HOW TO: Change your own oil

[Sp33dFr33k]

What are some other things that are good to check while changing your oil that most dealerships/lube places will do for you? Just the basic fluids?

Also, does this void your warranty doing it yourself? I've talked to some GM mechanics and their dealership subscribed to this policy. Not sure...

There have been people that bumped heads with Mazda for doing their own oil changes. The best thing to do if you change the oil yourself is keep receipts for oil and filters. Take pics or vids that are date stamped of the oil change and mileage. This way you have proof that the oil changes were done at the right time and/or mileage. Otherwise Mazda has no idea that you were performing oil changes when you should.

 

[khoney]

Handy tool for oil change

Are you tired of burning your fingers on hot oil? Do you hate going fishing in your catch pan when you drop the plug in it, saying "S**t, that's hot"? Are you too cheap to buy a Fumoto drain valve? Well, folks, have I got the product for you. For only $69.99, we'll send you this handy-dandy tool. No more muss.. no more fuss.. no more pink fingers. Act now, and we'll throw in a free set of Rhino Ramps

OK, so I got to thinking how I could unscrew my hot plug without the usual problems. A 1/2" section of SCH40 PVC hack-sawed about an inch down the middle did the trick. Unfortunately my hand slipped at an inopportune moment, and I ended up getting oil all over myself anyway, but you get the idea...

 

[Tyrdstorm]

Changed my oil today using this how-to. Worked great, thanks!!!

 

[DR_]

Sorry I did not search much but I am wondering has anyone just cut out a bigger hole in the plastic undertrey so that they could access the filter without removing the trey?

 

[oaklandopen]

Sorry I did not search much but I am wondering has anyone just cut out a bigger hole in the plastic undertrey so that they could access the filter without removing the trey?

you certainly could if you wanted to

 

[nypz]

Do places like jiff lube and garages have the filters needed?

 

[iplaythemic]

Sorry I did not search much but I am wondering has anyone just cut out a bigger hole in the plastic undertrey so that they could access the filter without removing the trey?

I did! I don't have the patience to remove that thing every time. I don't see where having that little chunk missing is really going to hurt anything anyway.

 

[Kain]

You could buy a hinge and latch from any hardware store and make yourself a trap door.