Decided to do my own oil change

After reading dealer error horror stories on here I decided to do my own oil change. As expected it cost a lot more to do it on my own than have the dealer do it ($29 vs $13) but now I am glad I did. When I removed the drain bolt I found it had no gasket on it. I checked the pan to see if it was stuck on there and it just didnt exist. I have to assume the dealer did not use one on the last (or ever) oil change.

 

Did it leak?

If not then gasket wasn't needed anyway.

 

No but I'm the type that believes if it was designed to use a gasket then it should have one, even if it doesnt leak.

 

They may have just done the change but never put a new gasket on. Did you ever mark your filters?

 

No

 

Sure. I was just saying it isn't as big of a deal.

If they'd never changed the filter then I'd be pissed off. If a crush washer wasn't and I had no leaks then that's pretty much a non issue.

 

How was your oil change only $13?

 

where are you getting $13 oil changes?

 

My Toyota dealership only charges $13 for an oil change with filter and all. One person on TW pointed out that he was suspect of oil quality at that price.

 

yea that is suspect

 

I'm assuming he is thinking 13 for oil plus labor?

 

$13 OTD? WOW!! My dealer charges $45.

 

Here is one way ==>

 

Yes, $13 out the door. This is why I always have the dealer do it. Then came along the thread where the dealer forgot to put oil in that guys truck and fragged the motor. LOL I ordered a case of filters that night.

 

Back in the day when I bought my 98 Tacoma new, the promotion was to give free oil changes for the new buyers for as long as they owned the vehicle. I owned it for 18yrs and had the oil changed every 3000 mi.

 

I like doing my own oil changes - it gives me a chance to check out things in the engine bay and inspect anything I'm curious to learn about on my truck - it also gives me something to do with my free time

Plus I know what kind of oil is going in my truck and what the oil looks like coming out as well as a chance to check for any that might be a clue to an issue before it becomes a bigger problem. A dealership installed my recall leaf springs with a shackle bolt backwards and forgot to put a nut on one of the front spring bushing bolts. I can only imagine how much attention those clowns would be paying to what they're doing when performing something as "basic" as an oil change...

 

Did they often try to up sell you and could you choose when you wanted them to do a free oil change?

 

The last time I changed my oil the crush washer came off with the oil plug. it looked like a big lipped bolt, till I dropped the plug and the washer broke....
Had to ride my bike to the auto parts store to get a new washer.

The crush washer may have been stuck to your oil pan or to your drain plug.

 

I found some cheap on ebay so I don't have to head to the dealership.

 

Checked both just to be sure