Do you change your own oil? If so, why?

[ft86Fan]

Wow, OP makes engine oil sound like its toxic. Like others have said, a pair of glove should prevent skin contact with the oil.

[Draco-REX]

Considering that the guys that work at my customer's garages aren't covered in cancerous cysts, I think worries about changing your own oil once in a while are a bit unfounded.

I change my own oil because it's cheaper, I know what's going into the car, I can pick my own filter, and I know without a doubt that some dumbass isn't going to leave the drain plug loose, or drain the transmission, or overcharge me for an air filter, or... well you get the idea.

If you want something done right, do it yourself.

[86'd]

Honestly I've changed my oil in the past but for the money I save, it really isn't worth my time.

If I have a few days off and I'm bored, I'll do it, but otherwise I'll take it to a local shop.

Now with the BRZ/FRS, I might do a couple of them, but if it comes with a service plan then I'll probably have the dealer do it for the first few times.

[Draco-REX]

The BRZ is going to be one of the easiest to change. Especially if you put a fumoto oil valve on there.

Drive up on ramps
Slide the pan under
Open the valve and drain oil
Close valve
replace filter under hood

No tools needed.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by SteelReign

My main concern is the carcinogenic used motor oil getting on me. Is it worth being exposed to something like this to save a little money? And regarding mechanics messing up things: I think I'd rather have a busted up $25,000 FR-S/BRZ than have to deal with surgery/radiation/chemotherapy.

Is it much more cost-efficient when you can usually get a $20 oil change coupon? Yes, I get to have a full-synthetic oil of my choice and oil filter brand of my choice for $30 but from what I've read online (like from Bob is the Oil Guy), synthetic and "dino" oils aren't much different for most cars.

those carcinogens are not going to give you cancer. i work with diagnostic radiation and am training in theraputic radiation. when we look at the risks associated with cancer will change your risk from about 20% to 20.001%. unless youre talking about things that are like smoking or any crazy occupational hazzards where you would be exposed for decades. either way changing your own oil doesnt seem worth your time imo

[Lonewolf]

I used to always change my own oil because I am a stickler about the maintenance on my cars. Now, I let my dealer or my mechanic (both of whom I've known for several years) change the oil because it just takes too long at home, and they are competent. * I WOULD NEVER GO TO A QUICK LUBE PLACE!

Do I always check the oil change work done by others? You bet your ass I do. I check to make sure that the oil level is correct, the oil is new, that I don't have any leaks on the ground, and I mark the oil filters so I know that they are being changed.

If I had a lift, I would probably still do it, but I hate jacking up the car to drain the oil. Plus, I'm happy I don't have to keep used oil in my garage for recycling drop-off anymore because that was always a pain.

***How easy and reliable are those ramps I've heard about?

[chulooz]

With a fumoto valve you dont even need the ramps. Plus inclining the car means you are not draining all of your oil. But I have ramps and they are awesome for when I need them.

The longest part of changing my oil is waiting for it to finish draining.

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by chulooz

With a fumoto valve you dont even need the ramps. Plus inclining the car means you are not draining all of your oil. But I have ramps and they are awesome for when I need them.

The longest part of changing my oil is waiting for it to finish draining.

Your car have enough ground clearance to slide under?

[chulooz]

just need to be able to reach the valve.

[ZetaVI]

DIY maintenance= you know what happened + save money.

[powertrip]

Originally Posted by Lonewolf

.

***How easy and reliable are those ramps I've heard about?

Extremely reliable. Just get a good pair of chalks to put under the rear wheels after you drive up and set your e-brake. It's as safe as using jackstands but only takes a few seconds to get up on and less risk due to rocking. You can get a good pair for under $50 at any local auto store and they are compact sized. As always make sure you only use it on level surfaces.

[blur]

I have only changed my own oil when I was working at a shop, and I had the car on a lift. After looking at that Fumoto valve I think I'll be able to change the oil on my own, even with lowered suspension... with the nipple and a hose I can likely drain the oil into a container without putting it under the car, so no need to raise it up.

I just don't know how I can reach that valve if the car is lowered. I can't use ramps in my driveway, it's on an incline I'll probably steal someone else's driveway haha.

As to the topic I would prefer to change my own oil... last time my buddy went to do his oil change it took almost 2 hours... how long does it take to change the oil on a lift anyway :P

[Giccin]

I change my own oil.

That way I save on costs and learn about my own car. :>

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by chulooz

just need to be able to reach the valve.

Don't forget the engine is 9 inches further back than on a regular Subaru.