oil change at place other than dealer

[dwz75]

Hi guys, i'm ready for my 2nd oil change. It's so hard to book an appointment at the dealers though.I'm thinking about maybe oil change at a lube place. Did anyone have any experience at those places? Did you have any problem?

thanks!

[BBISHOPPCM]

I used to take my 2004 frontier to Valvoline just for the show. Valvoline lets you sit in the vehicle while they perform most service work. I once watched them try to replace the oil filter; after the third person tried, they stepped aside to find a manager or whatever... I quietly got out of my truck, spun the oil filter off, and handed it to the guy as he turned around (manager saw this and got all pissed off at me). Every time I went to this Valvoline place, they ALWAYS had a hard time with the filter... and it's not a hard filter to remove, either (my 300ZX is a NIGHTMARE). Other than that, they always did a decet job, and that particular station had a low turnover rate, so it was always the same people. I stopped going to Valvoline when I got the Versa; no, she will be service solely by the dealer until the warranty runs out. And my dealer uses Mobil oil.

Oh, I had two negative expereinces at a locally owned shop with my 1987 Pathfinder (two years ago after I rebuilt the engine myself). The first time I went to this shop to have an oil change done, the filter seal blew out the next day during a nor'easter (blizzard). I replaced the filter, filled the crankcase, and was on my way. I called them, and they gave me an attitude and a free oil change. I redeemed the oil change voucher and it happened AGAIN. This time, I called and never let them touch my vehicle again.

[dwz75]

hoho.. thanks for the experience, guess i'll stick with the dealer then.. sigh, how hard is it to change the oil?

[dino619]

why dont you just do it yourself. that way you have the confidence of knowing its done right?

[BBISHOPPCM]

I don't do my oil changes myself because I am a klutz, and god forbid anything happen to the vehicle while under warranty, I would rather go to the dealer with proof that the vehicle was maintained religiously than not have any proof at all.

[TweeKeer]

I don't do my oil changes myself because I am a klutz, and god forbid anything happen to the vehicle while under warranty, I would rather go to the dealer with proof that the vehicle was maintained religiously than not have any proof at all.

you are allowed to do your own oil changes, all you have to do is keep the receipts of everything you do and just make sure it's everything that they would do.

[kc5f]

I had my first two Versa scheduled maintenance visits done at the dealer and the next four at an oil change shop or my local mechanic, depending on whether it was more than an oil change. Neither had any problems.

It was because of the problems I had scheduling at the dealer, as you had, even though they advertise Saturday service, and that the Nissan dealer didn't want to go by the Versa manual, even arguing with me that they only would check the cabin air filter at 15,000 miles instead of replacing it, and order one in if it needed changing. (I've saved a bundle, too!)

[proxim2020]

I don't do my oil changes myself because I am a klutz, and god forbid anything happen to the vehicle while under warranty, I would rather go to the dealer with proof that the vehicle was maintained religiously than not have any proof at all.

Changing your oil is pretty simple and not easy to screw up if you're careful. I've only screw it up once and the only thing I've hurt was my pride. On my last car, I decided to start buying cheap filters to save money. After using it once, I didn't have any problems. When I went to change my oil the second time and didn't realize that when I took the filter off, the cheap seal ripped off the filter and stayed on the engine. I screwed on the new filter, got everything done, and started up the engine. Oil went everywhere and was on everything

[dino619]

ha ha ha... that happened to me when I was woring at jiffy lube. not a good sight.but ya there really nothing to changing oil. its just draining it out and spining a filter off and filling it up again.

[Ever Victorious]

If you still would rather not do it yourself, or have other reasons not to do it yourself, I have a couple tips:

1) Don't use Jiffy Lube. Even the ones that take their jobs seriously and try to do a good job still screw things up pretty often. Grease Monkey is a LITTLE better, but not much.

2) Often times you can find local Lube-and-Tune shops that are closer to being mechanics, in that they specialize more in tuneups and mufflers. They often advertise in money mailer or bulk mail advertisers with good prices, and they do good work on oil changes. However, this option is dependent on your clipping coupons and making sure you have enough time in your day to slip your car in.

3) If you don't like having to wrack your brain, find a major car dealership that has a quick lube lane. In my case, I take my Legacy to a nearby Chevy/Mazda dealership because it has a really good GM Goodwrench quick lube service that's not too expensive, does a good job, and stocks filters for every make of car. They're also faster than the Lube-and-Tune shop, and the one I go to also throws in a free car wash for the car and a 20 oz soda for the human.

Edit: Clarification... by "not too expensive", the whole service including the wash and soda is only $5 more than if I bought the oil and filter myself and did it myself. Simply not having to crawl on my garage floor and get myself oily is worth that $5 to me.

[BBISHOPPCM]

I'm perfectly capable of changing my own oil, as I have already done the following on my previous cars;

1987 VW; Rebuilt top end replaced suspension bushings, shocks and struts; removed interior completely to reseal leaks, replaced headliner, replaced complete exhaust system.

1987 Pathfinder; replaced engine with one I rebuilt myself (failed because I was forced to drive on a blown head gasket at night). Replaced all brake components (including lines, flared em myself!) Replaced exhaust system, and fuel tank.

1997 Mazda; Timing belt, water pump, radiator.

I'm not doubting my abilities, the main problem is I am more worried about the environment, and I don't want to risk spilling oil in my yard/driveway, and don't want to worry about having to get rid of the oil in a safe manner. Plus, it costs me almost as much to change the oil myself than the dealer charges (I use Mobil fossil oil, same as my dealer). I used to do all my own oil and coolant service, but the hassle wasn't worth the cost savings. Trying to find anyone to take old antifreeze around here is like pulling teeth.

[spy007]

I look at it this way dealer charges 39CAN to do my truck or versa

I can put good synth. oil for less then the dealer charges me. The cost for me is 5Can. for filter and 28-35 for 4l of q state 5/30 I usally get it at crappy tire when it goes on sale for 25-40% off so for about 20 i get what most would pay 50Can for.

BTW Canadian tire will let u return up to 5gal of oil for free..

Do it your self if u can its good to learn about your car as u wont get scammed as easily.

[BBISHOPPCM]

When I ha my 30,000 mile service done, I physically checked EVERYTHING on their list, mainly to see if I could trust them. Funny story... I noted the brand and type of windsheild wipers I installed a month prior to having the service done. When I picked up the vehicle, the list of services done included new windshield wipers; imagine my sprprise when I discovered the EXACT same wipers I installed! I thought I had em by the balls until they showed me the wipers they took off (complete with my markings). Boy was my face red! Oh, and my truck was not equipped with an in-cabin filter. I was about to rip em a new one when they charged me for the filter as well... until I removed the glovebox door and saw that they had actually installed one. Damn they're good!