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The Cost of Changing Motor Oil for an Automobile
    #12400147 -

So, I just got an oil change after a +3,000 tach reading with a total +140,300 miles, and looking at the bill it cost me, I can't help but think I should of done it myself....
~What my car looks like, but a photo of a similar one (not mine). I kinda wish I had those rims thou....

And here's the bill I'm concerned about...

^The actual total is $32 for just the oil changing (includes labor and the new oil). The other charges are for other problems that needed to be taken care of, most notable the fluid for the rear differential was the most expensive charge.

One other important thing they did that I didn't even know had to be changed was the rear differential fluid. The mechanic said that it was due at 120,000, which is when I bought the SUV (119,000).  I always thought that was permanent and did not need changing. It was expensive at $60, but man was it worth it! It fixed an existing problem of when I accelerated from rest (i.e. at a stoplight), the RPMs/engine who bog down and "hesitate" with a RPM fluoridation stutter and it was slow to accelerate as I gave it gas. Then, I tried it right after the oil change, and it accelerates like a brand-new engine! Feels soooo goood! :awesome::thumbup::yesnod:

So, if any of you guys have a "hesitation" problem when you accelerate from rest, it could be that the rear differential is slipping inside due to old/no differential fluid. Now I know...

= = = = = = = = = = == = = = = == = = == = = = == = = == = = = = == = = = = == = = = = == = = = == = = == = = = ==

Anyway, back to motor oil changes....

Is changing oil in a auto really this easy to do?

Step 1) - Buy/gather supplies 4 quarts of new motor oil (is that too little/too much?) a large plastic/metal oil pan (to catch the old oil), a large gallon plastic jug (to put used oil in)
a crescent wrench (which I own), some vinyl gloves (because its super messy), a funnel (for old and new oil pouring), and time (which I have, obviously, since I poast here).

Step 2) - Put on gloves, place pan directly under large hex nut under the pan. Then, take crescent wrench and loosen nut. Let all oil pour out completely.

Step 3) - Re-tighten oil drain bolt back on with wrench. Don't over-tighten, but not too loose either. Snug tightness.

Step 4) - Using a funnel and the large gallon jug, pour old oil into jug.

Step 5) - Clean funnel with a shop paper towel, then open the hood then the oil cap. Using funnel, pour all four quart bottles (again, too much, too little) into the oil fill inlet. Seal cap after pour.

Step 6) -  Properly dispose of the oil in jug at a mechanics shop (?). I really don't know where you are supposed to take old oil.....can someone fill me in?

Oil Change Done.

== = = = = == = = == = = = == = = = = = == = = = = = == = = = = = == = = = = == = = = == = = = = = == = = = = == =

Of course, when I get the oil change, they also change the oil filter free-of-charge (on the bill its "free", but its actually included in the price for the oil, I think). So maybe because they change the oil filter too, its worth it.

What do you guys think? Is $37 for an oil change and oil filter change worth it? And is the oil filter supposed to be changed *every* oil change?

How much do you DIY guys pay for an oil change, for all supplies and tools?

Oil makes all the Differential.
~ LogicaL Chaos ~


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Edited by LogicaL Chaos (06/11/10 04:31 AM)

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: LogicaL Chaos]
    #12400227 -

It's a rip off in my book. For 37 bucks you can buy good oil that doesn't need to be changed tell 5 to 6000 miles and a filter that actually works. not to mention for I always put in some restore. I usually only spend about 30 on all that. 37 dollars for reg oil and a crap ass filter is just lazy in my book.

Side note. You can change just a filter every 2000 miles and the oil will last longer but don't ever change the oil and not the filter. Doing this just puts all the junk that was being cleaned out of the old oil right into the new oil.

Hope this was helpful.


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It is without question that the war on drugs is a failure. It has failed to prevent drug abuse. It has failed to keep drugs out of the hands of addicts. It has failed to stop drug overdoses. It has failed to keep drugs away from teenagers. It has failed to stop the violence associated with drug trafficking. It has failed to help drug addicts get treatment. It has failed to prevent the cultivation of marijuana and the making of illicit drugs. It has failed to halt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: livenotonevil]
    #12400266 -

Yup, that was helpful...thanks. :yesnod:

So, how much does it usually cost for an oil change (with filter)?

And that makes sense about the filter needs to be changed WITH the oil. If not, all that crap will be put into the new oil.....gotta remember that one.

Thanks LiveNoEvil :thumbup:
~ LogicaL Chaos ~

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: LogicaL Chaos]
    #12400323 -

You can buy reg oil and a reg filter for like 20 bucks. I've hit sales a checkers and shit where it was 13. Ya. $13, oil and filter.


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It is without question that the war on drugs is a failure. It has failed to prevent drug abuse. It has failed to keep drugs out of the hands of addicts. It has failed to stop drug overdoses. It has failed to keep drugs away from teenagers. It has failed to stop the violence associated with drug trafficking. It has failed to help drug addicts get treatment. It has failed to prevent the cultivation of marijuana and the making of illicit drugs. It has failed to halt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States.

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: LogicaL Chaos]
    #12400329 -

Yeah you got robbed. Usually costs 55 - 65 bucks at the shop, and about 35 to do it yourself. Doing it yourself really is that simple though. Drain oil, replace filter, put bolt back in place, and fill her up. Just know what type of oil your ride needs, how much it needs, and when you ask for the filter tell them what kinda ride you got and they will pull it out for you or tell you which one to grab. Nice and easy, so are your breaks if you feel like saving more money. Only costs 40 to 60 bucks for the pads instead of paying a couple hundred at auto shops, and it's another easy few step job.

Edited by Ganjabonga (04/15/10 09:31 PM)

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: Ganjabonga]
    #12400908 -

Man there's really not much more than a few dollars in price. I've just always done it myself because that's what my Pop taught me to do. He also taught me other basics like changing brakes, alternators and starters. It sprang an interest in me and I can honestly say that I can work on anything in or on a car. Except the inside of a transmission. There's a lot goin on in there! I have saved my self thousands in labor costs over the years.
My suggestion to you is to buy a Chilton manual for your SUV. They're less than 20$ I think.  I think you might enjoy the work and the money you save. It is a rewarding hobby.

BTW; Check your owners manual, it will tell you how much oil to put in.
What year is that Blazer? I had a 99 and my folks had a 96. If you have any problems and you want to fix it your self PM me.


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" We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us."
url=https://files.shroomery.org/files/10-21/521117495-100_7372.jpg][/url]

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: LogicaL Chaos]
    #12400990 -

Quote:
Is $37 for an oil change and oil filter change worth it?


No, I dont think it is.

It really boils down to how valuable your time is.  When I was a pizza driver my time wasnt valuable at all, so I did nearly all auto repair myself.  Now I have a very time consuming job and so I am willing to spend alot more to not work on it myself.  Still, $37 is too rich for my blood.

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: dangermike78]
    #12401448 -

Thanks a lot Dangermike, that's really helpful. I wish my Dad taught me Auto stuff, he taught me some, but not enough....He did teach me about plumbing, which is very useful, so I got that instead....

Also, I have a 1998 Chevy Blazer LS 4WD 4-door, just to let you know. Its a good vechical, kinda bad on fuel efficiency, but not too bad for a SUV.

I'll definitely PM you if I have any specific problems in the future, but right now, it runs great. There is this electrical problem with my rear wipers, but its no big deal...I don't use them anyway.

To DieCom:

Yeah, you are right, you are paying for their time when you get the oil change. I have some good extra time on occasion, which I should of taken advantage of.

But I do feel kinda good supporting a mechanic. I mean, they need money too to survive. Its part of having a job, and in these days, people spending money in the economy is not as common as before the recession. So, I guess theres a dim sliver lining.

~ LogicaL Chaos ~

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: LogicaL Chaos]
    #12402386 -

lets see, an oil change every 3 months at 40 bucks is 160 a year. doing it by yourself saves you 80 bucks a year.

i hope all the people doing their own oil changes are properly disposing the oil :wink:

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: TexasMyco]
    #12402642 -

Ha! Those rear wipers are worthless on those things. Mine and my parents both went out. Those Blazers are about 50/50 when it comes to dependability.My transmission fell out at 154k if I remember and my parents motor went out at 100k due to a oil pump/warning light failure. I got rid of mine because my 92 Jimmy trans shit out at almost the same time. My in laws have one the same year as yours, no problems what so ever. IDK?
When's the last time you had your transmission fluid changed? Your'e supposed to do that around 30k. That's any easy change also,just fuckin' messy. Transmissions are always neglected:sad:

Honda CRV?
Just wanted to put that bug in your ear for your next SUV


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" We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us."
url=https://files.shroomery.org/files/10-21/521117495-100_7372.jpg][/url]

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: dangermike78]
    #12408618 -

If you go to Autozone or something similar, they always, yes alwayshave a sale on a 5 quart jug of non-syn oil with a good filter, usually Fram, for $14-$16 dollars. I always buy there for my oil/filter. They probably use shitty cheap oil with a crappy filter. It's incredibly easy to change your own oil, especially on an SUV.
I do it on my civic no problem.


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I find myself yearning for clouds returning, all that the rain promises, and more...

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: bardleyrichard]
    #12409235 -

An oil change might run you 20$ on something that big if you buy the oil change deals at kragens/autozone etc.

On an older Toyota camry I was spending about $12.50-15.00 per oil change.

The differential fluid you can change yourself in a fairly similar fashion if you have some time.
A big bottle of that 80-90w gear oil is super cheap(3$-5$?).

My girlfriend just took her car into a cheap low-end mechanic for a 20$ oil change special and when she left the lot most of her dash warning lights were all lit up, and are still there even after resetting them. At least they robbed you on paper and didn't rig your car up(or did they?).

It's a good practice to get familiar with the gadgets you use on a daily basis. A full understanding of how things operate inside and out will benefit you in many different ways throughout your experience. Shouldn't have to depend on someone else for the basics anyways!!!

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: LogicaL Chaos] * 1
    #12410215 -

The oil change was $32 plus tax. 

Going to the store, buying say 4/5 Qts of oil and a filter and then crawling under the car and wrestling with that shit (extra expense for eye wash) then disposing of the old oil properly.

There is no fucking way doing all that is worth saving $32.


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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: zappaisgod]
    #12410233 -

Oh yeah, they also greased 10 fittings as part of the $32.  Come on, you have to be crazy to change your own oil.


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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: zappaisgod]
    #12410255 -

:lol:
I sincerely hope you are being sarcastic.


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I find myself yearning for clouds returning, all that the rain promises, and more...

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: bardleyrichard]
    #12410319 -

No.  Read the invoice.  He paid $32 plus tax for a 10 point lube and oil and filter change.  6 Qts Castrol costs $10, filter about $4.  So for $18 bucks they performed the labor, lubed 10 zerts on the chassis and disposed of the waste oil.  If you don't think that's money well spent you have no respect for your own time.


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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: zappaisgod]
    #12410364 -

ive changed the oil on things from motorcycles to semi trucks/tractors/forklifts and let me tell you -- its no big deal on any of them. greasing fittings isn't hard either, you can get a tube of lithium grease or whatever your repair manual suggests at the auto store for like 4$.

if you don't have a copy of the repair manual for your vehicle, your no longer one of the cool kids. buy one for your vehicle and ill be your best friend. peer pressure, peer pressure.

a lot more than an oil change could be done regularly to keep your vehicle in top shape as well, preventing further damage and larger bills later at the mechanic.

I cant tell you how many times I got ripped for hundreds and thousands of dollars at mechanics. How much do you guys pay for your vehicle every year at the mechanic?
I have etched parts that I diagnosed were broken, and went in to get it fixed cause I didn't want to do the labor (at least figure it out on your own!)
only to find that they just cleaned up the original part and rigged it to work for a short time, meanwhile charging me 300$ for the new part.

When I was diagnosing and doing my own basic maintenance, I spent on average about 800$ less than I was spending on my car previously. For only making $3k/year and trying to scrape by, that's a good chunk of cash to use for other things.

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: cyanophilus]
    #12410430 -

Oh he got hosed alright, just not for the oil and lube.  $20 for two minilights and $60 for the differential.  That's what all these Jiffy lube places do.  They try to get you to buy something else like that or a tranny fluid or an air filter.  But the oil change alone is a great deal. 

I know they aren't hard to do but the last time I did my own was before all these Jiffylube, etc. places popped up.  Just don't get the extra shit.


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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: zappaisgod]
    #12410456 -

zappaisgod said:
No.  Read the invoice.  He paid $32 plus tax for a 10 point lube and oil and filter change.  6 Qts Castrol costs $10, filter about $4.  So for $18 bucks they performed the labor, lubed 10 zerts on the chassis and disposed of the waste oil.  If you don't think that's money well spent you have no respect for your own time.


:lmafo:
Also, it's *zerks

5 minutes to grease the zerks.
5 minutes to pick up the socket/wrench, bend over, lay down, loosen the drain plug, walk away for ~30 minutes and eat a sandwich. ~5 minutes to come back, tighten the drain plug, take off the filter and rest on the drain pan. Put new filter on. Pour new oil into valve cover, and pour the drain pan into the jug from the new oil.

Done. 

Then just on your way to the store take your used oil to most any auto repair shop or lube shop, or even wal-mart/target. They take oil for free.

I don't think you realize how easy/cheap it actually is. $32 is a rip-off for what is being done. If you want to spend twice as much money for shittier oil, and a worthless filter, go for it.

I'm not worth $72/hr :shrug:


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I find myself yearning for clouds returning, all that the rain promises, and more...

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Re: The Cost of Changing the Motor Oil for an Automobile [Re: bardleyrichard]
    #12410525 -

Uh huh.  15 minutes?  I don't think so.


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