[Evergreen6]

The filter is a spin-on. Sometimes they're tight when they leave the factory, first oil change can be a bear to get the first filter off, which is why others are recommending a filter wrench (strap or cap).

Just remember to lube the seal on the new filter with some fresh oil, and once it stops spinning as you're tightening it, give it like 3/4 turn (there's usually even a pic on the Delco filters) to snug it up -- that's all it needs. Next time you change the oil, you should be able to unseat it by hand.

Look up the torque spec for the oil pan drain bolt. People like to reef on those things and they just don't need to be that tight. The torque spec is plenty.


$300 is steep for an oil change, but they're not taking advantage of "just you". That's their premium they're charging for the convenience of someone else working on your car. I agree it's ridiculous and the cost savings of doing it yourself is absolutely worth it, if you have the knowledge and tools to do it.

[2SS Capt]

Originally Posted by Evergreen6

The filter is a spin-on. Sometimes they're tight when they leave the factory, first oil change can be a bear to get the first filter off, which is why others are recommending a filter wrench (strap or cap).

Just remember to lube the seal on the new filter with some fresh oil, and once it stops spinning as you're tightening it, give it like 3/4 turn (there's usually even a pic on the Delco filters) to snug it up -- that's all it needs. Next time you change the oil, you should be able to unseat it by hand.

Look up the torque spec for the oil pan drain bolt. People like to reef on those things and they just don't need to be that tight. The torque spec is plenty.


$300 is steep for an oil change, but they're not taking advantage of "just you". That's their premium they're charging for the convenience of someone else working on your car. I agree it's ridiculous and the cost savings of doing it yourself is absolutely worth it, if you have the knowledge and tools to do it.

THIS!

[Caerus]

Originally Posted by sergiocampos

I thought it was going to be $150, which I was fine with, but then I get there and they tell me $300 because the car takes 10 quarts and they charge $22 a quart. I almost left it too, since this is my first V8 car, and I knew these things are pay to play, but then I got the sense to look around a bit more to find a cheaper place. I think I'm going to take it somewhere cheaper for this first time and then do it myself.

Ask your dealer how much they would charge if you supply your own filter and oil. I typically perform my own oil change service, but I did get the first one free from GM. My chevy dealer said they charge $30 plus small oil disposal fee if I supply oil and filter. I thought that may be worth it since they let me watch the whole process and did a professional job for the free one.

[302crossram]

If you end up changing it yourself,
be sure to raise the vehicle from the proper lift points
unless you are using ramps, then it don't matter.

That Miami markup is a bit excessive...

[sergiocampos]

Originally Posted by 302crossram

If you end up changing it yourself,
be sure to raise the vehicle from the proper lift points
unless you are using ramps, then it don't matter.

That Miami markup is a bit excessive...

Thanks for the tip man. Also, I ended up taking my car to a different dealer with a much better reputation (Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland, for anyone interested in Miami), and they did my oil change for $168, which included parts,labor,fees, and taxes. At that price I would have saved about $30-40 max if I did it myself. I will probably be sticking to this dealer from now on, but again I’d like to thank everyone for their tips and opinions.

The dealer that was trying to rip me off is AutoNation Chevrolet Doral, again for anyone in Miami.

[2SS Capt]

Originally Posted by sergiocampos

Thanks for the tip man. Also, I ended up taking my car to a different dealer with a much better reputation (Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland, for anyone interested in Miami), and they did my oil change for $168, which included parts,labor,fees, and taxes. At that price I would have saved about $30-40 max if I did it myself. I will probably be sticking to this dealer from now on, but again I’d like to thank everyone for their tips and opinions.

The dealer that was trying to rip me off is AutoNation Chevrolet Doral, again for anyone in Miami.

Make sure they put 10 qts in, definitely check your oil level...

[sergiocampos]

Originally Posted by 2SS Capt

Make sure they put 10 qts in, definitely check your oil level...

They charged me for 10, but I’ll check. Thank you man.

[sergiocampos]

Originally Posted by 2SS Capt

Make sure they put 10 qts in, definitely check your oil level...

It's raining right now, so I'll check in a bit, but I checked the receipt and they definitely charged me for 10 quarts at $10.61 a quart. Also, they used Mobil 1 0W40 supercar.