Oil Change price
- Thread starter SMOKDU
- Start date
snap
GT Owner
I do my own oil change because that is only one of the maintenance items you find. There is a lot you learn on how your car is doing when you take off the pans. Manifold heat shield bolts have been found on the pan, trans oil vapors, checking the AC system, rubber heat shield foil starts to cook - dries up and starts to unravel and properly cleaning the road debris that has accumulated on the pans. Besides, siting under your car with a cold beer looking at a marvel of engineering is a pleasant way to spend an hour.
I agree with snap!!!! After listening to Steve A and some of you I might need to get out from undet the "rock" and start paying attention. lol
Mike
Mike
Howard
GT Owner
Me, too. There is no greater sense of accomplishment than at the end of the FGT oil-change-day.
Howard
Howard
Sinovac
GT Owner
Just as a data point an oil change takes us about 1.5-2.0 hours and we charge $175 for the labor. Could we do it faster? Probably. But invariably, there's a pan screw or nutsert that needs to be tended to. I like to take the opportunity to take a good look around. How's the AC compressor look? Any excessive (green) oil weeping? Does the AC clutch look good? Any traces of splattering from fluid on the belts? Is the engine oil cooler dry? How's the O-ring on the 1" braided return line to the pan? How's the power steering pump look? How do the engine belts look? Are the belt tensioners functioning properly? Is there any oil weeping from oil pump belt cover? If so, we may remove the cover just to have a look. Take a quick look at the starter and the starter wires. Make sure wires are properly shielded from exhaust components. Remove all three drain plugs. ALWAYS use a torque wrench to do final tightening of drain bolts. Clean pans if needed. Secure pans. Replace any missing fasteners.
Yeah, we could skip all of this stuff. I don't think owners would want us to. There's always Jiffy Lube if you want speed/price.
Yeah, we could skip all of this stuff. I don't think owners would want us to. There's always Jiffy Lube if you want speed/price.
Howard
GT Owner
I don't know how you do the change and inspections that quickly. That's one of the differences between a pro and we amateurs. Of course, I'm operating on my back with the pan screws 3 inches from my nose while the car is on jack stands. I schedule the entire day for the project. Lots of cleaning and inspections while I'm in there.
Howard
Howard
BlackICE
GT Owner
I don't know how you do the change and inspections that quickly. That's one of the differences between a pro and we amateurs. Of course, I'm operating on my back with the pan screws 3 inches from my nose while the car is on jack stands. I schedule the entire day for the project. Lots of cleaning and inspections while I'm in there.
Howard
It's so much fun hanging out with Kendall and Ryan during an oil change, we do not want them to finish in 2 hours :lol
Howard
It's so much fun hanging out with Kendall and Ryan during an oil change, we do not want them to finish in 2 hours :lol
SteveA
GT Owner/B.O.D
Sorry for the hijack, after rereading my post it was a bit negative and wordy, but I really am passionate about my car and how it is treated. Yes there are good dealers, however as someone who used to have 130+ employees, trust me when I say it only takes a few "db's" to bring your shops service quality to it's knees. For those that have a trusted tech, that is awesome and if I still lived in So Cal Kendall at Cooltech would be my guy for the tough jobs. In fact I'm now such a freak about who I will let touch my car I have already booked time (belts, complete inspection & all fluids) with the GT Guys when I'm back in Detroit for Rally 10. However simple oil changes and minor service items are too easy and quite frankly enjoyable. The best car service investment I ever made was a 4 post lift, that plus an afternoon in the garage tinkering on cars helps keep the gun safe closed and me out of bell towers.
BlackICE
GT Owner
:agree:
I think the move out of CA had a lot to do with keeping out of the bell towers. :biggrin:
When I had my garage built, I had an old fashion pit put in. Used it for years, no jacking up required! Recently purchased 4 post lift, will give it a try though will need to make necessary adjustments to access ramp for clearance.
SteveA
GT Owner/B.O.D
Gene, go to Home Depot and get a 2x12x12 and cut it in half. Slip them under the last 2 inches of the ramps while you lower the hoist. My car is lowered 1 1/4 front and 3/4 rear and it clears.....close....but it clears.
Good idea. I can't imagine changing the oil on jack stands! Removing all the screws!! I also am getting too farsighted with age!!