Originally Posted By: paulri
I’ve been on BITOG too long. I now want to change my oil.
I see many advocate using ramps. Any downside to that? I think this might make it easier to reach stuff when I need to tighten/twist, which IIRC was why I stopped changing it myself many moons ago. I have not tried on either of my two current vehicles yet.
FWIW, I would be doing this on a flat gravel driveway, although I’d obviously clear away the rock for doing this. Garage is storage at this point. The chance of me owning anything heavier than a Sienna is incredibly unlikely, so I don’t think I’d need anything more heavy duty than what I linked to, below.
I found this online: http://www.autozone.com/engine-and-vehicle-lift/ramp/hopkins-12000-lbs-rhinoramps-max/89618_0_0/
http://www.walmart.com/ip/RhinoRamps-Black/19526658?reviews_limit=10&
Walmart has ramps for $8 less. If the difference in quality would matter, I would have no problem buying the AZ ramps but of course if I can save 8 bucks I’d like to.
Finally, I assume I’d also need a wrench. These tools look pretty simple, under $10 at AZ. Are there any brands that folks would recommend I avoid? Any that are better than the others? Or do you folks twist them on/off by hand only?
I have some time to get this organized. I just changed the oil in both, within the last month. I just want to know what to look for, in case I see something on sale.
If you can get under the vehicle by sucking in your gut, thats the best answer, no ramps.
As far as a wrench goes, I assume you mean filter wrench. There are different sizes and styles. I use a strap wrench for one vehicle and a cap wrench for the other. You need to look at the position of the filter and the access around it. Can you turn a strap wrench or is there something in the way? There are cap wrenches that exactly fit the flutes and then there are adjustable cap wrenches with jaws.
Been changing my oil since around 1970 and over the years I have accumulated a pile of wrenches.
If the filter is not too hot, I give it a try by hand to see if I still got my superman strength. It does work sometimes.
Lastly make sure your actually UNscrewing the filter.
I’ve been on BITOG too long. I now want to change my oil.
I see many advocate using ramps. Any downside to that? I think this might make it easier to reach stuff when I need to tighten/twist, which IIRC was why I stopped changing it myself many moons ago. I have not tried on either of my two current vehicles yet.
FWIW, I would be doing this on a flat gravel driveway, although I’d obviously clear away the rock for doing this. Garage is storage at this point. The chance of me owning anything heavier than a Sienna is incredibly unlikely, so I don’t think I’d need anything more heavy duty than what I linked to, below.
I found this online: http://www.autozone.com/engine-and-vehicle-lift/ramp/hopkins-12000-lbs-rhinoramps-max/89618_0_0/
http://www.walmart.com/ip/RhinoRamps-Black/19526658?reviews_limit=10&
Walmart has ramps for $8 less. If the difference in quality would matter, I would have no problem buying the AZ ramps but of course if I can save 8 bucks I’d like to.
Finally, I assume I’d also need a wrench. These tools look pretty simple, under $10 at AZ. Are there any brands that folks would recommend I avoid? Any that are better than the others? Or do you folks twist them on/off by hand only?
I have some time to get this organized. I just changed the oil in both, within the last month. I just want to know what to look for, in case I see something on sale.
If you can get under the vehicle by sucking in your gut, thats the best answer, no ramps.
As far as a wrench goes, I assume you mean filter wrench. There are different sizes and styles. I use a strap wrench for one vehicle and a cap wrench for the other. You need to look at the position of the filter and the access around it. Can you turn a strap wrench or is there something in the way? There are cap wrenches that exactly fit the flutes and then there are adjustable cap wrenches with jaws.
Been changing my oil since around 1970 and over the years I have accumulated a pile of wrenches.
If the filter is not too hot, I give it a try by hand to see if I still got my superman strength. It does work sometimes.
Lastly make sure your actually UNscrewing the filter.
