic+filter cheap at WMart but you also have to buy gloves, paper towels or rags, cleanup sprays for any mess, clean that mess then yourself, not to mention the amount of time changing then dumping that oil at a store nearby and storing those rhino ramps. Meanwhile, Firestone will do it all for $19.99 using a great synthetic blend, and decent filter. Yes, i know you have to wait here as well.
If under warranty, you get the benefit of two receipts. One hard copy for you plus what is stored in their database. No need to worry if you lose your WMart receipt which are also prone to fade over time.
I know the satisfaction of diy is really nice but there are more ways to skin this cat and be satisfied. Just my two cents for those that always poopoo chain garages.
Thanks
Regarding DIY
Time? Do you charge yourself for the time spent eating or any other necessary things you do during your life?
Storage of ramps? Come on. Getting pretty picky, I'd say.
I have plenty of rags that never cost me anything, you do wear out cloths do you not?
Gloves? Have changed my own oil for almost 60 years, never wore gloves yet and none of my fingers have fallen off, yet. Course I haven't factored in the price of soap!!
Time it takes to go and dump used oil? Guess it depends on where one lives. But again that gets pretty picky.
Me, even at my age I'll keep on changing my own oil, alway have, always will if possible. I use top of the line filter and top of the line oil, and I know the plug is not cross threaded.
One thing I forgot to add in this thread is the time factor is actually in favor of DIY for an oil change. There is no place I know of around here to get an oil change done in less than an hour, unless you are extremely lucky or able to go on Wednesday mornings. The supposed quicky lubes always have a line and make you wait. The garages always require an appointment and then always make you wait longer than you should. That's one reason I started doing my own--I was sick of cooling my heels for an hour or two waiting for someone to do a bad job that I had to pay them for!
I do mine because I know I am using a premium filter and hi quality synthetic oil of my choosing for much less than what the chains charge.
My neighbor had his oil changed at a chain. I'm not sure how damage occurred when they actually forgot to add the oil....
I also get to inspect my vehicle as I do it.
P.S. Fumoto oil valve is a thing of beauty. I have them on all my vehicles and it makes changing oil a breeze.
My neighbor had his oil changed at a chain. I'm not sure how damage occurred when they actually forgot to add the oil....
I also get to inspect my vehicle as I do it.
P.S. Fumoto oil valve is a thing of beauty. I have them on all my vehicles and it makes changing oil a breeze.
Originally Posted By: Virtus_Probi
For the DIYers, how many of you use gloves when you change the oil?
I know that used oil is really nasty stuff that is better to not touch, but I'm doing about 4 changes a year...IDK, I'm sure it's still not GOOD for me, but I'm not too worried about that frequency of exposure. I feel like even thin gloves would make me lose "touch" on a small thing like a drain plug, and a pumice-based hand cleaner leaves me hands spotless when I'm all done. I guess gloves would help a little with heat issues since I like to change my oil when it's fairly hot, but that still hasn't led me to buy any.
What say you??
I've started wearing mechanic's gloves when working on cars in the last few years, because they finally make styles that let me pick up small parts and USE my dang fingers. And I wear them more now because my skin gets scraped and torn without them a lot worse than it did when I was in my 20s. However, oil pretty much soaks right thru them so I tend NOT to use them when changing oil because then I'd have an oily glove against my skin for a lot longer than I'd just have some oil on bare skin. I rarely get much oil on myself, and if I do I wipe it off and then wash my hands shortly after. The percentage of "nasty things" (metallic additives) is already pretty low compared to the base oil, and then the amount that penetrates skin is a small fraction of that, and then the fact that I don't do this all day/ every day further lowers any risk. Its just not likely to give me cancer... but if I were a professional mechanic I'd probably be a lot more concerned because of the constant exposure.
For the DIYers, how many of you use gloves when you change the oil?
I know that used oil is really nasty stuff that is better to not touch, but I'm doing about 4 changes a year...IDK, I'm sure it's still not GOOD for me, but I'm not too worried about that frequency of exposure. I feel like even thin gloves would make me lose "touch" on a small thing like a drain plug, and a pumice-based hand cleaner leaves me hands spotless when I'm all done. I guess gloves would help a little with heat issues since I like to change my oil when it's fairly hot, but that still hasn't led me to buy any.
What say you??
I've started wearing mechanic's gloves when working on cars in the last few years, because they finally make styles that let me pick up small parts and USE my dang fingers. And I wear them more now because my skin gets scraped and torn without them a lot worse than it did when I was in my 20s. However, oil pretty much soaks right thru them so I tend NOT to use them when changing oil because then I'd have an oily glove against my skin for a lot longer than I'd just have some oil on bare skin. I rarely get much oil on myself, and if I do I wipe it off and then wash my hands shortly after. The percentage of "nasty things" (metallic additives) is already pretty low compared to the base oil, and then the amount that penetrates skin is a small fraction of that, and then the fact that I don't do this all day/ every day further lowers any risk. Its just not likely to give me cancer... but if I were a professional mechanic I'd probably be a lot more concerned because of the constant exposure.
Originally Posted By: AuthorEditor
One thing I forgot to add in this thread is the time factor is actually in favor of DIY for an oil change. There is no place I know of around here to get an oil change done in less than an hour, unless you are extremely lucky or able to go on Wednesday mornings. The supposed quicky lubes always have a line and make you wait. The garages always require an appointment and then always make you wait longer than you should. That's one reason I started doing my own--I was sick of cooling my heels for an hour or two waiting for someone to do a bad job that I had to pay them for!
That's why I generally do mine also. Tire rotations, oil changes, minor work. Not dealing with a car down for the duration (if I have to drop off for a day, I'm home from work), or a few hours cutting into work time.
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I use disposable gloves while working with oil. I like using mechanics gloves if I know I might bash something; seems like the I can't work on a car without busting a knuckle somehow. Plus it'd be good to keep the grease off the house--all my doors, around the handle, are slowly turning colors from me walking in. Transference of grease from my hands to the doors. It's annoying.
One thing I forgot to add in this thread is the time factor is actually in favor of DIY for an oil change. There is no place I know of around here to get an oil change done in less than an hour, unless you are extremely lucky or able to go on Wednesday mornings. The supposed quicky lubes always have a line and make you wait. The garages always require an appointment and then always make you wait longer than you should. That's one reason I started doing my own--I was sick of cooling my heels for an hour or two waiting for someone to do a bad job that I had to pay them for!
That's why I generally do mine also. Tire rotations, oil changes, minor work. Not dealing with a car down for the duration (if I have to drop off for a day, I'm home from work), or a few hours cutting into work time.
*
I use disposable gloves while working with oil. I like using mechanics gloves if I know I might bash something; seems like the I can't work on a car without busting a knuckle somehow. Plus it'd be good to keep the grease off the house--all my doors, around the handle, are slowly turning colors from me walking in. Transference of grease from my hands to the doors. It's annoying.
For oil changes, painting, concrete repairs, etc. I wear latex gloves at 6c to 8c each. You can put a 2nd pair of thin, grippy gloves over them for more protection. Other than gripping the oil filter to loosen or tighten it, I don't have any need for more than the surgical glove. Newspapers over a cardboard or wooden base absorbs any oil that might spill during the oil change.
The old oil? I collect it until I have 4-5 gallons. On my next trip to the recycling center with either leaves, brush, wood, or metal, I empty the used oil and antifreeze jugs into their tanks. One trip per year with the oils. After draining in the hot sun for weeks, the oil filters are dry enough to meet the town's metal recycling criteria.
The old oil? I collect it until I have 4-5 gallons. On my next trip to the recycling center with either leaves, brush, wood, or metal, I empty the used oil and antifreeze jugs into their tanks. One trip per year with the oils. After draining in the hot sun for weeks, the oil filters are dry enough to meet the town's metal recycling criteria.
Time, well I think for most here anything oil related is considered leisure, not work.
I enjoy working on vehicles (just don't ask my wife, she would say I had it with how much I gripe when something does not go right, but that is part of the "fun").
As others said, it also gives you time to take a look at your vehicle in a little more detail when under the car.
Money, my last oil change (4 qts Pennzoil Platinum and Wix filter) cost me $14, and that is an expensive one. My last truck change (6 qts Nextgen and Carquest Red filter) cost me $2 (oil was free, on clearance and had rebate, filter was a Rockauto clearance). I do use nitril gloves, you can get a box of 100 for $5 if you watch for sales (I get them for free from work). A can of brake clean is like $3? Lasts me 7-8 oil changes. Rags, well, I use some cotton cloths that come in suture kits from work that don't get used and would be trashed anyway. If a little dirty, I wash them, if saturated, they go in the trash.
I store my used oil in oil jugs, when I get 4-5 full, I stick them in the back of my truck and drop them off at the parts store when I am around one. No issue at all.
Now if I did not have a house with a driveway, that would be a bit of an issue, but I would use a family members driveway before going to another place.
I enjoy working on vehicles (just don't ask my wife, she would say I had it with how much I gripe when something does not go right, but that is part of the "fun").
As others said, it also gives you time to take a look at your vehicle in a little more detail when under the car.
Money, my last oil change (4 qts Pennzoil Platinum and Wix filter) cost me $14, and that is an expensive one. My last truck change (6 qts Nextgen and Carquest Red filter) cost me $2 (oil was free, on clearance and had rebate, filter was a Rockauto clearance). I do use nitril gloves, you can get a box of 100 for $5 if you watch for sales (I get them for free from work). A can of brake clean is like $3? Lasts me 7-8 oil changes. Rags, well, I use some cotton cloths that come in suture kits from work that don't get used and would be trashed anyway. If a little dirty, I wash them, if saturated, they go in the trash.
I store my used oil in oil jugs, when I get 4-5 full, I stick them in the back of my truck and drop them off at the parts store when I am around one. No issue at all.
Now if I did not have a house with a driveway, that would be a bit of an issue, but I would use a family members driveway before going to another place.
Used oil is easy, i call it the Wal-Mart Cycle. It starts with buying 5 quart jugs at walmart. Then you put your used oil back into them, and when you have 4-5 you take them to wal-mart to dispose of for free. Sometimes i make friends/family take oil in for me in exchange for me doing their oil change.
Originally Posted By: dareo
Used oil is easy, i call it the Wal-Mart Cycle. It starts with buying 5 quart jugs at walmart. Then you put your used oil back into them, and when you have 4-5 you take them to wal-mart to dispose of for free. Sometimes i make friends/family take oil in for me in exchange for me doing their oil change.
I guess it depends on the state. All the places that sell oil have to take back used oil so there's no dump to drive to, just stop by any auto parts store and leave your oil. None of them hassle you for a receipt so it's easy to drop off as there's usually an auto parts store on the way to where ever you may be going.
Used oil is easy, i call it the Wal-Mart Cycle. It starts with buying 5 quart jugs at walmart. Then you put your used oil back into them, and when you have 4-5 you take them to wal-mart to dispose of for free. Sometimes i make friends/family take oil in for me in exchange for me doing their oil change.
I guess it depends on the state. All the places that sell oil have to take back used oil so there's no dump to drive to, just stop by any auto parts store and leave your oil. None of them hassle you for a receipt so it's easy to drop off as there's usually an auto parts store on the way to where ever you may be going.
With a DIY oil change, you get to control all of the variables, and not have to be that guy staring and glaring through the service window, watching someone else touch your car.
I prefer to DIY.
I prefer to DIY.
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