What do you like about changing oil and why?

[Sylvatica]

Why do I maintain my own vehicles & machinery?

Independence of action.

Financial control. Don’t outsource what you can do yourself.

Quality control.

Schedule control. Convenience. Done when I can, when I prefer, and when it needs to be done.

Preservation of assets/investment. This attitude is limited to true ownership, and usually only to owners who work hard for their money.

Opportunity to be directly proximal to your mechanical systems, thus allowing scheduled periodic monitoring.

Distrust in/past problems with someone hired to do lubricant/preventive maintenance service.

Having a perfectionist attitude (understanding of “first do no harm”, cleanliness and the unwillingness to accept the introduction of contaminants back into the engine, demand for highest quality lubricants and filtration, demand that all torque specifications be adhered to, proper gasket procedures, careful observation of lubricant quantities and grades, etc) while knowing that the contractor does NOT possess the same mindset is not going to result in peace of mind. Doing the job yourself is the only way to avoid having to communicate these requirements to others, and will avoid the situation where they mock, become insulted by, dismiss, or initially agree to but ultimately ignore these high standards even if you did communicate them and they agreed to follow them.

If you cant maintain it, you don’t really own it.

 

[GhostFlame]

I know it is done right. I know it has the oil and filter that I want in the engine. I get to see the condition of the drain to see if there is any reason to be concerned. I look at other parts while I'm under there and I know my cars.

 

[labman]

I fail to see how you can really check everything that needs checked in 10 minutes. Also, I can use the same products every time so if there ever is a problem, I know who to blame. I just picked up 5 qt Pennzoil Conventional conventional and a STP filter for my truck for about $15. What does Iffy Lube want now?

 

[ZZman]

1. I use what I exactly want
2. It is cheaper
3. I get a feeling of accomplishment
4. I become one with my vehicles.............

 

[typ901]

Originally Posted By: Cutehumor
Saving money, for years I changed oil for only $2 supertech oil filter. Oil was free after rebate of course. Also, knowing the job is done right, and avoid the hideous upsale tactics at oil change places.


Ahh the wipers and air filter bit!

 

[river_rat]

Originally Posted By: labman
I fail to see how you can really check everything that needs checked in 10 minutes.

Which is often more like four minutes on the car--and 6 minutes getting the keys off the board, entering the data into the computer for the billing, requisitioning a filter and drain plug gasket, waiting your turn for the oil hose and the intercom to tell them how much to pump, and pulling it on and off the rack--trying to keep all this under 10-12 minutes.
At least that's the way it was at the Honda dealership where I used to work.

 

[double vanos]

Why post? Sylvatica just said it all for me....

 

[SevenBizzos]

Same reasons as other stated:

I actually like taking care of my vehicles.

I use the products I want to use.

It gets me out of doing "inside chores"

 

[charbaby]

I like to take care of my vehicles and equipment as well as my home. Just makes me feel better about not paying high prices for something that can easily be done in a short time. I have buddys that are "Jack of all Trades". Im not quite there but, I like to putter around the house/garage/yard/vehicles/equipment.

 

[Nate_Anderson]

I do enjoy tinkering around with machines and an oil change can usually be accomplished relatively quickly to give a sense of accomplishment. I also require all my machines run properly, and hate the thought of extremely dirty, acidic oil running through the engine potentially causing problems. Finally, I've never known any other way. My Dad would do all the maintenance on our vehicles growing up and I'd be right out there with him. Since then no one but me has ever changed the oil in any vehicle I've owned.

 

[KrisZ]

For the first 50k KM (30k Miles) I went to Mazda dealer for oil changes, but I was always paranoid about them screwing up and always checked the oil level and filter at their parking lot.

They never messed anything up in the engine compartment, but at one change they said they "lubricated" door hinges, upon inspection I found huge globs of white grease sprayed all over my doors (my car is black), that's when I decided to change my own oil and do all other maintenance items.

 

[lostwrench]

I can recline,spread the tools on the ground around me,and take a nap.

 

[VNTS]

Do it to save time, can change it in my garage faster than wasting an hour at some shop. Also for the same coin can put a good synthetic in and better filter.

Of course it is a messy job, and one I really dont enjoy but do so because I prefer to do it myself. all car maintenance is dirty but fluid changes like anti freeze, transmission, gear oils etc wind up being somewhat messy no matter how careful you are, I go thru a lot of wipes. In the last 2 weeks I have changed the transmission fluid in my Jeep and Durango and yesterday changed the hoses and anitfreeze in the Durango. Messy job since the antifreeze runs off the drain and spills off a shroud. Had two catch pans but still some came off and more dumped when I got the lower hose off. Nothing like slimy anti freeze to clean up LOL

 

[Kestas]

When I first started maintaining vehicles in high school, I took great pride in the fact that I can do something that used to be done in "professional" shops, and that I could save a boatload of money for the family. It helped me score "son" points with the parents and the fact that I could handle that level of responsibility.

 

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Something about servicing a finely-crafted piece of machinery and pouring in fresh oil does it for me, but I only change it once a year on each car, typically.


Oh, I don't know -- maybe it has to do with enjoying opening my oil filler caps and NOT seeing a massive accumulation of pseudo-feces packed all about and in my valvetrain. . .

 

[JustinC25]

There is just something about maintaining my vehicles that I enjoy. (even on the difficult things)
I did it for work and hated it, but I LOVE doing it as a hobby, on both my own, and others cars. I too also grew up spending time with my dad performing maintenance, and auto repairs. (He's a Toyota MDT with 30 years experience) I've just always done my own work. Oil Changes, Brakes, Timing Belts, Exhaust etc.
Lately since i've been out of work, It has provided some income. I try to tell my friends that their money is no good, but they still end up slipping me some.
I just did some work for a friend and she slipped some cash in my wallet. I didn't even know it was there till I left.
Anyway, enough of my rant. Thanks for the question, It gave me a chance to examine my motives.

Justin

 

[BrianWC]

jiffy lube is for commies.

 

[Colt45ws]

Originally Posted By: labman
I fail to see how you can really check everything that needs checked in 10 minutes.
You'd be surprised how fast it can be done and done properly. Of course I was working with someone else to do the top side, but we did a Dodge Caravan in 5 minutes and later a Chevrolet 1500 4x4 in 10. Checking both diffs, the transfer case, and all grease fittings.

 

[demarpaint]

I guess it is knowing it was done properly, and it lead up to bigger jobs as I learned more. As I did the bigger work, brakes, starters, shocks, clutch, gaskets, tune-ups, and a host of other jobs I started buying tools with the money I saved. Lets say a job at a repair shop costs $200, and the part was $50 for me to do. I'd take half the $150 savings and buy $75 worth of tools with it. Over the years that I did this I put together a pretty impressive tool set. Now I don't need much in terms of tools, but when I do need a special tool for a job odds are I have it. Now 100% of the savings goes into the bank.

 

[Bamaro]

I like nothing about changing oil. I do it only because it needs to be done. Bring on the EC.