The warning light had been illuminated for over a week now. Then, last Saturday, my son ran into the house yelling ‘the car is on fire!’ I immediately dropped everything and went outside to look at it, maybe use the fire extinguisher. Fortunately, it was a coolant hose that was dripping onto the hot engine causing steam and stink. I said ‘shut it down, this car is going nowhere’. We all had to pile into the old pickup to get to our scheduled family function.

I keep supplies on hand for doing maintenence

Today I spent a some time doing maintenance including replacing the heater inlet hose. The following is a time line for the oil change.

  • 3:05pm – Pull into the garage
  • 3:10pm – Remove the oil plug
  • 3:20pm – Replace the oil plug and remove the old oil filter
  • 3:30pm – Replace the oil filter and start filling oil
  • 3:40pm – Complete

Now, I normally do not spend thirty five straight minutes changing the oil. It usually takes me much longer because instead of pushing through all of the steps, I drain the oil and go do something else. So, I really don’t calculate the time it takes at all. The only real impact is that you must be around and that particular vehicle is not moving during the process.

In between the steps that I listed, I refilled the washer fluid eliminating that warning. I topped up the coolant that was lost during the hose change and I did a quick visual inspection of the other systems and fluid. I hardly know anyone that changes their own oil and I think that is a shame. Below are some reasons why I think changing your own oil is a good thing.

  • Time – Unless you have an appointment somewhere, you aren’t going to get a much faster oil change (consider the drive). I run my supplies like a pantry and pick them up when they are low, eliminating that emergency or specific shopping trip.
  • Peace of Mind – looking under the hood gives you a view of how your car is doing. You can see wear, leaks, battery health and other observations that indicate your car’s condition.
  • Tools and Skills – I mentioned this on a previous entry but tackling some of the easier jobs gives you the confidence and the ability to take on more complicated tasks. I was able to identify the hose leak, order the part, and replace it in about an hours worth of time. I don’t even want to consider what a hassle it would have been to get it to a mechanic, let alone cost.
  • Cost – Filter $4, 6qts Motorcraft 5/20 synthetic blend $24 for a total cost of $28 (minus labor). That is an OEM oil change, see what Ford charges.
  • Better Service – Almost every used car that I have purchased has a stripped or dripping plug because oil change businesses don’t care. They don’t use premium products and they don’t treat the vehicle as their own. I also don’t try to up-sell myself on BS services or scare tactics like ‘air’ in my differential fluid.

I suppose the counter arguments are 1) there is no place to do an oil change like an apartment 2) the car is a lease and you don’t care about longevity 3) you are physically unable to do the work. Those are the only real objections that I can think of. Don’t be one of those people that cant be bothered, buy some tools, read a manual or watch YouTube, get to it and good luck.