Nobody is saying that changing oil is technically difficult. It is time consuming and dirty for a cost savings of a few dollars. It will take you a minimum of 30 minutes to do it at home including the time it takes to lift the car. It all depends on what 30 minutes is worth to you. That is not including the time it takes to dispose of the used oil properly. Or for cleaning up any potential mess on your driveway or garage floor. I've pulled motors on my driveway but I can't remember the last time I just changed oil on it.

 

+1 on doing it yourself. I bought the cheapest jack and jack stands I could find from Canadian tire. After only a few oil changes and fluid changes you name it, it will equal the price of the jack and jackstands which is only 60 bucks. Then after that its all save save save save, shall I say more?


I don't even need a jack i just slide under the truck and do it all. Thank heavens for big 4x4 GMC's

 

To each his own. I worked at Mr. Lube when I was a teen, our shop had a good team, and the manager ran a tight ship. I wouldn't hesitate to change my oil there, but I agree it is always better to watch the work and not sit inside. The lower bay mechanic also hand threaded the drain plug finger tight, and finished with a wrench, btw. My only negative was the pressure to upsell other services, and they keep track of what you sell.

It all depends on your shedule. Personally, I almost always change the oil myself on all the cars, because on some I use synthetic, on all I use factory filters, and as mentioned, I also like to inspect and look around. Oh, and on the RX-7, is usually let it drain overnight. Another tip is I jack up the car only when necessary on one side, put a jack stand, place pan, remove drain, remove jack stand and lower car while draining. I used to use ramps (which I still have), but like the oil to drain with the car level. BTW, it is possible to drain the oil on non-lowered FC's without jacking, but ususally involves pushing the wrench with your foot stretched underneath the car. Now I'm rambling on...