Items to inspect at oil change

The Critic · Feb 8, 2007

Tomorrow, I'll be doing an oil change on someone's 98 Elantra. I'll be installing FormulaShell 10W30 ($0.79/qt) and an orange can ($3.50).

I'm not terribly thrilled about the condition of this vehicle, and my suspicion is that this vehicle may not be in the best condition, maintenance wise.

What items should I also check/service that I can do within a reasonable time frame. (< 1 hr)

So far, I plan to check/service these additional items. Please feel free to help me out by adding to this list.

- Set Tire Pressure
- Check ATF condition
- Check PS and Brake Fluid levels
- Check Coolant condition
- Top off electrolytes on battery

Earl Filter · Feb 8, 2007

-CV boots
-Battery terminals (while you're at the battery)

MysticGold04 · Feb 8, 2007

Take a quick peek at the PCV valve if you can... also, check the air filter too.

Brogy · Feb 8, 2007

air filter, see if all the lights are working, check pcv valve, serp maybe

dont forget to vaccume the interior and clean the windows too

alreadygone · Feb 8, 2007

W washer solvent.

Bob

Cutehumor · Feb 8, 2007

wash and wax the car too and top off the gas tank.

nyr197 · Feb 8, 2007

Don't forget to check the PSI of the spare. Something many people forget.

bdcardinal · Feb 8, 2007

odds are it is a maintainence free battery.

Black_Thunder · Feb 8, 2007

air filter

Pablo · Feb 8, 2007

Yeah - "critic fixed my car and now it's busted"!

I would not go deep with someone else's car unless it's a relative, she REALLY loves you, or you have a written contract for $. Nothing wrong with helping people - go for it but - just be careful. Just give it a visual and if you notice something tell them you are NOT an expert and go from there........add fluid all the way to seeking PRO help.

Volvohead · Feb 8, 2007

Good grief. While the oil is draining over the ten or so minutes, you should be able to give the entire engine compartment a good going over. Belts, hoses, fluids, electrical connections, ignition wires, vacuum lines, filters, the whole thing. When underneath, you've plenty of time to go over the undercarriage as well. A sharp eye can move quickly. After you checklist anything that's amiss, you can go from there.

Focus on the mechanicals. Leave the tire pressures for the owner or another time.

Maybe I've been doing this too long and take it all for granted. But I get my best preventative maintenance in during an oil change. That's why I keep doing 'em.

And you should ALWAYS top off the washer fluid . . . the sign of a classy mechanic.

Al · Feb 8, 2007

Quote:

Yeah - "critic fixed my car and now it's busted"!

I would not go deep with someone else's car unless it's a relative, she REALLY loves you, or you have a written contract for $.

Amen. I am reluctant to be a repairman for other peoples problems. I can cite many painful examples. Bottom line-if something happens they will all stare quitely at you-expecting you to fix your screw-up. I would highly recommend that you don't start this policy in general.

The drain plug could be in questionable shape and when you tighten it it could strip.

sxg6 · Feb 8, 2007

X3

I only help out my very close friends now. I could cite numerous examples, but heres one for now. I use to change the oil in my sisters car all the time, until she accused me of breaking her radio when i did an oil change the day before.

Kestas · Feb 8, 2007

I have to agree with the previous three posters. With my gray hairs comes a bit of wisdom from experience. I now either do not volunteer my services (much as I like helping people), or I'm up front with them about these exact problems that may come up, and that I may run into "problems". That way I let them know that THEY are the ones taking a chance on saving money with my services.

Volvohead · Feb 8, 2007

Yes, the CYA element must be there if it's not your own machine. Always tell them first that they get what they pay for when doing it as a courtesy.

01rangerxl · Feb 8, 2007

Check ball joints and all rubber suspension/steering/drivetrain parts (boots, bushings) for damage.

rpn453 · Feb 8, 2007

Have a look at the belts, hoses, and CV boots. Just make sure there's nothing obviously nearing failure there. PCV valve and air filter might be worth looking at.

I like to check that all lights are working too.

Cicero · Feb 8, 2007

If your a 5K OCI or so person, then rotate the tires. After all you have the floor jack out already, right? Maybe not.

OR get a rotate/balance plan for $40 or so and give yourself a break. The balancing alone is worth it.

Junior · Feb 8, 2007

On a car that old, I would take a peek at the condition of the brake system especially the hoses from the calipers to the tube lines.

IMO,If you see something amiss I think you are obligated to mention it and recommend a professional inspect it.

The Critic · Feb 9, 2007

Quote:

Yeah - "critic fixed my car and now it's busted"!

I would not go deep with someone else's car unless it's a relative, she REALLY loves you, or you have a written contract for $. Nothing wrong with helping people - go for it but - just be careful. Just give it a visual and if you notice something tell them you are NOT an expert and go from there........add fluid all the way to seeking PRO help.

He got a flat tire this morning...

So he just left for the shop to get the tire fixed.

So I'm clear...

Items to inspect at oil change

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