DIY Oil Change Worth It?
 

I don't know how to do an Oil Change; but would it be worth learning and more so the money I could save? a Good Oil Change is around $30-$40 where I'm from.

Do it yourself and get a Fumoto Valve. I personally haven't done it myself, but will be doing this once I hit 5k on my current oil. I already have the valve and did the oil chance on my fiancés 2012 Corolla and didn't have any issues. Just need to change the filter and flip the switch from now on :).

Learning to change the oil is fun. It used to save a bit of change, but places now are getting fairly cheap for synthetic oil changes. You can save maybe $5-$10 doing it on your own, but the nice part is being able to change your oil whenever you want instead of having to wait on other people. Also, as you get better, you can get the oil changed in about 15 minutes, which is nothing at all.

In all honesty if you could get a good change for 30-40 using the right oil and oem filter then I say go for it. Down here in Miami, on oil alone is about $50. The fumoto valve is a great idea, google it if you don't know about it, makes draining the oil more controllable and cleaner given you could use a hose. It sort of pays for it self with not having to buy crush washers lol.

Are there specific Fumoto valves that are compatible or was there only one Fumoto lol

They make them for almost every car including ours, the brand name is just one specific one, don't think anyone else copies them.

It's also under the name Quik Valve now. Same thing. F-108 is the correct version our cars. In searching, you might see F-105, but that is for the EJ motors.

F-108N has a nipple for a hose, but sticks out lower.

F-108S has a shorter nipple, just enough to get a hose on.

I've never found a need for a hose, so I stick with the plain one. Amazon sells them.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Fumoto-F-108-Engine-Drain-Valve/dp/B003VCCUJI"]Amazon.com: Fumoto F-108 Engine Oil Drain Valve: Automotive[/ame]


Crap, I just realized I have one sitting here in my home office. I bought it for my girlfriend's Mini Cooper that she ended up trading in, but then I bought one for my BRZ...didn't even notice that it was the same or I could have saved myself the $26...idiot.

Back on track, do your own oil changes if you have any interest at all. It's far too easy to just put gas in a car, drive it around and let other people worry about whether it's going to keep running. I like to take an active part in my car's life, and it's nice to get underneath once in a while.

There's not much to learn. Rallysport Direct did a nice DIY on this already, if I remember correctly. Just buy OEM filters from the dealer. They're cheap and still the best, tell them to keep the crush washer if you install the valve. Be sure to write down mileage and date in a little log book, so you know when to do it again.

I recently saw that Autozone carry's nice oil jugs now. The pan/container things are terrible. They ALWAYS leak through the threads. Best thing is a nice big open pan with a spout on one end to pour from. Pour into the jug, it'll hold at least two oil changes worth, then take the jug into the parts store and have them dump it into the recycle bin (free).

I'm gonna stop before I start rambling...

this car is the easiest oil change ever! just like S2000
oil filter is right there when you open the hood.
buy Ramp if you're not comfortable with floor jack.
after your 1st DIY oil change, you can decide you can do it next time or just going to shop to do it

Even if you don't continue to do it in the future, changing the oil or any basic car maintenance for that matter is worth doing at least once on your own. It's a new skill, experience and you learn more about your car. When I get under my car, I wait for the oil to drain, I check the surrounding areas under the car for anything that may be of suspect or need to be looked into further, or just really look and see whats what down there.

Doing your own oil change financially vs Bringing someplace really isnt as competitive as it used to be. Maybe save $5? At the most $10 if you do it yourself now a days.

The FR-S is the only car besides my Z I change the oil myself in again, simply because I want to use the oil I want to use. I really dont worry about Dealers/Walmarts/Valvolines fucking anything up, just making sure I get the oil put in that I want put in. My other cars all got whatever generic dino/synthetic oil change thes eplaces offered. Wasn't worth getting under the car if I could do my shopping and have it done at the same time.

However I would highly recommend doing some of these things yourself at least once as I said.

Changing the oil on an 86 is rediculously easy.

With the fumoto valve, it takes no time at all and defintely makes it less of a chore.

This brings up a valid point. Sometimes you should worry. I've gotten home after an oil change to find my oil cap rattling around in the engine bay on my Mustang. Never underestimate the power of poorly-paid/trained employees to screw things up.

Oh dont get me wrong, I know it happens. I also know some people are just lazy and careless, however I dont worry about it all that much. I will admit I do check before I take off that the cap is on and oil is full. I have on 1 occasion checked and I was a little over a quart low, oil looked new, guessing homie somehow just fucked it up/wasnt paying attention, shit happens though.

I just read this thread and went and bought the fumoto valve. Looking forward to trying it out. Might have to purchase them for my 5 other vehicles, hahha

Do it yourself and get a Fumoto Valve..very easy and you get great time hang out with your car