I planned to change the alternator on my Acura. I'm at the auto parts store so I figure I'll do the oil change as well.

Well, I quickly realize my alternator is fine. So I figure I'll change the oil and go smoke some cigars at the brew pub. Cool, right? WRONG!

I realize the Acura's oil filter is a tiny little thing. My strap wrench was just too big. I couldn't find anything else that would twist it off. So I go schlepping back to the parts store.

1/2 hour later, I'm back home with the right tool. 5 minutes later - I'm done. An hour and a half after I started.

I stink of oil - I even got some in my hair. So as I'm washing up, I do the math.

5 quarts motor oil - $10

Oil filter - $5

Oil filter wrench - $10

Having to dispose of the oil - 1 hour of my time

Aggravation - ???

I'm done! I'll cut a coupon and spend $20 to let someone else do the oil change next time.

Anyone else feel this way?

Jam a screwdrive thru it and wrench it off . . .

( You're going to throw it away, right ? )

I go to the auto-parts store and buy my Castrol High Mileage Oil and Fram filter, then drive down the street to an oil change shop and give them 10 bucks and I'm out the door 10 minutes later . . . I feel your pain.

Yep, I'm a metrosexual when it comes to oil changes. I sold out about 10 years ago.

Jet - there's not enough room to jam a screwdriver! Believe me, I tried! It's too damned tight! (I can't believe I'm complaining about that)

Do you get to your oil filter by going through underneath the car or is it up top? Chrissy's is at the bottom, and is in such a bad spot to reach it. You have to stretch your arm through near the wheel and around this part and all...ouch!

I remember changing her oil the morning of my college graduation for my bachelor's degree, and I do not remember how it happened but oil ended up missing the drain pan and I laid my head in oil on the ground. Nice eh?

Stefan

I do my own.....can't bring myself to pay for oil or brakes.......plus I like to let the oil drain right on the ground........kinda like telling the eco-nazis to screw themselves.

gotten used to the WalMart $14 oil change with their brand of oil.

I used to do that when I lived out in the country, but it's hard when you are in a neighborhood with a tiny yard . . . Not into killing what little grass I've got . . .

I've gone to just paying the $20 and letting them lube, change the oil, and check and top all the fluids. It ends up being too little difference in money to take the time and do all the clean up. My sons do all their own work, because they still enjoy it. But I stay with the vehicle and watch 'em closely. Tuck

Only cheap fools change their own oil.

I get the $16.97 Quakerstate oil, lube & filter change every 3,000 miles @ wallyworld. I do my job while they change the oil.

Plus they dipose of it properly.

ANDY WTF !!! You let the oil drain on the ground?????

From what I can discern from your pic posts I'm venturin' a guess that you have well water?????????

I read (multiple sources) that say only ONE QUART can pollute thousands of gallons of ground water........

Research it yourself, for your kids sake at least.

My dad used to bury the old oil in our garden. Yikes

Most places do oil changes at almost cost just to get you in the door and have a chance to point out other problems they might find. It is usually a bargain so i always have someone change my oil.

I change my own oil. Those oil change places use bulk oil and cheapie filters,no thank you. X

You're right, xibbumbero . . . But, I use my own oil, but don't mind paying them 10 bucks to change it for me . . .

I go to dealers, and always pick my oil.

I'll do it myself the majority of the time and I know it's done right. Stupid sh*t always seems to happen shortly after having the oil changed by one of these places. I've had way too many problems with having others do it.

JJ

Castrol GTX and the oil change places make me a very happy camper. Last vehicle was 13 years old with very few problems. This one is only 6 years old and has a way to go.

Mark

I guess I must be a cheap fool...

I've gotten so used to doing all the trucks for years, it's nothing to just crawl under and do it myself.

Then I can do it whenever I please.

Castrol GTX is the ticket!