Changing the oil

[lita_g]

Probably most members here change the oil on their cars themselves, so this may seem like a dumb question, but bare with me.

Would you recommend changing the oil myself or taking it to the dealership? or to a third party?. First of all, I know if I change the oil myself and something happens to the car, well, then the warranty might not cover it if they decide to blame it on me changing the oil. Is this something I really should be concerned about? I don't even know if I can trust a third party on doing this, or the dealership (I have some bad experience with the dealership so far).

Another thing, I've never changed the oil on a car, I'm not really mechanically inclined, give me a computer and I'll do all kinds of things to it, but a car??? . My husband is the one that usually takes care of those things, he did it on my previous car, but he said he wouldn't do it on this car so I wouldn't blame him for any problems (we had issues with my previous jetta TDI and the timing belt). So, doing the oil change myself would definitely be a challenge.

I'd really appreciate some feedback. Thanks!!

[aca72]

Yaris Oil Change DIY by RningOnFumes

Keep all receipts for future records! Write in a log the mileage, type of oil (ie 5w-20), and Filter type/brand.

[lita_g]

I've seen the DIY, it still might be a risk for me to do it myself (I can't even work a jack). I'm mostly concerned if it would be much of a risk to do it at home vs. taking it somewhere else, it's the first time we buy a brand new car, so that's why I'm so worried. I didn't care much about the previous ones since they were used already, and the jetta didn't have a warranty.

[aca72]

For your peace of mind, go to the dealer for your OCI.
Also check your dealer's website for oil change coupons.

[floydisrock]

Ask a neighbor or friend to help you the first time.
You don't need a jack with the yaris,everything is right up front.
Crawl under the front bumper,place drain pan under car,drain oil and filter,and replace with new filter and 4 Qts of oil.
Anyone should be able to change their own oil.

[nemelek]

Do it yourself. After a few one time expenses of drain pan and oil filter you could save a lot of money. Getting my oil and filters on sale I spend $8 for each oil change. I know that the job is done right. I don't trust that Greese Monkey puts the right weight or quantity in the car.

[lita_g]

You guys may be right, maybe I should try to overcome my fear of working on a car and getting dirty. Or maybe I should get into baking mode and make something to bribe my husband and have him do it for me

[KCALB SIRAY]

^ sex usually works too

[lita_g]

Well, baking requires more time and effort, and it doesn't happen as often, so I think it might be a better tool in this instance

[KCALB SIRAY]

Good point, very good point (making note to self)

[gid]

if you have any scrap wood , try this . Take a good piece of 2"x12" pine and make 2 pieces 18" > 24" long . Then cut one end at about an 60 degree angle with handsaw , heavy duty jigsaw or circular saw . Last , cut two scrap pieces of wood 2" x2" x 12" long and nail them at the other end across the width of the 2"x12" as a stopper for when you drive your car onto your homemade ramps . One car is on ramp you should always put into 1st gear , apply parking brake , and put blocks of wood , brick , or other item of choice behind all wheels . GOOD LUCK

[jronald]

LOL ... she cannot even work a jack ...

[lita_g]

Yeah, and I'm expected to handle a saw? LOL!!!

[Klink10]

Okay compromise...if you (husband) have the tools....promise him sex, some kind of baked goody if he shows you how to do it (oil change). Results....the job gets done, you learn, he's proud (cause he taught you something) he get's sex and you both get baked goodies after. I kinda like that.

[saspy]

reverse park onto a ramp or a gutter, then its easier , the screw is not far in, and it doesnt require lots of elbow grease although the oil filter is a bi@tch to take off, you need a small oil wrench to take it off and put it back on. good luck.

[lita_g]

The tools are not a problem, he does all kinds of work on his vehicles, so we have all kinds of things. I'm just afraid of messing something up..... or getting too dirty.

[ChinoCharles]

I just changed mine. Took me about 20 minutes and I'm about as wrenchtarded as they come. I say do it yourself! It is really easy and you'll save a lot of money. Figure this... I've changed mine 8 times now. Costs me about 30 bucks each time for full synthetic and a filter. At Valvoline, you'll pay a tad more than twice that... so I've saved about 300 bucks. Not too shabby.

[ChinoCharles]

Thread de-bullsh!tted. Relax people... quit slapfighting.