Why change your own oil?

JeffKeryk said:
I swap the filter every 2nd or even 3rd service. 5K (or less) intervals. Even then, it is so easy (and clean) to use the extractor.
But as you say, top side oil filter is pretty nice.

When I swap the filter, I do a tire rotation, etc.
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Even though I know the filter will last for much longer than oil drain interval, I just can't bring myself to change the oil without also changing the filter That little bit of extra dirty oil bothers me even though in reality it probably doesn't make any difference in the longevity of the engine. But good on you that you don't have the same hangup :)
 
MavRick said:
Even though I know the filter will last for much longer than oil drain interval, I just can't bring myself to change the oil without also changing the filter That little bit of extra dirty oil bothers me even though in reality it probably doesn't make any difference in the longevity of the engine. But good on you that you don't have the same hangup :)
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Yes I don't know anyone that washes their dress shirts in dirty water!
 
MavRick said:
Even though I know the filter will last for much longer than oil drain interval, I just can't bring myself to change the oil without also changing the filter That little bit of extra dirty oil bothers me even though in reality it probably doesn't make any difference in the longevity of the engine. But good on you that you don't have the same hangup :)
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I used to be anal about this, but now this process is the best thing since sliced bread. No jack, ramps, tools. I've serviced a Civic on Christmas Day. Top that...
 
JohnnyJohnson said:
Yes I don't know anyone that washes their dress shirts in dirty water!
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It’s not quite the same analogy there though. Even when you change your oil filter you are still leaving behind some old oil. In some engines it can be close to a full quart that gets trapped in the cylinder head(s) and oil passages. So if you have an extra few ounces of old oil in the filter it really isn’t that much different. Besides, most people on this forum are draining out perfectly clean 3000 mile oil anyway, not super worn out and fully contaminated oil.
 
Is there ANY detriment to NOT letting the oil "flush" whatever is in the pan out using traditional drain plug? I have a mity-vac, but have never used it for aspirating oil from the dipstick tube. It sounds super convenient compared to crawling around on the floor, but want to know what (if any) downsides there are.
 
gasman556 said:
Is there ANY detriment to NOT letting the oil "flush" whatever is in the pan out using traditional drain plug? I have a mity-vac, but have never used it for aspirating oil from the dipstick tube. It sounds super convenient compared to crawling around on the floor, but want to know what (if any) downsides there are.
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I use mity vac or similar on a couple of my cars.

If you do regular changes, I see no consequences. I say not messing with the splash shield (if filter is on top) and drain plug are pros as well, less that could go wrong.

Maybe if you have a neglected car you could argue draining is better, but I'm still not sure it would matter.
 
Ayrton said:
I use mity vac or similar on a couple of my cars.

If you do regular changes, I see no consequences. I say not messing with the splash shield (if filter is on top) and drain plug are pros as well, less that could go wrong.

Maybe if you have a neglected car you could argue draining is better, but I'm still not sure it would matter.
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Do you ever drain, and do you change the filter every time?

I think draining at least for the first few oil changes will help ensure any metals that have settled in the pan are flushed out. My 2002 ford explorer had curly metal shavings come out of the pan on one of the early oil changes. Probably unusual but manufacturing process leaves some debris.
 
MavRick said:
Do you ever drain, and do you change the filter every time?

I think draining at least for the first few oil changes will help ensure any metals that have settled in the pan are flushed out. My 2002 ford explorer had curly metal shavings come out of the pan on one of the early oil changes. Probably unusual but manufacturing process leaves some debris.
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One of them used to get drained. However, my Mercedes has never been drained in 16 years. I'd imagine some of this debris could be evacuated out the same way it can drain out. I don't know for sure though, you could be right that draining is preferred.

I have always changed the filter because on these particular cars, the filter is on top.

I almost regret my newest car has no dipstick and filter under the car. I should have taken the time to find a car that could do a topside change, I really do love being able to do that.
 
Ayrton said:
One of them used to get drained. However, my Mercedes has never been drained in 16 years. I'd imagine some of this debris could be evacuated out the same way it can drain out. I don't know for sure though, you could be right that draining is preferred.

I have always changed the filter because on these particular cars, the filter is on top.

I almost regret my newest car has no dipstick and filter under the car. I should have taken the time to find a car that could do a topside change, I really do love being able to do that.
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I think except for the first couple drains I don't think there is a huge benefit to draining. It is mostly about removing early manufacturing debris that may be left over

You must be saving a fortune on the Mercedes oil changes. I've heard dealer changes are very expensive on those vehicles.
 
Plumb Bob said:
I love to go to AutoZone with a 5-gallon bucket of used motor oil and pour it in that big container in the back room - then walk away without buying anything.
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Some people just know how to live.

JeffKeryk said:
The plastic shroud around the oil filter uses 3 push pin fasteners; 2 were missing and 1 was broke.
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Replacing shroud rivets is included with my oil change service.
I feel the "curb feelers" from yesteryear should be relocated in the front-center so drivers don't override parking stops.
 
ripcord said:
It never occurred to me to feel smug about dumping my oil in their tank. The county makes them provide the service and someone else hauls it away for them for free.
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Yeah, me neither. Most locales mandate those stores take in used oil regardless. I just ask were the tank is at and either they take it from me to empty or they point to where it is at in the back and I do it with no muss or fuss.
 
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ripcord said:
It never occurred to me to feel smug about dumping my oil in their tank. The county makes them provide the service and someone else hauls it away for them for free.
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Some folks feel smug about...you name it.

As a side note, I spend more money on Autozone than all others combined, though that might change now that O'Reillys is far closer to my place. I might as well take my used motor business to them ;)
 
What kind of man would a person be, if they didn't experience nitrile gloves tearing and grease going deep into their skin taking 7-10 days to completely be washed away? Probably one of means and sophistication, which are overrated
 
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