I have my own oil and filter > what's the cheapest place for an oil change

[claudiu_corbea]

I am in London Ontario and I already have my oil and filter. Who is the cheapest in labor for an oil change? I know the cheapest would be to change it myself, but I don't have and don't know anyone with a hoist so that option is out of the question.
Thanks.

[qaz393]

You dont need a hoist or jack. Depends on how tall ur clearence is

[BDSL]

I am in London Ontario and I already have my oil and filter. Who is the cheapest in labor for an oil change? I know the cheapest would be to change it myself, but I don't have and don't know anyone with a hoist so that option is out of the question.
Thanks.

I don't know what car you have but a lot of cars don't need to be jacked up to do oil change.
I have done many oil changes on many vehicles in my home garage.

[001Stunna]

You dont need a hoist or jack. Depends on how tall ur clearence is


I don't know what car you have but a lot of cars don't need to be jacked up to do oil change.
I have done many oil changes on many vehicles in my home garage.

What car except suvs/and or some minivans maybe can you get under without a jack? or without having to drive it on some sort of ramps?

[qaz393]

What car except suvs/and or some minivans maybe can you get under without a jack? or without having to drive it on some sort of ramps?

My stock honda accord can. I know that civics can too.

Also for a oil drain pan use old laundry detergent buckets and chop the side off.

[IamToronto]

I am in London Ontario and I already have my oil and filter. Who is the cheapest in labor for an oil change? I know the cheapest would be to change it myself, but I don't have and don't know anyone with a hoist so that option is out of the question.
Thanks.

borrow a jack and jack-stands from a friend.. or if your ride is high enough, just go under

[claudiu_corbea]

I have a 2007 Civic. The problem is I live in an apartment building and I can't go outside in the parking lot and change the oil. Besides, disposing of the used oil is another possible problem so I don't want to change it myself.

[DJ_Peanuts22]

Changing the oil takes 10 minutes tops. Drive one front wheel onto the curb and use that as your jack stand. You can do it anywhere.

There are garages that will dispose of used oil for free. It is up to you to find one that does.

[DavidY]

How many shops would take your oil, oil filter and change your oil? Not many IMO...unless they are desperate. This is kinda like you bringing your own food to a restaurant and having their chef cook it for you.

Either change it yourself or have a shop change your oil with their oil, oil filter, etc.

Dave

[claudiu_corbea]

How many shops would take your oil, oil filter and change your oil? Not many IMO...unless they are desperate. This is kinda like you bringing your own food to a restaurant and having their chef cook it for you.

Either change it yourself or have a shop change your oil with their oil, oil filter, etc.

Dave

I bought the oil on sale at Walmart, 31$ for 4.4L Mobil 1 5W20. So far Mobil 1 performs the best on my car, I don't want to change to another brand so that's why I have my own oil.

[starboy869]

It's almost not worth doing your own oil changes anymore.

Any shop will change the engine oil with your own oil. However it won't be free as their time is money.

[poedua]

I am in London Ontario and I already have my oil and filter. Who is the cheapest in labor for an oil change? I know the cheapest would be to change it myself, but I don't have and don't know anyone with a hoist so that option is out of the question.
Thanks.

Just find 1 or 2 shops closest to where you live and ask them if they'll do it for $20.

[redgrandam]

What part of the city? I've taken my own part (oil cooler lines) to my regular shop (napa on wonderland) and they installed it, just charging me the labour rate.

Do it yourself maybe and see if a shop will take it? CT used to for free for small amounts, but they probably charge the environmental fee now, as most shops probably do for the disposal.

Post here if you find a place, you will probably just have to call around. I haven't done my own oil changes for a few years now, due to my parking situation.

[poedua]

It's almost not worth doing your own oil changes anymore.

Any shop will change the engine oil with your own oil. However it won't be free as their time is money.

+1

I mean the labour on an oil change is a paltry $20 .....MAX ...chump change IMO

If you can't afford to spend and extra $20 every 4 - 5 months for an oil change, then maybe that speaks for itself.

It's only folks who either can't afford ( or just don't want to spend the money ) to take their vehicle out for an oil change and or those folks who - for some reason - get some personal satisfaction from doing it themselves...at least IMO.

Personally, for the sake of maintaining a relationship with whoever you entrust to service your vehicle for the major stuff, I'd just take it to the same service provider for your oil changes as well....i.e give them your business.

[DavidY]

Wait for a sale on a pair of ramps like this one....and do your oil changes at a friend's driveway (there are lower weight ramps, but sometimes they are too narrow for most tires):

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoTools/LiftingEquipment/PRD~0090064P/Pro+Ramp%2C+12000lbs..jsp?locale=en

Dave

[Poulet]

I always have a jug of oil, filter, filter pliers,...

But I just take it to Midas. 30$ for an oil change + fees + tax. Not worth the hassle. Oil and filter alone cost more than half.

[sandikosh]

Op, the cheapest way to change oil is to find an empty road. But first you need a partner in crime. When you find an empty road, look for manhole covers. When you see one, get out the car and let your partner in crime drive. Remove the manhole cover and enter it. Have your partner in crime drive the car over the manhole that you are in and remove the filter and the oil plug. Let the oil drain into the sewer system. Install the new filter and oil plug. Let your partner in crime refill the engine with new oil. Voila!

I did my last oil change at wally world. With oil and filter, it cost me $23-$24. That includes a $2 disposal fee.

[bembol]

I can't remember where I read it but some dealership will do with for $20. Try calling Honda.

I DIY my car, family & friends because dealerships/shops doesn't have Castrol German Synthec 0W-30 and Bosch Oil Filter.

[macnut]

A few differing opinions here, but here's the way I see it:

OP has already explained why DIY is not on, and just wants to know the place that charges the least for oil service labour.

That's probably a shop that takes the least time to do the job, but that introduces a few risks.

Are they a well-run and tidy shop staffed by competent technicians?

Will they let your oil drain at the right engine temp. and for the right length of time?

Will they take the time to wipe the drain plug clean, renew the washer, and clean the mating surface before reinstalling the plug?

Will they lube the filter gasket and pour a bit of fresh oil in the new filter before reinstalling it - and not too tightly?

Will they take the time to put just the right amount of new oil in and not overfill or underfill?

Will they take the time to look for any obvious signs of other things needing attention, such as CV joint boot cracks?

Even when they supply the materials and charge full retail for them, an oil service is unlikely one of their more profitable jobs.

If they are not supplying the materials, the profit margin becomes even tighter.

I wouldn't go out of my way to find the cheapest shop, just a clean-looking one with no 16-year old employees, that charges about $25 to $30.

Just on the DIY for those able to do so, Honda don't make it easy (on the 2007 Civic) because the filter is vertical and can only be accessed from underneath.

Some other small cars, the filter is at the front, horizontal or angled, and easily changed without going underneath - much better arrangement.

Even the drain plug can be positioned so that with a 17mm. socket and shortish handle you barely need to crawl under (as long as know where it is). No need for ramps, jacks, stands.

Just a low-profile drain pan that pours easily into a container that you will drop off at your friendly Canadian Tire - observe their signs telling you precisely where to leave it.

This can be a 10-minute job, but better to make it a 30-minute one, then you don't screw up by kicking over an opened jug of oil.

(And we all know someone who started pouring new oil in and forgot they hadn't reinstalled the drain plug.)

Give time for most of the oil to come out and do your own underhood checks for coolant level, brake fluid, PAS fluid, belts, hoses, pollen filter, air filter, etc.

[DavidY]

A few differing opinions here, but here's the way I see it:

OP has already explained why DIY is not on, and just wants to know the place that charges the least for oil service labour.

That's probably a shop that takes the least time to do the job, but that introduces a few risks.

Are they a well-run and tidy shop staffed by competent technicians?

Will they let your oil drain at the right engine temp. and for the right length of time?

Will they take the time to wipe the drain plug clean, renew the washer, and clean the mating surface before reinstalling the plug?

Will they lube the filter gasket and pour a bit of fresh oil in the new filter before reinstalling it - and not too tightly?

Will they take the time to put just the right amount of new oil in and not overfill or underfill?

Will they take the time to look for any obvious signs of other things needing attention, such as CV joint boot cracks?

Even when they supply the materials and charge full retail for them, an oil service is unlikely one of their more profitable jobs.

If they are not supplying the materials, the profit margin becomes even tighter.

I wouldn't go out of my way to find the cheapest shop, just a clean-looking one with no 16-year old employees, that charges about $25 to $30.

Just on the DIY for those able to do so, Honda don't make it easy (on the 2007 Civic) because the filter is vertical and can only be accessed from underneath.

Some other small cars, the filter is at the front, horizontal or angled, and easily changed without going underneath - much better arrangement.

Even the drain plug can be positioned so that with a 17mm. socket and shortish handle you barely need to crawl under (as long as know where it is). No need for ramps, jacks, stands.

Just a low-profile drain pan that pours easily into a container that you will drop off at your friendly Canadian Tire - observe their signs telling you precisely where to leave it.

This can be a 10-minute job, but better to make it a 30-minute one, then you don't screw up by kicking over an opened jug of oil.

(And we all know someone who started pouring new oil in and forgot they hadn't reinstalled the drain plug.)

Give time for most of the oil to come out and do your own underhood checks for coolant level, brake fluid, PAS fluid, belts, hoses, pollen filter, air filter, etc.

You are expecting a lot from a $20 labour job. Sounds like the OP cares about this work....he/she should DIY. If you want it done right, you do it yourself....oil changes are generally pretty easy if you have the right tools/equipment.

Dave

[claudiu_corbea]

You are expecting a lot from a $20 labour job. Sounds like the OP cares about this work....he/she should DIY. If you want it done right, you do it yourself....oil changes are generally pretty easy if you have the right tools/equipment.

Dave

Why do you think it is a lot for $20? What's an oil change anyway? Drain the oil and fill up with new one. You are paying $20-$30 exactly for the reasons explained by macnut, you just want whoever is changing the oil to pay attention to a few details.

And you are right, do it yourself if you want it done right, but like I said, I don't have the tools and I don't want the "possible" mess after. I just wanted a reasonable place that charges the right amount of $ if I bring my own oil. From what I can read here, about 20$ should be a good price.

Thanks everybody for the input.

[koalorka]

Drive on to a rounded curb, that's all the clearance you need.

[qaz393]

No need to change filters just do it every other time

[DavidY]

Why do you think it is a lot for $20? What's an oil change anyway? Drain the oil and fill up with new one. You are paying $20-$30 exactly for the reasons explained by macnut, you just want whoever is changing the oil to pay attention to a few details.

And you are right, do it yourself if you want it done right, but like I said, I don't have the tools and I don't want the "possible" mess after. I just wanted a reasonable place that charges the right amount of $ if I bring my own oil. From what I can read here, about 20$ should be a good price.

Thanks everybody for the input.

You are correct that it should only cost one $15-$20 for labour to do an oil change (you supply the oil and oil filter). I think that Macnut is expecting a lot if ALL of the following tasks are included in the above work. Honest mechanics will do most or all of these tasks...that's a few and far between.



Are they a well-run and tidy shop staffed by competent technicians?

Will they let your oil drain at the right engine temp. and for the right length of time?

Will they take the time to wipe the drain plug clean, renew the washer, and clean the mating surface before reinstalling the plug?

Will they lube the filter gasket and pour a bit of fresh oil in the new filter before reinstalling it - and not too tightly?

Will they take the time to put just the right amount of new oil in and not overfill or underfill?

Will they take the time to look for any obvious signs of other things needing attention, such as CV joint boot cracks?


Dave

[natty32]

Lol if someone came to my shop asking me to do their oil change for $20 I would tell them to get lost..... I am not minute lube

Min charge would be $60 for anything that is easy to do, that would also include a mini check-over while the oil is draining

On some cars I charge 2hrs labour!

[claudiu_corbea]

Let me guess, it costs more to change the oil on a BMW or Lexus right ;) ?

[Swswswish]

It's only folks who either can't afford ( or just don't want to spend the money ) to take their vehicle out for an oil change and or those folks who - for some reason - get some personal satisfaction from doing it themselves...at least IMO.
It's not personal satisfaction, it's just such a simple, easy and fast process that literally ANYONE can do. If you take your oil to get changed, you're wasting your money and you're probably the same person that bring their PC to Canada's Computer for virus removal. I bet you go to the mechanic to refill your windshield washer fluid.

[natty32]

Let me guess, it costs more to change the oil on a BMW or Lexus right ;) ?

In some cases yes! Some cars are very time consuming. Some cars I have done oil changes on:

Some cars take over 30 min to get off all the plastic covers
Drain the oil from 4 places
Get to oil filter - 20min +
According to manufacture specs let oil drain from a hot engine for 1hr
Measure out the exact quantity of oil and then check with scan tool to see if up to the correct level - Lots newer cars dont come with a dipstick
Allow engine to run to operating temperature to ensure correct quantity.

So ya if your car needs any of the above its not going to be 20 bucks :P

[5pecial_K78]

My stock honda accord can. I know that civics can too.

Also for a oil drain pan use old laundry detergent buckets and chop the side off.

what generation is your accord? I have yet to see any accord or civics that doesn't need to be jacked up to access the oil pan.

[poedua]

It's not personal satisfaction, it's just such a simple, easy and fast process that literally ANYONE can do. If you take your oil to get changed, you're wasting your money and you're probably the same person that bring their PC to Canada's Computer for virus removal. I bet you go to the mechanic to refill your windshield washer fluid.

However, I simply have no desire to change my own oil.

You're correct...changing your own oil is dead simple ( did it tons of times when I was younger ) ...I just don't want to do it anymore.

Instead, I'll pay for services from a third party simply either for the convenience or simply because I don't want ( like ) to do them ( convenient or not ), where it makes sense for me from a cost / benefit point of view ( or otherwise ) and - in the case of the maintaining and fostering a good working relationship with my mechanic - it adds some value. So, in that regard, it's the further thing from wasting my money.

So, if given a choice of doing an oil change myself every 3 - 6 months and saving $20 vs. giving $20 to my mechanic every 3 - 6 months - I let my mechanic do it every time. $20 is chump change. It's also a lot more convenient to have my mechanic do a robust multi-point inspection on my car while it's on the hoist each oil change and or to swap and rotate my tires etc. etc. as well. And, given a choice of washing my car in the driveway once a week from November to the end of March or going to a car wash once a week during the winter months, I go to the car wash once a week...it's simply more convenient. So, for those maintenance chores that are inconvenient and or that I just don't like doing.....I'll pay someone to do it.:)

The only possible benefit to me of changing my own oil is that I save $20 every 3 - 6 months. Beyond that, I don't feel some compelling need to - or see any special intrinsic value in - doing my own oil changes.

[l69norm]

It's all about staying in business. Why would a decent shop take on a $20 job from a likely one time customer, tying up a service bay, and possibly make a regular customer wait who is willing to pay $70-$100/hr for time in the same service bay? The shop is much better off from both a customer relations and business perspective to throw in a freebee oil change for the regular instead to keep him coming back

Your best bet is to try a quick change place. They are more setup for high volume, low margin work

[Pete_Coach]

Lol if someone came to my shop asking me to do their oil change for $20 I would tell them to get lost..... I am not minute lube

Min charge would be $60 for anything that is easy to do, that would also include a mini check-over while the oil is draining

On some cars I charge 2hrs labour!
While I disagree with the amount of time it takes, i do agree that asking a shop to do it for $20 is unreasonable.
Most shops are well over $50 an hour nowadays. Closer to $100 is the norm, over 100 is not unusual at all.
To take the car, warm it up, put it on the hoist, get all the tools ready and then off the hoist and top up the oil all takes time and 1/2 hour is not out of line.
If you want the tech to do any kind of visual inspection while the car is on the hoist, just add some time.
Lastly, an opinion, Mobil 1 for a 2007 Civic that gets regular changes at OEM recommended intervals is a waste of money. Don't tell me about the engine being protected better etc etc. The gazillion 2007 (or other years) Civics around the world will all get huge miles on them using OEM recommended oils.

[starboy869]

I have a fix for you.

Get a costco membership
Drop by the service center
Full syn and filter is $50
Shop at costco
When you done shopping your car should be done.

[Bomberman07]

I do it myself and I don't even use my jack for my oil change.

[Lovable]

For $35 and being able to meet a nearby friend, it is worth the premium to just pay for it as the savings between buying oil, filter and labour (time lost/spent) isn't worth it to me, IMO.