Dear Scotty,
I recently bought a 2023 Honda CRV hybrid Sport Touring; it now has 2,100 miles. I've started watching your videos which have made me wonder if I could/should do my own oil changes (correctly!). Parenthetically, I think you are a God-send and great help to anyone who owns a vehicle. Moreover, you're entertaining and a straight shooter - thank you!
I have never worked on an automobile before which gives me reason to pause; I don't want to damage the vehicle. I've watched a couple of videos on changing a 2023 CRV hybrid and it appears straight forward for the most part. One guy recommends changing the fully synthetic oil for the first time at around 5,000 miles or sooner; he also recommends using only Honda OEM oil and filter purchased from the dealer. Another guy claims that you'll damage the CRV if you change the oil before Honda recommends (I think it's 10,000) apparently the first oil in the CRV is special and needs to remain in for the recommended period - true?. He recommends filling the new filter with about 6 ounces of new oil before installing it; is this true? How long should I allow the old oil to drain - until not even a drop is evident? He also says to replace the washer on the bolt that plugs the oil pan. What tools should I have? Ramps to access the bottom of the vehicle? a special clamp to remove the oil filter? A torque wrench to tighten the oil plug I believe to 35 NM. Nitrile Gloves? Oil Pan to catch the draining oil? Shop towels for clean up?
In the past I've always taken my vehicles to Jiffy Lube to change the oil. It's been suggested to me that this is not wise. Your opinion on this?
I decided on the CRV because the Toyota dealership didn't have any inventory and tried to use high pressure sales tactics. They also insisted on a $10,000 market adjustment above MSRP. With no Rav4 to test drive, the market adjustment and having to wait 6 months or longer, I punted and went to Honda. I paid around MSRP ($40,000) for the Honda which I thought was too high, but given the current market I didn't think I could do too much better.
So what do you think? Should I try to do this oil change myself, go to an independent mechanic, the dealership or Jiffy Lube?
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Phil
Another guy claims that you'll damage the CRV if you change the oil before Honda recommends
He recommends filling the new filter with about 6 ounces of new oil before installing it;
Ignore this guy
How long should I allow the old oil to drain - until not even a drop is evident?
You will be waiting an extremely long time if you try.
No, you don't have to get every last drop. When it becomes a slow drip just cap it off.
What tools should I have?
Tools to raise and secure the vehicle. That means a jack, jackstands, and wheel chocks. Or if you're lazy like me, vehicle ramps.
You can't use ramps if you rotate your own tires though. (another easy DIY maintenance task)
A wrench that will fit on the oil drain plug
A catch pan
A funnel
Some kind of oil filter wrench to remove the old one (even though I just use my hand wrapped in a rag). New one goes on with your hand. No tools
Lots of rags, and cardboard to lay down for your first time
A torque wrench to tighten the oil plug I believe to 35 NM
No. Do not need to go out and buy a torque wrench just for the oil plug. They are very expensive and completely unnecessary for this task. The plug does not need to be torqued at all. Just snug. Make life easier for yourself. The plug isn't holding the wheels to your car or anything. It's just containing a fluid, so .... same as a bottle cap. Everybody tends to over-tighten drain plugs and filters. It's just makes the job harder.
Nitrile Gloves?
Yes, unless you like scrubbing grime from under your fingernails, and showing up for dinner with blackened fingertips. It gets into all the tiny cracks and crevices in your skin.
In the past I've always taken my vehicles to Jiffy Lube.
Stay away from quick lube joints and chain shops if you know what's good for you.
The oil stain streaks on the ground around their building should be a dead give-away.
Should I try to do this oil change myself, go to an independent mechanic
Do it yourself. But once in a while , have an independent mechanic do it, so he can give your car a general inspection and let you know what other areas need attention.
Another guy claims that you'll damage the CRV if you change the oil before Honda recommends (I think it's 10,000) apparently the first oil in the CRV is special and needs to remain in for the recommended period - true?.
Not true at all. Actually you should change your oil every 5k miles if you want the engine to last. As Scotty says oil and filter is cheap but engine is expensive.
he also recommends using only Honda OEM oil and filter purchased from the dealer.
I always buy OEM filter; it's not expensive and I always buy it on sale which is like if you buy 3 you get a discount. But as far as the oil, I buy it from Costco. As long as it meets the required specifications that's what matters.
He recommends filling the new filter with about 6 ounces of new oil before installing it; is this true?
So what I do is I measure the amount of oil that is specified in thr owner's manual and then from that I fill thr filter with it then install it. The filter absorbs some of that oil and also lubricates the seals around it before putting it on the car.
How long should I allow the old oil to drain - until not even a drop is evident? He also says to replace the washer on the bolt that plugs the oil pan.
Yes replace the washer too. And always make sure the old washer isn't stuck and you don't put the new ine on top of it. You're doing it at home so no rush; let it sit for a bit so the oil drips.
In the past I've always taken my vehicles to Jiffy Lube to change the oil. It's been suggested to me that this is not wise. Your opinion on
Not a good idea; lots of stories of them messing up a simple oil change. Even when I'm busy and can't do the oil change myself I take it to my own trusted mechanic to do it.
Ramps to access the bottom of the vehicle? a special clamp to remove the oil filter? A torque wrench to tighten the oil plug I believe to 35 NM. Nitrile Gloves? Oil Pan to catch the draining oil? Shop towels for clean
Yes for a ramp; I have one from Rihno brand. Just make sure it's for the correct weight. Gloves is a good idea. Definitely torque wrench as you don't want to just tighten the bolt at any strength. I also use a oil filter wrench; makes putting the filter in place easier. For sure oil pan.
Hope this helps and happy to answer further questions!
Thank you!