3 VERY IMPORTANT things I have learned on this forum:

If i had access to a setup like that, i would be more than happy to do all kinds of my own work but i'm a proud renter and working on my truck in an Apartment complex parking spot is not ideal, especially in the summer.

 

I remember those days. Always worried some lady was not going to see my legs while underneath and run them right off

 

Thats because they're not doing it. But I'm in the same boat as you, I pay someone else to not change my oil.



Every 10k miles

 

Agreed.

Everyone's situation is different regarding self-help vehicle maintenance--I'll continue until the drive is gone.

I'm at a point in my life (58yrs old) where I will take care of the yard work until I don't have the internal drive/desire to beautify my yard.

At that point, I'll hire contractor to do the work.

 

$8 hour for a stall on base now? I don’t remember there being a fee at Charleston AFB when I used it. That was about 10 years ago though.

 

Come on!

How do you expect a NAF activity to stay open? lol

NAF=Non-Appropriated Funds

I worked on base as a GS-5 (LRS) and then a WG-5 (APS) after a short stint with Arts/Craft/Auto Hobby Shop as a NAF employee.

The on-base employment was not set for long-term so I went to work for Bayhealth Hospital as Materials Clerk.

Finally, I was able to get back on base but this time with the C17 Program as Boeing hard badge; I previously was contractor with the QF-16 at Cecil Field.

Whoa...I went off tangent there! lol

Long story short...as long as the Auto Hobby Shop has customers doing/paying for self-help vehicle maintenance, it should stay open.

 

I get that. It is pricey… I’m paying about $80 per oil change. In other areas I’m DYI all the way. I don’t shy away from a big challenge either. I will say however, I think it’s great to know how to do basic car maintenance. Maybe it’s my generation, or specific to how I was raised… I value independence above all else. Knowing how to get things done yourself is priceless. Hats off to young guys having an interest in turning wrenches for sure

 

Meh, just go buy a vintage Frantz oil filter system that uses the toilet paper element and never change the oil again!

 

Its like our hockey team. No religion or political talk in the locker room. Ignore the stuff you know wont change peoples minds...say fluid film vs cosmolene. Oops

 

I’m old. I like changing my own oil because it reminds me of when I used to do real work (NAVSEA Code 1531 - and actually a certified tribologist as referenced above) and not sit in an office like I do now.

My wife makes fun of me until she pays $100+ for an oil change on her Pilot and I tell her the $$$ I save DIY pays for my new golf clubs.