J15

I do it myself on motorcycles and use the dealer for cars. For basic service like oil changes, the dealers don’t add much of a markup. When the work is done through Ford, you also get the full vehicle inspection included with your oil change. The way I see it, you pay the dealer markup to get the inspection, document the service is done appropriately, and establish a good relationship with the local service department for when real problems occur. The way dealers present your case to Ford warranty can influence the outcome of your case, and for claims that aren’t covered by warranty, they’ll be far more merciful in billing if they already do all your service. Above all, you get to skip the mess and hassle of changing it yourself. .

skinnyb

Pro:
I can get mine changed at the Ford Quick Lane cheaper than doing it myself. Plus they rotate the tires.

Con:
It costs only about $5 more to do it myself.
Using the Quick lane to get the tires rotated ensures that the lugs will be put back on to whatever the maximum tightness the impact ratchet will provide and totally screw up your lugs. Also makes removing them at home or God forbid on the side of the road impossible without a 10 foot long pipe on the end of a breaker bar.

Disposing of the used oil is a little messy, however I am installing a Fumoto valve on mine next change that way I can drain directly back into an empty jug with no drain pan or wrench required

BadAV

The only con is you have to get rid of the used oil. Everything else is a pro.

I don't want the most inexperienced person in the shop touching an oil and filter change. I have only let someone else change my oil 2 or 3 times, when it was zero outside and I didn't want to roll around on a cold, unheated garage floor. The idiots didn't know an 89 5.0 fox body Mustang had two drain plugs so guess what - they didn't pull the front plug and it was overfilled. It's always done right the first time when I do it.

NASSTY

I do my own oil changes because it's too time consuming for me to bring it to the dealer. The nearest Ford dealer is a half hour away and their service department isn't open on Saturdays so I'd have to get out of work early during the week to get there before they close. On top of missing time from work it would take at least a couple hours of my time.
I have a 2 post lift in my garage so I can remove the skid plates, change the oil ,do a full inspection under the vehicle and button everything back up in about a half hour. So it's cheaper and quicker for me to do it myself.

VectorZ

I do it because I don't trust a minimum wage "tech" who is doing 25 changes a day. I like letting ALL the oil drain out first, even if it takes an hour. Then when I refill I know that I am for sure getting the correct amount, brand, weight and type of oil that I paid for. It drains into a large 12 qt container that I can empty at the local dump for free.

Fx4gary

I used to change my own, but I've found a local garage that changes the oil for about $5 more than it costs me to do it. The advantage to me is that they check (and top off if needed) the front and rear differential, transmission, radiator and windshield washer fluid.
In addition, they rotate the tires and check the brakes. All this for $5 more than I would spend doing it myself.
They also allow me to be in the shop watching while they are doing the work.

AZ_HighCountry_F150

I still do my own as well as rotate the tires, change CAF, plugs, etc. I try to do as much as I can and things I can't it goes to the shop. The things I can't are generally because I don't have the tools for them.

But back to the oil change; as others have already mentioned that is how I relax. Plus, I get to look under the vehicle(s) to see if there is anything wrong or leaking where it shouldn't be. It's not hard and until I get to a point where I can no longer turn a wrench I will do it myself.

k.b.

Most Autozone type places take used oil. A lot of quick oil change places will also take your used oil. Make a few phone calls to the closest shops.


Recycling is great but Scientific American estimated that only about 10% of used motor oil get turned back into base stock. My local quick change place in MI uses used oil to heat the building.


IMHO you should go the miles recommended by your car manufacturer or OLM. Oils are a lot better than they were "back in the day" as well as auto manufacturers have gradually implemented changes in engines so that they require oil changes less frequently. It has been estimated that the USA wastes in excess of 5 million gallons of oil per year, due to people changing their oil too often.<end soapbox>

GreenandGold831

iTrader: (1)

That is awesome!

Another pro is you don't have to worry about having your truck washed even after you specifically tell them not to wash it.

Sgb020

I change mine every 4500-5000k or once a year what ever comes first. I work a lot of nights. So I just take my truck in when I get off in the morning. Thirty mins later I'm headed home and about every third oil changes is free at my ford house. It's a small dealer that been around over 100years. I do believe everybody should know how to change their own oil and change a flat! Best class I took in. High school was auto shop!