Where do you do your own maintenance?

Hello all,

I am new to the forum and do not have a tacoma yet but am looking to purchase one in the near future. My question for you all out on So Cal, I am moving over to the LA area in the next couple weeks. I noticed the apartment complex I rented from states I cannot perform oil changed in the parking garage (although I may try to sneak it in) but my question is where do you guys do your oil changes and maintenance at if you do not own a home? I do all my own car maintenance (oil changed, tire rotations, transmission fluid, etc) and was curious what you guys do for the small quick stuff like oil changes? I am almost considering that I may have to rent a 10x20 self storage just to work on my car but that can be expensive $300-400. I have trust issues with anyone touching my car and do not want to pay a shop to do it. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

this is a great question, I too may become a renter or live in a housing community that doesn't allow working on my truck/car. ive always done my own maintainence oil changes,tuneups and whatever work I can do on my truck, now im wondering about good places I can sneak in a oil change without getting busted by the police. its kinda of hard to ask family to use their driveways to do this stuff. I have seen people doing work in the parking lots of AUTOZONE or ADVANCEDAUTO if you buy from them might get away with an oil change of other stuff.

 

I always did mine right on the street before I owned a house. As a kid, my family didn’t own either, and we didn’t always rent a house with a driveway etc. I remember when my dad showed me how to do a clutch. He dropped the tranny right there on the street and it sat there for a couple days while he wrenched on it after work. We lived in a small island town mind you, and that was the 80s /90s...

Welcome btw.

 

once when I was renting an apartment that didn't allow any car work I went on Sunday to a big Motor vehicle inspection station parking lot to change my plugs on a Honda CRX and the police rolled up on me and saw what I was doing and gave me a scowl and said you cant find a better place to do that? kinda of meant get the hell out of here from them

 

Not sure how common they are but there are places that are basically like shared garages that you rent or pay for to use the space.

I think more common in the military but pretty sure in civilian world too.

Matt

 

I think the OP is looking for incognito places to do some routine oil changes and stuff where you aren't going to draw attention from the law or others that don't like you do this stuff where he lives

 

Local parts store parking lot

 

OP, this is your probably your best option lol.

 

holy crap, you got some stones man. only thing is those nosey neighbors they will rat you out to the landlord if they see you doing night operations on your truck. I work in construction sometimes a big empty construction site is a good place if they don't have cameras or security which is very rare these days.

 

Maybe somewhere like this? This one is in Baldwin Park

https://urdreamgarage.com/

 

another option if the OP lives in an area where there are remote wilderness trails to do it as long as he cleans and takes his mess out with him

 

When I move out there April 1st I will look for incognito places (parking lots or garages that are vacant) or will end up doing it in the advanced auto parking lot. I just notice that most of these auto stores (Carquest, Pepboys, etc) around the LA area have tiny parking lots. I kind of hope I can meet someone who will allow me to do it on a driveway. I would be willing to help anyone with any repairs or maintenance in exchange for using the driveway. I can pretty much do anything on a car and have all the tools over here in Florida but they are staying behind (I will be bringing some more basic tools but will be leaving my ball joint and wheel bearing kits back in florida) until I can rent a place that has a detached garage and will then ship my tools over. Thank you for all the responses. I will update this thread with addresses and maybe pictures when I arrive out there.

 

Its to bad that so many places are jerks about this. Bad enough your trying to get by, just makes it harder when your trying and save yourself some cash by doing some basic work for yourself. The problem is, as with anything the few that ruin it for the many. When they leave some POS hanging around in pieces for months or years or just abandon it, or spill fluids everywhere and mess up the pavement not to mention just the liability if someone got crushed under their car. I was always lucky that my moms place had a garage and I was able to just go over there when needed . I only lived in an apartment for a short time. When I bought a house I made it a point to get one with a garage as I know I like to do most of my own work. Now if I overhear someone talking about working on their car especially young people who don't have a good place I always offer up my space and tools and my help.

 

I have thought about this as well. I may end up driving out somewhere secluded. I do plan to collect and bring my oil and waste back with me obviously. I found one place that rent lifts for like $30 an hour but then after buying my oil and filter I will end up spending $70 for an oil change and tire rotation which is steep. I guess if I have to for peace of mind I will but I am trying to avoid that which is why I posted seeking advice from locals.

 

LA that's a tough place for incognito DIY maintainence unless you befriend someone who will let you use their driveway, working on the street is a big no no, except maybe Compton

 

yup this all very true, if people did DIY maintainence and showed respect by cleaning up and not leaving heeps on cinder blocks Landlords might allow some things but the bad apples have ruined that because of lack of respect for the owners property

 

I drive a 2005 Honda Element with 160k miles if anyone was wondering and for the most part the vehicle has been pretty good. I did unfortunately get a fluke transmission and had to drop it and open it to replace the differential bearings. Did that around 92k and it's been solid since. I want to buy a Tacoma in the near future as I plan to do some offroading/camping/exploring the California and near by states terrain (Utah, Arizona, Oregon, maybe even drive out to Colorado). Thanks for the quick responses.

I am willing to drive out of LA to do my own work, Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, or whatever other somewhat safe area I can find somewhere secluded to do it. It doesn't have to be smack in the middle of LA as I can tell that may be an issue.

 

jup I know what you mean brother been there myself, just have to scope out those areas before hand cause they do also have Park rangers patrolling, if they find any oil spills or garbage they will set up an ambush for you next time and then youll really get hammered. best days are Sundays cause most are not at work

 

In the military I loved being at the auto hobby shop on the weekends. They have all the tools you need, lifts, and really smart people around if you have an issue. Nowadays I rent an apartment with a detached garage. I roll my door about a fourth of the way up and get to it.