You can do it yourself. Find someone who does it to guide you thru the process.
First buy an appropriate filter wrench---one that will fit into the tight place where many filters are located. Removing the filter is the tough part if the filter is somewhat inaccessible. Check out the filter accessibility first.
Second is safety. The oil drain plug is generally under the car. Identify it also---do not confuse it with the transmilssion drain plug.
You do not need ramps but if you have low clearance you will have to drive the car up on concrete blocks or such which is what I do. You can also get jack stands from Harbor Freight---jack the car up and secure it with the jack stands.
And do not pour in the fresh oil until the oil filter is back on and the drain plug back on. Never overtighten anything. And do not put the fresh oil into the radiator or transmission. Lots of horror stories out there.
Depending on the style of filter and make/engine of car, you may need a special filter wrench. But yeah, changing it yourself will save you about $35 each time
All the major car parts stores run "oil change specials" where you get 5 quarts & a filter for just over $20. I like Advance Auto, since I prefer Purolator filters.
If you decide to do this, get one of these:
http://www.qwikvalve.com/?utm_source=bin...
You need ramps. Never go under a vehicle supported by a jack!
Catch pan, rags, filter wrench, funnel, sockets / ratchet.
Empty the old stuff from the catch pan into a clean milk jug, then recycle the oil.
You need to be aware of what's in your Owner's Manual on this topic. It may say something like non-professional, unlicensed mechanics you will not be covered with any warranty issues if you "screw up" in their opinion. By "screwing-up" I mean products or workmanship that they may have issue with. If I say it one I say it a thousand times, using quality synthetic will protect.
actually its not that hard to change the oil on your car 70$ is kinda a lot for me
You can buy a 5 quart jug of 0w-20 at Walmart for about $25. Filter will cost another $5 to $10.
I was thinking about doing my next oil change by myself. My car uses 0w-20 oil and at dealer it costs $70. Is it cheaper to DYI?
