Who does your oil changes?

I've seen 3 people at the dealership get engines put in their car because the lube tech didn't put the drain plug back in

 

They are soo easy to do, why would you ever pay someone to do this. One plug underneath and the rest standing up.

 

This is how I feel, I did have the dealership do one oil change for me and I had to clean up after them, never again.

 

my 2010 had the couple free oil changes...I passed

as does my new 2012, I'll pass again.

although I may let them rotate my tires and ask for the oil filter.

think they will give me the filter?

 

I almost hate to even have the tires rotated at the dealer...

and get the truck back with damaged wheels and tore up lug-nuts.

may be better to not rotate...wear the crap out of the tires then get new...the tires are probably cheaper than the wheels.

 

I do my own work on my engine from changing belts and sparkplugs all the way to rebuilding my engine in december and i am 17

 

+1... I do the same thing. I buy my filter at the stealership for $8 and do it myself. I use my spare to help me rotate the tires so my trucks not on my jackstands. I keep all my invoices from the dealership to record my services I do and enter them online in the Toyota Service List on my truck.
Here's the site: https://auth2.toyota.com/owners/web/pages/parts-service/history

 

I've heard of guys doing that. PITA but gets it done probably in less time than it takes to go to the stealership and wait inthe waiting room with ugly people and CNN on the TV. L0L

btw, you use impact wrench? or by hand? those cordless impact wrenches (DeWalt for ex) seem nice?

 

http://www.toyota.com/owners/web/pages/parts-service/history

 

I should do my oil changes myself to make sure that they're done properly, but I haven't yet =). I do check the oil afterwards to make sure that they actually changed it. I figure that once I go to the automotive store to buy the oil and filter and then change the oil I could just spend the $25-$30 to have it done. It is pretty easy to do with the filter sitting right on top. I had a Honda where the filter was at the rear of the engine so I had to get under the car (around the firewall) reach up and then forward.

 

My brother-in-law had his spare tire stolen when it was in for service several years ago. Actually, they replaced it with another tire that was bald. Unfortunately the switch wasn't noticed until he had a flat tire one day.

 

For now, Toyota will do the changes since my truck has the 25,000 mile service plan. Once that's up, I'll do my own lube, oil, filter.

 

Just wondering, does DIY affect a warranty?

 

nope

 

Not at all...just keep oil/filter recipts and a good record of date/milage/work done. Make a copy of this to keep your records in order... http://www.lieblweb.com/images/tacoma/Service_History_Guide.pdf

 

Took my truck fot its first free 5000 mile service today.When it went to leave i noticed oil running down the grill and oily finger prints on the hood. I lifted the hood and there was oil on the engine cover dripping down the side of the engine. I went back inside and demanded jt be cleaned up. Of course there were several apologies over what had happened. So much fot the future free oil changes. Had to smell oil burning of the manifold for abot 15 miles on the way home. Hope i receive a survey form in the mail,

 

Myself most of the time or Oilchangers when I don't have time but I always bring a Toyota filter.

 

My Toyota dealer has a program that for $75 (paid up front) provides three oil and filter changes, every 4 months or every 5000 miles whatever comes first. It's hard to beat that price. They do a great inspection too, because they look for things they might make money on replacing / repairing. If something is found I decide if it's something I need to have them do or if I want to do it myself. Works for me. They do it by appointment or drop in. Gets a free car wash too.

 

I have the oil changed a local non-chain oil change shop. They are heads and shoulders above the chain shops. They charge $40 for regular oil.

Am I missing something? I wouldn't call changing the oil on my 2000 "easy." I can't even see the filter unless I jack it up and remove the pan.

Am I missing something here? Is there a easier way to do it?

 

I go to my friend's shop, which is a re reputable mechanic in my city.. with 25+ years with automotive experience.. $40 for an oil change and tire rotation. I hardly let anyone else touch my truck besides him... And the stories I heard about my friends who used to work at those quick oil change shops, I'll never bring any of my vehicles to one for the rest of my life.