Oil change @ dealer?

[msofka]

So I’ve always enjoyed changing my own oil, and I wouldn’t mind doing it still, but I figured I would take my Darkhorse to a dealer.

I would ask if anyone has an opinion- but I know you do! So lay them on me!

Am I better to do it myself? If so, any tips?

Is a dealer the right to go? There is a few around me, how do I pick the best one?

thanks guys!

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[Farmer Fran]

Do it yourself

 

[LETHAL]

Dealer did my first cause it was free. My next will likely be done by myself. Not looking forward to the 17 belly pan bolts though.

 

[BrianJ77]

If you are able to I recommend doing it yourself. Then you know it was done how you want it done. I do this for all of my vehicles unless it is something I don't know how to do, or don't have an expensive piece of equipment for.

That said I am considering investing in a tire change and balancing machine. If I can find a good used one....

....so anyway, yes, change that oil yourself!

 

[krisk]

I do almost all of my own vehicle work unless it is under warranty. The exception is oil changes. In my younger years I changed the oil myself, but I've found in the last decade or so that it only saves a few dollars and those few extra dollars are worth paying for me not having to mess with it. Sure the dealer tech could mess it up, but I'm pretty comfortable with my local dealer's service department.

 

[Bluember24]

I use to do my own oil changes, but now I would rather take it to the dealer. I don't have a lift and I am sick of messing with jacks/jack stands. Also, in Arizona, it is not fun to be outside changing your own oil.

Another thing is all the underbelly stuff that has to be removed... It is just annoying

 

[Supraman]

One of my employees said he would be in late because he had an appointment at 7am to get his oil changed at the dealer (Honda in his case). He finally shows up about 10:30am and tells this story of every 20 minutes they came in to try and sell him something, everything from brake pads to wiper blades. I believe it. I told him he should do it himself and that it takes me 20 to 30 minutes to change my own.

I mostly order oil and filters online now so that's really no more time involved than scheduling a service appointment. And then once a year I take all my old oil and filters (plus brake fluid, coolant, etc.) to a city collection center that's five minutes from my house. It'd take me longer to drive to the nearest dealer. So I guess it depends. Maybe your dealer is close by and while it's still brand new, maybe there's not much they can try to sell you. The only thing I kinda don't like is pouring the used oil from the pan into containers but that's a minor annoyance, not enough to make me go to the dealer.

 

[Wiley Marmot]

Depends on your dealer and more importantly; the Techs that will actually do the work. I'm going to do my own, but my dealer's Fast (Quick Lane---whatever) Lane guys always did right by me for the 3 years I owned my RS. Wouldn't hesitate to have them do my GT's change if I felt like it.

Good luck!

UPDATE: Just spoke with my dealership to see if they offered complimentary free first change?

Good thing I've already bought my oil and filter; because they don't!

 

[Crew4991]

If you are capable of doing it yourself and have the time/tools to do it, I say definitely change it yourself.

It is an easy job to do. Plus you can use the exact oil and filter you want to use and ensure the job is done right.

If time and convenience are more important, then by all means have someone else do it for you. I would never take a car to the dealership to change oil. Plenty of great local shops that will do it for you instead of big name dealerships. At least give local mechanics your business over a dealer.

 

[steveo1960]

It's easy even for an old coot like me. I can almost guarantee if you take it somewhere else that screws or fasteners will be missing. Use an electric driver or even screwdriver with the appropriate socket and it's easy. Purchase one of those assorted fastener kits on Amazon for a couple of dollars and you will be all set. If that doesn't work for you, find an independent mechanic with a good reputation in your area and develop a relationship. And never take your car to one of the quick oil change places unless you have a friend who works there who will take care of you. Most, not all, but most are horror shows.

 

[msofka]

Dealer did my first cause it was free. My next will likely be done by myself. Not looking forward to the 17 belly pan bolts though.

lol, part of the reason I was considering someone else!

 

[msofka]

Do it yourself

Any tips?

 

[msofka]

It's easy even for an old coot like me. I can almost guarantee if you take it somewhere else that screws or fasteners will be missing. Use an electric driver or even screwdriver with the appropriate socket and it's easy. Purchase one of those assorted fastener kits on Amazon for a couple of dollars and you will be all set. If that doesn't work for you, find an independent mechanic with a good reputation in your area and develop a relationship. And never take your car to one of the quick oil change places unless you have a friend who works there who will take care of you. Most, not all, but most are horror shows.

Few good bits of advice there. Thank you!

 

[msofka]

If you are capable of doing it yourself and have the time/tools to do it, I say definitely change it yourself.

It is an easy job to do. Plus you can use the exact oil and filter you want to use and ensure the job is done right.

If time and convenience are more important, then by all means have someone else do it for you. I would never take a car to the dealership to change oil. Plenty of great local shops that will do it for you instead of big name dealerships. At least give local mechanics your business over a dealer.

I don’t mind making the time, what filter/oil do you prefer?

 

[msofka]

One of my employees said he would be in late because he had an appointment at 7am to get his oil changed at the dealer (Honda in his case). He finally shows up about 10:30am and tells this story of every 20 minutes they came in to try and sell him something, everything from brake pads to wiper blades. I believe it. I told him he should do it himself and that it takes me 20 to 30 minutes to change my own.

I mostly order oil and filters online now so that's really no more time involved than scheduling a service appointment. And then once a year I take all my old oil and filters (plus brake fluid, coolant, etc.) to a city collection center that's five minutes from my house. It'd take me longer to drive to the nearest dealer. So I guess it depends. Maybe your dealer is close by and while it's still brand new, maybe there's not much they can try to sell you. The only thing I kinda don't like is pouring the used oil from the pan into containers but that's a minor annoyance, not enough to make me go to the dealer.

Awesome. Thank you.

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