Oil Change Prices

Holy crap, prices for an oil change just keep getting worse and worse. I had no problems spending $100 for an oil change with the typical vehicle inspections included. But my oil change yesterday ran me $175. I'm mechanically inclined, but not a mechanic, so getting the inspections were nice. But it's time for DIY oil changes with those prices. A few forum searches later, got everything I needed:

$50 ValvoMax Oil Drain Valve - Quick Twist Oil Drain Plug for DIY Oil Changes At Home in 10 Minutes - No Tools, No Mess, No Cleanup - M12-1.25 Thread Size - Made in USA

ValvoMax Oil Drain Valve

$30 APSG Automotive Engine Oil Funnel + Oil Filter Wrench + Drain Hose | Compatible with Toyota Lexus Scion Vehicles | No-Spill Oil Change Kit

APSG Automotive Engine Oil Funnel + Oil Filter Wrench + Drain Hose

Pricing out oil and an a filter from local stores, more than a $100 in savings.

 

Yup. Once they started climbing over a $100 for just an oil change I started doing it myself. It only saves me maybe $200 a year (only change twice a year) but it’s the principle.

 

What they are charging is absolutely crazy.

Don't be afraid to DIY, just take your time and focus on what you're doing and you won't have any issues.

... don't accidentally drain your transmission. With the splash pan on, it's easy to assume it's the engine drain plug. It's almost a weekly occurence on this site. I've NEVER done it, but I also lie sometimes too.

 

Yep, searched enough on the Forums and seen plenty of posts about this and YouTube for the oil pan, skid plate, and filter. Should be easy peasy. Use to do oil changes on my previous vehicles, just didn't feel the need with the Tundra until now.

 

Yup. This is why I change all fluids myself. I changed my diffs and transfer case like 2 weeks ago and it cost me around 150 in fluid for the diffs and transfer case. Dealer quoted me around 600…

The only fluid I dont mess with myself is the transmission fluid. I paid the dealer 400 to change that a couple of months ago. Im ok spending 400 every 60,000 miles and saving myself the tedious process to changing the transmission fluid.

 

yeah, I need to do the front and rear diffs and the transfer case fluid change. I've heard they're easier than an oil change, so I'm planning on doing those on my next oil change. Already have the 75w Ravenol for the transfer case.

 

Thats exactly what I use. Yeah they are super easy to change. Just make sure you but the crush washer kit as well. The front diff is tight to work around, but its not awful. If you have a 2014+ the transfer case doesnt use bolts with a washer. Its a really weird square 3/8th ratchet plug that you have to put thread sealant on when you install it. Huge piece of advice, get the diff fluid pouches, not bottles. This will make the job so much easier and you wont have to use a stupid hand pump.

 

Im still mentally in the 50 dollar oil change days lol. Even then I was like hell no. Been changing my own oil for 15 years probably now.

 

I got away from doing my own oil changes and routine maintenance when I lost access to a hobby shop and lifts. With the Tundra, I've got enough room to crawl underneath and move around without a lift.

 

Yeah its really nice not needing ramps

 

Kirlkland full synthetic oil when on sale + oem Toyota filter + washer from Amazon or toyota dealer on ebay.

 

With everything I've already got, I'm estimating my next oil change being $47. That's a savings of roughly $130. These mechanic shops can go kick rocks.

 

Imagine the dealer....

 

Wait till you see how easy it is to pump gear oil after you quickly convert a 1-gallon garden sprayer into a 1-gallon oil pump…