Oil change rip offs

[CircusRide]

http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/586/the-3000-mile-oil-change-myth/;_ylc=X3oDMTE0cnVqb3Q4BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRv ZGF5BHNsawMzMDAwLW9pbA--


It’s been a misconception for years that engine oil should be changed every 3000 miles, even though most auto manufacturers now recommend oil changes at 5,000, 7,000, or even 10,000 mile intervals under normal driving conditions


Some people don't realize this and many oil change joints put your oil change time at 3000 miles. It's a waste unless you have a turbo or some other engine unit that requires it.

[Conveyor Belt]

My BIL has a Suburban that runs full synthetic oil in. He changes the oil once a year. The vehicle has over 300,000 miles on it.

[JMC]

in the car and truck I usually change about every 4k miles or 4 months...in the bike, every 3k miles...

[Fish-Bait]

every 8 thousand miles here.

[Conveyor Belt]

you're supposed to change the oil???

[CircusRide]

I change mine about every 5000-6000 miles. I've got 230,000 right now and my fuel mileage and power are better than they were at 100,000 miles. It may never die!

[carsalesguy]

5000 on the pathfinder, 7500 on the honda

[Kitty]

Some oil change places rip off people on other associated services.

[JMC]

i'm really thinking about going to synthetic in the titan and going to 8 or 10k miles in between changes....

i could do the same with camry but we usually end up changing it due to time rather than miles but from what I hear, won't have that worry with synthetic...

[JMC]

Some oil change places rip off people on other associated services.


right...air filters, wiper blades, flush radiator...

[Kitty]

Some oil change places rip off people on other associated services.

right...air filters, wiper blades, flush radiator...

It really angers me to see women, particularly older women, being taken advantage of at these places.

:smt009

[fuzzis]

i'm really thinking about going to synthetic in the titan and going to 8 or 10k miles in between changes....

i could do the same with camry but we usually end up changing it due to time rather than miles but from what I hear, won't have that worry with synthetic...

I've run synthetic in my Honda since I got it, and I generally go between 5,000-7,500 for oil changes. Mainly because that's when I get the tires rotated and balanced and aligned, and it makes me feel better to have it all on the same schedule. I'm pretty flakey as is, and it's hard for me to remember different dates.

[Fish-Bait]

I've run synthetic in my Honda since I got it, and I generally go between 5,000-7,500 for oil changes. Mainly because that's when I get the tires rotated and balanced and aligned, and it makes me feel better to have it all on the same schedule. I'm pretty flakey as is, and it's hard for me to remember different dates.

flakey??????:laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Remington]

I remember in the old days, it was recommended at every 5,000 miles. Then they changed it to 3,000 miles.

My truck tells me what my oil life is and it says to not change it until it says so. My OnStar report estimates that I will have to change it around 7,400 miles. The manual says to not go by the 3,000 miles recommendation and that the newer engines don't have to have the oil changed as often as before. I'm not sure what changed about engines or maybe the oil is better now.

But on my first oil change, I'm going with full synthetic. If you have a vehicle with a lot of miles on it and always used regular oil, it's not a good idea to switch to synthetic. Actually, most places will recommend that you don't use synthetic if you have a lot of miles and always used regular oil. I wish there was an oil changing place that sold Amsoil because that is the best there is.

I'm a self proclaimed expert on oil since I won 1st place in the state science fair in the 11th grade by testing motor oils!! :) I tested Havoline 10W-40, Havoline 30W, Havoline 10W-40 with 5,000 miles, Mobile 1 Synthetic, and ARCO graphite motor oil......not sure who remembers that! Mobile 1 Synthetic smoked the others and the 5,000 mile Havoline came way back in last place.

[fuzzis]

flakey??????:laugh::laugh::laugh:

A little. Every now and then. If it's not written down, I'm probably not going to remember it. If I write it down, though...you're screwed. :kekeke:

[mac]

I start thinking about it at 5k and always have it done by 6k. Now that I drive less, it takes me a lot longer to rack up 5k miles, so I'm doing it closer to 4k. I know oil breaks down over time, so I'm not going to leave the same oil in there too long, but I don't believe it's necessary to change it at 3,000 miles. It doesn't make sense when you consider that they used to recommend it ever 5k miles and I have a little nothing-special engine that shouldn't require any additional pampering.

Some oil change places rip off people on other associated services.

Like not replacing the filter, which pretty much makes the oil change pointless. My bro-in-law worked at a Jiffy Lube when he was a teenager, and talks about how they told them not to change the filters unless the customer specified it. So I always pull in and request that they change the oil AND the filter.

[JMC]

Like not replacing the filter, which pretty much makes the oil change pointless. My bro-in-law worked at a Jiffy Lube when he was a teenager, and talks about how they told them not to change the filters unless the customer specified it. So I always pull in and request that they change the oil AND the filter.

Sheesh...i've always, for years, assummed the filter was being changed. never thought they were leaving the old filter on. I guess I just need to start doing all this myself again. The only freaking way you ever ensure something is done right is to do it yourself. :shake:

[Conveyor Belt]

Sheesh...i've always, for years, assummed the filter was being changed. never thought they were leaving the old filter on. I guess I just need to start doing all this myself again. The only freaking way you ever ensure something is done right is to do it yourself. :shake:

I always change my own oil. I can't stomach the prices for something I can do myself and I kind of enjoy doing. I can change my own oil for around $30 (I have a fancy oil filter and use 5qt of full synthetic), but it'd be $50+ at the oil change place. Takes me about 10 minutes to do it, so I'm figuring I'm paying myself the $20/hr.

[fuzzis]

I always change my own oil. I can't stomach the prices for something I can do myself and I kind of enjoy doing. I can change my own oil for around $30 (I have a fancy oil filter and use 5qt of full synthetic), but it'd be $50+ at the oil change place. Takes me about 10 minutes to do it, so I'm figuring I'm paying myself the $20/hr.

I pay $40 when I get a full synthetic. Then they send me coupons for $$$ off (generally $10-20) if my services total more than $25...so it's down to around $20.

[JMC]

i've been taking my vehicles for the last 10 years or so....stricly due to convienence..guess i'm gonna get me some ramps and start doing it again at home...

[Conveyor Belt]

I pay $40 when I get a full synthetic. Then they send me coupons for $$$ off (generally $10-20) if my services total more than $25...so it's down to around $20.

My oil filter is $10 on its own. Damn Saturn and their Saab engine...

[Remington]

Get yourself a K&N filter sticker to put over your air filter housing and they'll quit recommending that you change your air filter......but think that the only way to get the sticker is to buy the filter.

[carsalesguy]

why not just put a K&N in it and save ya a little bit more gas- it has helped the pathfinder.

i guess that's the luxury of working at a dealership- i just stick it in the service lane and let them do it. with my discounts, i pay them the same as if i was going to buy the oil and filter and do it myself. yesterday i had a new air filter put in as well and it cost me the same there with the discount as if i went to oreilley's and gotten the same filter.

[CircusRide]

flakey??????:laugh::laugh::laugh:

And sore, hot, wet, bald......:laugh:

[CircusRide]

why not just put a K&N in it and save ya a little bit more gas- it has helped the pathfinder.

i guess that's the luxury of working at a dealership- i just stick it in the service lane and let them do it. with my discounts, i pay them the same as if i was going to buy the oil and filter and do it myself. yesterday i had a new air filter put in as well and it cost me the same there with the discount as if i went to oreilley's and gotten the same filter.

Why don't I let you take mine in as yours one day. That would save me a ton!

[mi_nombre_es]

I think the oil change sticker on my truck is from mid of 2006 =\

[Remington]

I've got a K&N filter on a GMC. I had one on a Ford truck and saw no difference in performance or fuel economy, but they are supposed to help on GMC/Chevrolet. The guy at the parts place said that he's heard from people that those driving Dodge trucks get worse gas mileage with a K&N filter and those driving Fords don't see a big difference but they are supposed to do good on GM.....so I got me one.

[damnyank]

I have always religiously had my oil changed every 3000 miles and still do, and also rotate the tires every other oil change. Here's my deal, with the increase in oil, it costs me $21 plus change for the oil and filter change (with my Postal Discount) and the tire rotation is free because I purchased the tires from them. I also get a 10% Postal Discount on any other service and that is over and above any advertised special. I bought 4 tires for the price of 3 for my truck and had an extra 10% off on top of that. Pretty good deal!

[mac]

I think the oil change sticker on my truck is from mid of 2006 =

It will screw the engine up eventually, you know. I speak from experience. (I totally screwed up the engine in a 1996 Cavalier when I was about 18.)

I want to learn how to change mine myself. Might hafta get the hubby to show me so we can start doing it here. (And yes, before anyone asks, I do at least know how to change a tire. I've never done it but I've seen it done enough times that I'm pretty sure I could make it happen if need be.)

[g8rfan]

What's K&N?

[gine]

Ouch I was one of those every 3,000 *sigh*

[gine]

For the do it at homers, where do you dispose of the burnt oil?

[Hermione]

One day long ago and far away, Miss Hermione decided to change the oil in her yellow Mustang all by herself. She carefully read instructions. Had the right oil, containers, tools, etc. Sat down in the driveway and slid under the car.
The time before when the yellow Mustang had its oil changed, a man put it up on a rack and when he was done, he tightened that little plug. With a wrench, overhead.
That little plug was not coming loose for a small woman lying on the ground under the car, nosiree bob it was not.
End of "I can do it myself." ;)

[CircusRide]

For the do it at homers, where do you dispose of the burnt oil?
I've got a drum I pour mine in. You can take to places like certain recycling locations or parts stores for pickup by recyclers or some will come pick it up.

[Ted]

What's K&N?K&N Engineering, Inc. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K&N_Engineering,_Inc.)

Their air filters are made of oiled cotton gauze sandwiched between aluminum mesh.
Conventional filters are made of paper fiber.
These things are permanent - washable and reusable.
They claim about 50,000 miles between washings.

[g8rfan]

K&N Engineering, Inc. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K&N_Engineering,_Inc.)

Their air filters are made of oiled cotton gauze sandwiched between aluminum mesh.
Conventional filters are made of paper fiber.
These things are permanent - washable and reusable.
They claim about 50,000 miles between washings.

Do they sell it at the auto parts stores around town? Is it expensive?

[Ted]

For the do it at homers, where do you dispose of the burnt oil?I've heard that AutoZones have tanks for used oil.

[Ted]

Do they sell it at the auto parts stores around town? Is it expensive?This (http://www.knfilters.com/search/dealersearch.aspx) on-line store locater shows just about every parts place we have around here.
(Edit: I meant to say - it shows they all stock the things.)

I've never priced 'em. A couple of folks that use them can probably give us an idea on the cost.

[Remington]

I bought my K&N at O'Reilly. It was around $50, but it is considered a lifetime air filter and you wash it every 50,000 miles with a kit that you pick up from the auto parts store. Supposed to also give better performance.

[Conveyor Belt]

All my used oil is sitting in containers in my garage. I haven't had the time to take them to the recycle place yet...

Never know when disaster may strike and I'll have to use it as outdoor lighting fuel.

[mike327]

The air filter is more important than changing the oil. Dirt from the air will go straight to the engine wearing the cyl walls, rings and contaminating the oil. A carburated engine I change the oil in the 3000 range depending on the state of tune. A fuel injected engine I change oil in the 5000 range.

[Fatty]

I am not in any way endorsing the following, but rather just sort of throwing it out there for edification purposes or whatever.

Way back in the early 70's most cars engines were pretty much used up by the time they reached 100k miles or so. Engine rebuilding was very common back then. Much more so than nowadays.

Back then, my dad was a P-3 pilot in the Navy and was the commander of a large squadron in the Naval Reserve.

One of his reservists who used to come drill once a month was some sort of chemical engineer.

He opined to my dad that changing the oil at all was really stupid and wasteful. He claimed that the engine temperatures, etc did absolutely nothing to damage the oil and that the only thing that really needed to be changed was the filter.

He personally never changed his oil, but changed his filter religiously every 10k miles. He'd drain the oil into a container, change the filter, and then put the old oil back in to the engine.

He had several hundred thousand miles on his engine doing this and claimed to have never had a problem.

Again, I ain't endorsing this, and I've never really had the guts or strong enough financial incentive to give it a try myself.

That said, I think it is interesting that we all take our used oil to a place to be recycled. I think all they really do at a recycling place is probably just filter the heck out of the oil and then resell it as motor. Maybe add some new detergents to it or something.

Back in the 70's detergent free motor oil was pretty common, so I suspect my dad's friend may have been using that as I have no idea how well these additives hold up in an engine over time.

[OTM]

They use to think cigarettes didn't kill you either.

[Desert Donkey]

One day long ago and far away, Miss Hermione decided to change the oil in her yellow Mustang all by herself. She carefully read instructions. Had the right oil, containers, tools, etc. Sat down in the driveway and slid under the car.
The time before when the yellow Mustang had its oil changed, a man put it up on a rack and when he was done, he tightened that little plug. With a wrench, overhead.
That little plug was not coming loose for a small woman lying on the ground under the car, nosiree bob it was not.
End of "I can do it myself." ;)

There's not a lot of leverage to be had in those small spaces underneath today's cars, true.

Here's a trick that will work for any of you gals who decided to try changing oil: place a box-end (End looks like a closed circle; the other end is the open end, looks like a regular wrench. Most wrenches have double ends these days) wrench on the plug, making sure it's the correct size. Some are Standard sizes, like 1/2", 9/16", etc, and some are Metric, like 12, 13 and 14mm, to name a few.

When the wrench is on there good and snug, make sure of the direction of rotation ("Righty-Tighty, Lefty-Loosie") and place the heel of your foot on the end of the wrench and apply force carefully until the oil pan plug begins to move. Your leg muscles are much stronger than your arm muscles, and can apply enough force to break loose even the toughest of fasteners. Once the plug is loose, you can switch to using your hands to remove it.

This trick has worked for me when I've gotten vehicles in that people have tightened things with impact wrenches that they shouldn't have!.

[BiGCoUnTrY06]

You have to change the oil? No wonder my truck sucks!!LOL j/k I change mine in my 4x4 every 3500 miles or every 3 months which ever comes first!!

[Eleanor Roosevelt]

Thanks for the information everyone. Don't laugh, but I JUST learned how to check my oil two days ago. I won't say ALL girls, but this one never thinks about that stuff (until now because she's paying for her own car).

[aaron]

I wouldn't exactly call it a rip-off. Check your manual that came with your car. With some cars, they say change it every 3,000 and it will void your warranty in some cases if you don't.

[fusil de asalto]

I change my motorcycle oil every 2k miles and the wifes accord every 5-7k miles.