oil change questions

[EasyRhino]

I'm disabled, so for me trying change oil isn't going to happen. I can barely get under the vehicle to take a picture, so I have to rely on someone else... I'm okay with it.

I am sorry to hear of your disability, and am impressed with the under-seat pictures that you took yesterday! I am fighting a back problem as we speak, that I am hoping to circumvent causing me to be disabled in my later years. Laying on my back feels good, but getting up and down is not easy. Bending over the engine compartment of taller vehicles has to be done with extreme care and limited to shot durations. Given that I enjoy working with my hands and body, I don't think I would be a good candidate emotionally for disability. I gotta believe that for many like minded individuals, that that aspect of being disabled would be the most difficult to deal with.

 

[Donner]

No problem...

I am sorry to hear of your disability, and am impressed with the under-seat pictures that you took yesterday! I am fighting a back problem as we speak, that I am hoping to circumvent causing me to be disabled in my later years. Laying on my back feels good, but getting up and down is not easy. Bending over the engine compartment of taller vehicles has to be done with extreme care and limited to shot durations. Given that I enjoy working with my hands and body, I don't think I would be a good candidate emotionally for disability. I gotta believe that for many like minded individuals, that that aspect of being disabled would be the most difficult to deal with.

This is why I have only praise for those who can do things well... You understand that being limited in any way makes you want to do more, but sometimes you can't. I'm still learning my physical limitations, but the vehicle maint I gave up on long ago... can't do it. If the people at the service shops weren't there for me, I'd need a bus pass But yes, if you don't care for the ailing areas of the body today, you will see the results in later years - same as with our vehicles.

 

[EasyRhino]

This is why I have only praise for those who can do things well... You understand that being limited in any way makes you want to do more, but sometimes you can't. I'm still learning my physical limitations, but the vehicle maint I gave up on long ago... can't do it. If the people at the service shops weren't there for me, I'd need a bus pass But yes, if you don't care for the ailing areas of the body today, you will see the results in later years - same as with our vehicles.

Good words of counsel. At least knowing the mechanicals protects you from maintenance scams and scofflaws. I cannot stand someone who is able but is being lazy and greedy taking advantage of those who cannot do thier own work.

 

[michael loibl]

I do my own services whenever possible. My wife says I have trust issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, etc. I just can't stand the idea of someone possibly disgruntled working on my car out of my sight.

I also feel I do a very nice job, letting the oil drain properly,tightining the plug to proper torque, not leaving oil drips in the frame etc. I also like to look over everything from the bottom of the radiator to the rear pumpkin, tire wear, road hazards. Its really a 30 minute oil change.

On my pontiac the filter mounts diagonally on the passenger side of the motor right over the axle shaft and lower control arm, which would cause a few ounces of oil to run down and make a big mess. It would be so hard to wipe up all the crevices so it would leave little drips for 2 - 3 days. I cut an empty windshield washer gallon jug into a scoop by eliminating the bottom and apout one third of one side. Now I can rest it on the control arm and catch every drip. O.C.D strikes again.