I’m conflicted. I’d have to buy the right jack and jack stands, oil filter, oil drain plug & the oil itself, but I’ve watched quite a few oil change tutorials on YouTube to know how to change my own oil.
But at the same time, I’m still relatively new to changing my own car fluids. And I feel like an experienced mechanic could spot things like an oil leak if I bring my Toyota Sienna to them.
Should I trust having a mechanic change my oil, or should I do it myself? I bought (about a week ago) my 2010 Toyota Sienna used with 204,000 miles, and it would be my first time changing the oil.
I tend not to rely on trusting that the previous owner(s) kept up with oil changes, which is why an oil change is always the first item of maintenance that I like to get done for a used vehicle.
Should I trust having a mechanic change my oil...
If you have a good, trustworthy mechanic, why not? Just stay away from chain shops, quick lube joints, and stealerships.
But if you aren't 100% sure that your mechanic is honest or adept, check their work in the parking lot when you pick up the car. I have been charged for an oil change that didn't happen, had tools left under the hood, and in the worst case, the shop damaged one of my tires, put on the spare and threw the damaged tire in the back - not telling me. That's the primary reason I do most of my maintenance myself.
I’d have to buy the right jack and jack stands,
ramps are easier
oil filter,
a few bucks. Part stores usually have books or computers to look up the right one for your vehicle. Grab an oil filter wrench while you're at it in case the last person overtightened it.
oil drain plug
what for? Did you lose yours?
Or do you mean a wrench for it? A wrench will cost you about $6 at most hardware stores.
the oil itself
your owner's manual tells you what kind of oil you need. Just get the cheapest stuff that meets the specification.
I’m conflicted.
Changing oil is easy. Overall you're going to spend around $30 which is much less than taking it somewhere, and once you get good at it, it will only take you 15-20 mins at the comfort of your home, so it's even less hassle than going somewhere. It also gets your eyeballs on your car so you get more familiar with it , and can see out of place things.
It would be ideal to have someone experienced there with you to instruct, but youtube will do.
an experienced mechanic could spot things like an oil leak
So can you, with the dipstick. Is the level going down? Drips on the driveway? No...then you're probably fine. Oil goes downhill so you'll see it when you're down there.
Just be careful when you put the drain plug back in not to cross-thread it. And you don't need to crank it down wicked tight.
You do know, changing the engine oil is one of the easiest maintainance tasks you can do on a car?
(btw: none of my cars needed a change of oilplug on that, an oilplugseal: yes).
As changing engine oil is one of the most frequent jobs too -as Scotty will confirm- , I would consider marrying a trusted mechanic to be sure having someone to do the car-work and be on the safe side.
