Pros & Cons of Do-It-Yourself Oil Change

Been thinking of doing the oil changes to my car and van myslef. However the investment costs to buy the equipment and tools, etc to do it rather than have it done at a fast lube place for about 20 dollars or even cheaper + the convenience is holding me back.

Please advise.

Any FLAPS will sell you an 'oil change kit' (a large pan, a filter wrench) for less than $10. That and a socket wrench are all you need. Benefits - you know what you put in. I use synthetic oil at about $7/litre, so if anyone else did it I'd have to worry about whether they used the right stuff. (BUT you can watch while they do the change, and if you are going to a shop I would recommend it.) It doesn't take long, and I can put in a filter and change oil in about 30 minutes. Using the oil I do, a quick lube place would charge $50 and I can do it for $40. BUT the fact that I have to make $15 to spend the extra $10 at the lube place, and it would take me 40 minutes to drive to the lube place and back, means it's well worth it. To me, at least.

It's a comfort level thing.
If you feel comfortable doing it, go for it.
If your worried about doing something wrong, ask for help (physical help),or go to the quick lube joints. I don't see how these places can justify their existance on the low-ball prices they charge for name brand products, but then again, they always seem to find misc. charges for other low fluids, light bulbs, wiper blades, etc. A $20.00 change ends up costing $50.00 plus by the time your done.

My suggestion would be, if you're unsure about doing it, ask someone you know and trust that has done it, to guide you thru it. Nothing, and I'll repeat it, Nothing... takes the place of experience.
Perhaps a good friend or relative who has the tools, and would be willing to "show you the ropes". (A six-pack of beer always gets my help from the unknowing :) ).


Good luck whichever way you go.Mike

Thank you all very much for your advise. Your suggestions affirm my belief that I should do it myself.

Much obliged !!!