Has anyone done it? Is it worth doing? What tools do I need to do the job?
Edit: Seems like it is worth doing, and will save about $150 each job after the first.
Also it seems that I should bring it to a mechanic every 2nd service for a proper inspection.
Meaning net saving is $150 per year.
I'm still not sure if I need a torque wrench or just a normal wrench?
What happen if I overfill the oil? Do I need to open the plug to drain some?
Sorry I'm very noob, and also come from a different language than English.
Not quite sure what sump plug is.
video > words , just search youtube video for diy oil change
if you're strong + don't mind getting dirty, then it's worth it.
basic tools require :
new consumables :
Thanks mate, after reading some suggested using car ramps because it is easier and safer to use.
What do you think?
@[Deactivated]: for me;
flat ground = stands
sloped ground = ramps
it also depends on the car. my 4wd ute can be changed without lifting it.
.
Lots of youtube videos
Right oil and filter, Oil pan funnel sump plug washer. Jack and wheel chock. Some items can be improvised. It is worth doing if your car is out of warranty,the further out the better. I would still recommend you get your car serviced properly every major service or every 2nd schedule.
yes, definitely DIY. youtube the instructions. Also get jack stands for safety.
Make sure you read your owners manual, lot of cars need spark plugs and random stuff done at every 30-50k.
Lot of stuff isn't worth the hassle for newbies and how modern engines make things difficult.
It is worth it. I save at least $150 every time I change the oil and filter myself. I only take it in to the dealer every few services so they can point out anything that potentially might need doing that’s not in the log book.
I would recommend first having someone show you how to do a decent job of it before just jumping in.
DIY oil change: Has anyone done it?
Once or twice… :D
Easy job but you will make a mess the first couple of times. Prepare with cardboard on the ground under your engine, or so it over some unimportant grass. Do you best to catch the old oil but I still manage to make a mess and I have been doing it for 20yrs.
Youtube. Chances are, someone has a video on your specific car but it is almost identical on all cars.
The only difference between cars would be the
1.type and amount of oil (YouTube or check owners manual)
2. filter (YouTube or most website that sell car accessories will narrow down to your make and model)
3. Sump plug may require different size wrench or even a screwdriver.
Do not overfill on engine oil. More is not better in this case.
My VY V6 Commodore never saw a mechanic in the 6 years I owned it. I would service it myself, and I could fix any problem that cropped up.
Depending on the model, see if SCA has a Gregory's manual on it.
As soon as my car was out of warranty (100,000km) I self serviced. I'll take to a independent mechanic for brakes (I just don't trust myself with those). Car is 6yo with 295,000 kms and going strong. Even still on the original clutch. I'll never sell it cos it ain't worth sh!t so it's in my best interest to look after it.
I used to pay a guy $20 + Oil ($30-35 Castrol Edge deals) and filter ($20) to change my oil. It was the best deal ever. He's moved interstate and now all my cars are new so I have to service them with the dealer. I would do it myself but I fear the car falling on me and crushing me so I will pass.
my cars are new so I have to service them with the dealer
Why?
To maintain the warranty most likely
You don't have to service with the dealer to maintain warranty. Common misconception.
You have to at least service with a licensed mechanic and have a proper record, appropriate parts yada yada
Yes it’s worth it. It isn’t difficult.
One big disadvantage of DIY oil changes is that unless you are experienced as a mechanic (I count a DIYer here) you might miss some other problems the car is developing. A ‘service’ by an experienced mechanic is a lot more than changing the oil. A good mechanic will also inspect suspension, brakes, uneven tyre wear, other engine components forbwear/damage and may be able to rectify issues before they caus further damage and add costs.
If you have no idea about cars changing the oil yourself is not a good idea unless the car visits an experienced mechanic sometimes.
Thanks mate, I think I will bring the car to mechanic every 2nd service.
Aren't those inspections are done for the pink slip?
In my logbook, a lot of it is almost just changing oil.
Most of the fluid check seems very easy. They also clean the air filter, which seems very easy to diy.
I only drive about 5-6k a year and checking these fluids, brake pads or rotating the tyre every 6 months seems like a waste of money.
That sounds reasonable. Yes, the pink slip inspection might find issues, but do you really want to be at the mercy of the mechanic when you can’t renew your rego because you need something fixed.
The more you do with the car, the more you will learn. It’s how most people get started. The thing is to not ‘just change the oil’ but also have a look around while you are under the car, do some research on your vehicle and learn how to ‘listen’ to the car and notice when something feels/sounds different so you can investigate what the problem might be.
its very easy, u dont even have to buy anything if you already have a socket set, hammer, and a screwdriver. most of filter wrenchs are useless. its easier to just puncture the old filter with screwdriver and hammer to take it off. also if u go to op shops, sometimes u could find brand new unused oil filters that match your car for like 5 bucks.
$150 each job
What a coincidence. That's the same as what our indie chargers for minor services on our vehicles. We leave it at their workshop, then go for breakfast, shopping, lunch and collect it the EOD.
Google fumoto valve
Even though the name suggests otherwise this is actually safe to Google at work.
This is so cool. But seems too good to be true. Why aren't these used more?
its the best.
Pity there isn't a fitment database. My car's manual does not specify the dimensions of its sump plug.
There is in the ez oil something website.
send them an email. will reply within 1-2 business day(s).
Depends on your own skill set and situation I reckon.
Personally I wouldn't do my own oil change mainly because:
- Don't know much about cars
- Initial outlay for tools/equipment and lack of space to store them for something that is only done every 6 to 12 months
- Opportunity cost spending an 1 or 2 hours doing this vs doing something with my young family (or other chores like washing or procrastinating on OZB)
- Nowhere to do it, live in a small unit with no off street parking/driveway
- Wife probably wouldn't let me anyway (due to point 1)
If you're going to do it yourself just make sure you put in a heavy mineral oil. Stay well away from the synthetic crap.
Lol
Don't forget you need to properly dispose of the used oil. You can't just put it in the bin, or pour it down the drain, etc.
You should be able to take it to your local council or shire.
Otherwise Supercheap Auto provide a free oil recycling service - https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/services/in-store-services…
I did do for all my cars last two decades. Minor service is ~$30 for me vs Dealer $300.
My tips;
1. use ramps not jack stands. safer and easier.
2. buy bulk filters and oil, I get 6x OEM filters and crush ring from US for $40 vs rather than one Ryco for $20 here . air filters $5 vs $30 . I use truck oil I get in 20L drum, $100.
3. get 20L waste containers. Dump oil into these and drop them off at local tip or wherever they collect oil.
4. more major service go to trusted mechanic to do service. That way other issues or service items can be dealt with. All items to be replaced and schedule is in your logbook.
If you know what you are doing and the car is outside warranty, then do it. Otherwise leave it to a qualified mechanic. If something goes wrong with the car inside the warranty period and services weren't done by qualified mechanics, it will be very difficult to get the manufacturer to fix the car.
I own a mechanic shop and can say with high confidence that a lot of people who DIY their service get it wrong. Most people think changing oil and filter is service done. They don't check or pay attention to other filters, brakes, bushes, shocks, fluids, recalls etc etc.
Just a few examples. Someone came in as there was a lot of shake in the steering when he brakes. He had recently changed his front brake pads but didn't machine or change the rotors. The previous pads had gone metal to metal with the rotors. When I looked at it, I couldn't believe they were driving like that. The rotors also measured well below the min thickness. The new pads were already badly worn out due to worn rotors.
Customer came in as there is excessive noise from the rear tyres. I ran my hands over them and they were badly warped. He was blaming the tyres. We put the car on the hoist and his shocks were due long time ago. He was a DIY service taxi driver and didn't know that shocks needed changing. After we told him that shocks need changing, he left to get a second opinion as we were trying to "rip him off". He did come back tho and we fixed his car.
There are heaps of other stories.
We charge $139 for basic oil change service. This covers oil, oil filter and full written safety report of the car. The mechanic spends about 15-20 mins checking the whole car and we let the customer know if anything else needs attention. Knowing what I know now after being in the industry, I will only let a qualified mechanic work on my car.
Yes I change all my cars (5) of them DIY for the following reasons;
Now when I change the oil, I dont bother with the oil filter as these days they are rated for 10k-20k.
Tools required;
General instructions
1) jack car up from jacking point/crossmember
2) place jack stands on jacking points for front of the car
3) place oil pan where engine sump is
4) remove the sump plug with the spanner or ratchet/socket
5) remove oil fill cap to help/smoothen the drain of the used engine oil
6) reinstall sump plug and nip up so its tight. use commonsense here and do not overtighten, no a torque wrench is not required
7) pay attention to how much engine oil was removed, and to be safe for all readers, only re-fill what was drained. EG if 4litres was drained, only fill back 4L. Use funnel here to minimise spillage, and screw back on oil fill cap
8) jack car back up and remove jack stands. finished.
9) the next day since car is cold. check dipstick to ensure oil capacity is adequate, fill up further in say 100ml increments as required.
depends on the car but pretty simple
you will need a spanner to get your sump plug off and and oil filter tool if you cant open your filter by hand ( or a belt works just as well)