Posted: 8/8/2026 9:29:54 AM EDT
 Last week I changed to oil in my wife’s Honda Pilot. Next day I did my daughter’s Honda Odyssey. I’ve spent the past 10 days with severe back pains and finally started a round of steroids yesterday because muscle relaxers, Motrin and Tylenol wasn’t cutting it. I have severe spinal stenosis, arthritis and degenerate disc disease. Just getting up and down off the driveway during the process has put me down for almost two weeks. I hate this shit, but it’s just not worth it anymore. A neighbor gave me the name of a good shop that will do it for $25 if I bring them my own filter and oil from my oil fort. I guess I need to start building trust with someone else working on my shit. Her car also needs new brakes. I want Honda parts, so I’ll discuss them doing the brakes after the next oil change if I bring them the rotors and pads. Getting old sucks. 
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Sorry to hear about the health issues. Did you ever consider using something like a Mityvac through the dipstick hole? *** only avoids having to get under the vehicle on the types with the oil filter up top   Failed To Load Product Data |
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Originally Posted By ScottsGT: Getting old sucks. Yeah, but it beats the alternative. I don't mind changing the oil on my truck. Fortunately, I hardly drive it any more since I retired. I change it about once a year. I let the dealer do my wife's Explorer. |
9 lives - 9 pellets... Coincidence?
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Originally Posted By bluemax_1: Sorry to hear about the health issues. Did you ever consider using something like a Mityvac through the dipstick hole? been doing this for years on my daughter's subaru impreza with the oil filter up top, makes it so convenient. still gotta get under the car sometimes to look around. she's going to need rear brake pads before winter and probably a control arm. daughter-in-law is picking up a honda pilot on monday. first thing is an oil change and i will hate having to go under for the filter. lol |
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Originally Posted By John-in-austin: I gave up those unless the temp is in the 70's. 102 in the shade? It's going to the shop.  Truck takes 15qts, I supply 5 gal pail of oil and OEM filter, they charge me $64 and do a general check over of the vehicle. I sold my lift so having it put on a lift and checked out is worth $64. |
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Originally Posted By John-in-austin: I gave up those unless the temp is in the 70's. 102 in the shade? It's going to the shop.  I can spend less and use the best oil and filters $ can buy Attached File |
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Originally Posted By housewolf: 70 years old, I still do my own, in my air conditioned shop. Never hurts to poke your head around underneath to see what's leaking or about to fall off I can spend less and use the best oil and filters $ can buy https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/177202/IMG_2178_jpeg-3807900.JPG Originally Posted By housewolf: Originally Posted By John-in-austin: I gave up those unless the temp is in the 70's. 102 in the shade? It's going to the shop. I can spend less and use the best oil and filters $ can buy https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/177202/IMG_2178_jpeg-3807900.JPG Yeah, if I had a post lift in my garage I'd still be changing the oil in mine. The older I get, the more valuable my time becomes. I changed the oil in all of our vehicles for years, quit about 4 years ago and don't miss it. |
"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives."-Abba Eban
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
"I like it both ways, but still mainly mouth it" -gonzo_beyondo
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I just turned 59 and just this morning went and bought the proper oil and filter to do the first oil change on my 2026 Mercedes GLA 35 AMG. The biggest PITA is removing the aluminum underbody cover with 1,000 fasteners. I had a 2021 of the same model so at least I know what I'm in for. Mercedes are very picky on oil specifications and I always use an oil that is on their approved oil chart. I don't trust that any garage that is not heavy into Mercedes would stock the proper oil. https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/229.71/en |
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OP, I hear ya. I'm not there, yet. Sometimes, when I get down on the ground to work on one I start wondering how I'm going to get up again. I turned 69 a couple months back. Between knee replacements, heart issues (fixed for now they say) and cancer (inoperable, can't do radiation and chemo will damage my heart, they say, but very slow growing it seems) I've really been slowed down the last couple of years. Got two fairly new cars with lifetime oil/filter changes and two cars I do the oil/filter changes on. Both of those are low to the ground. I do other work (I've got a BMW for one of the two older cars  and it takes more time/effort than the Genesis Coupe.I'm gonna keep going at things myself, as long as I can. After that I may have to sell stuff. Keep doing what you can OP. I know why you do it. You feel better knowing it's yours, you care about it and you'll do everything you can to make sure it's done right. |
How you live your life is important. Just be sure the memory of how you died doesn't overshadow the tales of how you lived your life.
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Originally Posted By Chowser: been doing this for years on my daughter's subaru impreza with the oil filter up top, makes it so convenient. still gotta get under the car sometimes to look around. she's going to need rear brake pads before winter and probably a control arm. daughter-in-law is picking up a honda pilot on monday. first thing is an oil change and i will hate having to go under for the filter. lol Can’t use ramps. Jack it up, place on stand and turn wheels hard to the right. Filter is right there on the passenger side. Don’t forget the new aluminum crush washer you replace on the drain plug each oil change. Oil will drain out of the filter all down the frame. Honda sells a magnetic oil catch diverter you place under the filter. Different types for different year models. |
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There's no shame in that, OP. Due to injuries there's many things I don't do anymore for fear of injury. It's not worth the 3 weeks of pain and lack of sleep. |
"Everyone dies. To do so for something worthwhile is a rare privilege." -- JamesP81
Sometimes, ridicule isn't a weapon. In many cases, it's just society's signal that you're retarded. - bigfatOTMs
Sometimes, ridicule isn't a weapon. In many cases, it's just society's signal that you're retarded. - bigfatOTMs
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Sister was in a hurry and went to a quick lube place. She drove straight home a couple miles and parked the car. Next morning she slipped and fell coming out of the house on the oil. Which had leaked out over night from drain plug. Didn't tighten it as they should have. They were nice and sent a wrecker to get the car and tow it back to dealer. Somehow the mirror got broken and a big scratch down the passenger side. Lets just say she wasn't happy. Of course will NEVER take the car to dealer or anybody else. There is nothing like KNOWING for sure it was done right. Not hoping the guy had a good day and didn't F up your car. Bought a used car and guy had just had the oil changed. Some cheap no name filter from a place I never heard of. Decided to change it to be safe. Oil filter was so tight. Had to destroy the filter, barely got it off. Drain plug was stripped. Welded a nut on the plug to get it off. Guess you can do what you want. Not me, no one touches any of my stuff. |
| Every vehicle I buy now gets a good look at how easy basic maintenance like oil changes are. If they are a PITA then everything else likely is also and the manufacturer can F off. |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
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Originally Posted By 94TBlazer: Start learning this, OP! https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Ns5lNBi8L._AC_SL1500_.jpg If I saw that sign in a shop, I would take my business elsewhere. It may be his job, but it's my vehicle. |
9 lives - 9 pellets... Coincidence?
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Originally Posted By housewolf: 70 years old, I still do my own, in my air conditioned shop. Never hurts to poke your head around underneath to see what's leaking or about to fall off I can spend less and use the best oil and filters $ can buy https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/177202/IMG_2178_jpeg-3807900.JPG I'm also in the 2 post lift master race. Probably for somebody falling apart like OP, a 4 post would be the ticket. On a 2 post, you have to get down and position the arms. I've heard more than a few old fart bitching about having to do that. If he's falling apart that bad, he may not ever do enough work on a lift to even cover the cost of it. Even at $50 an oil change, you gotta do a lot of them to break even. |
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My buddy owns a shop. I'd rather give him some bucks for maintenance than lay in the gravel and wind blown sand. Should it get spilled out here, it's going straight into the ground water. I've changed oil on stake trucks, RT forklifts, small engines. Anyone that wants to give me shit will be safely and confidently ignored. Originally Posted By ske714: If I saw that sign in a shop, I would take my business elsewhere. It may be his job, but it's my vehicle. Originally Posted By ske714: Originally Posted By 94TBlazer: Start learning this, OP! https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Ns5lNBi8L._AC_SL1500_.jpg If I saw that sign in a shop, I would take my business elsewhere. It may be his job, but it's my vehicle. Settle down, Beavis. It's a joke/novelty sign. |
Don't forget about the Trail of Beers Happy Hour!
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Originally Posted By giantpune: I'm also in the 2 post lift master race. Probably for somebody falling apart like OP, a 4 post would be the ticket. On a 2 post, you have to get down and position the arms. I've heard more than a few old fart bitching about having to do that. If he's falling apart that bad, he may not ever do enough work on a lift to even cover the cost of it. Even at $50 an oil change, you gotta do a lot of them to break even. Originally Posted By giantpune: Originally Posted By housewolf: 70 years old, I still do my own, in my air conditioned shop. Never hurts to poke your head around underneath to see what's leaking or about to fall off I can spend less and use the best oil and filters $ can buy https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/177202/IMG_2178_jpeg-3807900.JPG I'm also in the 2 post lift master race. Probably for somebody falling apart like OP, a 4 post would be the ticket. On a 2 post, you have to get down and position the arms. I've heard more than a few old fart bitching about having to do that. If he's falling apart that bad, he may not ever do enough work on a lift to even cover the cost of it. Even at $50 an oil change, you gotta do a lot of them to break even. **In reality, I feel blessed to have one at all** Attached File |
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Originally Posted By lew: My buddy owns a shop. I'd rather give him some bucks for maintenance than lay in the gravel and wind blown sand. Should it get spilled out here, it's going straight into the ground water. I've changed oil on stake trucks, RT forklifts, small engines. Anyone that wants to give me shit will be safely and confidently ignored. Settle down, Beavis. It's a joke/novelty sign. Originally Posted By lew: My buddy owns a shop. I'd rather give him some bucks for maintenance than lay in the gravel and wind blown sand. Should it get spilled out here, it's going straight into the ground water. I've changed oil on stake trucks, RT forklifts, small engines. Anyone that wants to give me shit will be safely and confidently ignored. Originally Posted By ske714: Originally Posted By 94TBlazer: Start learning this, OP! https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Ns5lNBi8L._AC_SL1500_.jpg If I saw that sign in a shop, I would take my business elsewhere. It may be his job, but it's my vehicle. Settle down, Beavis. It's a joke/novelty sign. Obviously, but that doesn't make it not arrogant. Even as a joke, it's only funny to the person that hung it. |
9 lives - 9 pellets... Coincidence?
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At some point I'll probably let someone do stuff like oil changes but because I don't trust the vast majority of businesses involved to MAKE their employees do it correctly and not F simple stuff up like cross threading oil plugs, replacing filters [something that should NEVER happen if threaded by hand] and filter O rings properly and checking for leaks when done, I'll be doing it for the foreseeable future. PS, and EVERY filter and part I personally replace gets a mile and date placed on it in paint or marker, I SHOULDN'T have to do that but the BS artists means I have to drop to their level sadly. [and I'm forgetful sometimes and it's an easy reminder without dragging out the log book] that I already did something. |
Liberals are a curious mix of communism and fascism, they want to destroy you but want to use your own money to do it.
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
I'm getting down to the last box, the others have all been destroyed...
| Damnitall….still down and out more than two weeks later. Throwing in the towel and going back to the chiropractor this afternoon. It’s really starting to feel like I threw my SI joint out doing the oil changes. Felt like a strained muscle at first, but I’ve messed up my SI alignments in the past and now it’s starting to feel more like that. |
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Originally Posted By fxntime: At some point I'll probably let someone do stuff like oil changes but because I don't trust the vast majority of businesses involved to MAKE their employees do it correctly and not F simple stuff up like cross threading oil plugs, replacing filters [something that should NEVER happen if threaded by hand] and filter O rings properly and checking for leaks when done, I'll be doing it for the foreseeable future. PS, and EVERY filter and part I personally replace gets a mile and date placed on it in paint or marker, I SHOULDN'T have to do that but the BS artists means I have to drop to their level sadly. [and I'm forgetful sometimes and it's an easy reminder without dragging out the log book] that I already did something. I have a service lift in the garage but for oil changes its simpler/faster to just jack up one corner and use a jack-stand to safely work underneath. I get down and (especially UP) slower with every passing year, but with 7 cars to maintain I fortunately do have a trusted mechanic to pass off this stuff to when I eventually can't do it myself. Step 1 is to thin the stable a bit, but deciding what car to sell is like deciding which child you love less  |
"The democrats have to decide whether or not to continue defrauding the public with their ridiculous bullshit"
My President, 2019
My President, 2019
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I'm 60, I had spine surgery in January of this year. I will continue to change my own oil. plan ahead, all under the car items in place, all above the car items in place. I'm under the car no longer than it takes to drain, affix a new washer, tighten up and done. The complete process is no longer than 15 minutes. |
Chris
11M 84-87
Dare to be different - Arrogance Diminishes Wisdom
Oh cruel fate, to be thusly boned. Ask not for whom the bone bones, it bones for thee.
The answer to 2024's leftist problem is 1973.
11M 84-87
Dare to be different - Arrogance Diminishes Wisdom
Oh cruel fate, to be thusly boned. Ask not for whom the bone bones, it bones for thee.
The answer to 2024's leftist problem is 1973.
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Originally Posted By thebert: I quit doing my own about 15 years ago. Now every 5000 miles my 2 trucks get taken to the tire shop down the street and get an oil change and tire rotation and balance. This. But, I still change my oil in my tractors. Easy to get to and hard to take to someone. |
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
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Originally Posted By bluemax_1: Sorry to hear about the health issues. Did you ever consider using something like a Mityvac through the dipstick hole? *** only avoids having to get under the vehicle on the types with the oil filter up top I worked at a garage in the 80s. Customer that did his own oil change for first time comes in, says I don't know how you guys are so fast, took hours to pour 5 qt down that little tube. |
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Originally Posted By ScottsGT: Seems my SI joint issues are okay for a while. What I need to do is learn how to get up off the floor without throwing them out. If I'm going to be up and down a lot, I make sure there's something near at hand to help. I have some 6x6 blocks that are about a foot long that I'll stand on end, or an upside down bucket - anything that I can put a hand on to help me up or down. It make it a lot easier. |
9 lives - 9 pellets... Coincidence?
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This thread has struck a nerve and I’ve gone in the opposite direction. Not because I want to, but because the American workforce has degraded to a point they cannot be trusted to perform this most basic, but essential of tasks. I’ve had two vehicles come back from two different dealerships with stripped oil plug threads. These assholes don’t give a fuck about doing a good job, much less about your vehicle that you’re probably still making payments on. |
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Originally Posted By JHMC79: This thread has struck a nerve and I’ve gone in the opposite direction. Not because I want to, but because the American workforce has degraded to a point they cannot be trusted to perform this most basic, but essential of tasks. I’ve had two vehicles come back from two different dealerships with stripped oil plug threads. These assholes don’t give a fuck about doing a good job, much less about your vehicle that you’re probably still making payments on. Get a Quick Drain valve. Makes it MUCH easier and cleaner, and you NEVER need to worry about the oil plug again. I used to use Fumoto, but after discovering the Valvomax design, have since switched to that. I prefer it for several reasons: - lower clearance. Even with the protective cap on, it sticks out less than the shortest Fumoto - although I haven’t personally heard of it happening, I’ve always been a bit leery of the possibility of something hitting the Fumoto just wrong, to open the valve lever (especially off road). The Valvomax has multiple redundancies. - it uses a proprietary (included) screw-on drain cap (that comes with a length of hose for draining into a container of choice) that opens the valve. The valve isn’t going to be opened inadvertently. It has the protective steel cap that screws on, protecting the valve (which also protects it from dirt/mud/snow/ice/road salt etc.). The valve also serves as a backup, as it has a gasket seal, so even if the spring valve somehow fails, the cap+gasket stops the oil from draining out. - it’s all stainless steel. Up here in the snowbelt with all the damned road salt, that’s definitely a plus. *** Some folks will claim that they don’t like these because the threaded part of the valve sticks into oilpan a little, so it doesn’t drain as fully as removing the drain plug completely. Well, with a daily driver that just passed 200,000+ miles (bought new), it doesn’t seem to be an issue. Oil changed every 5k, and it doesn’t burn any oil between OCIs. The dipstick shows the same levels before changes, and UOAs show the engine is in great condition. I have a Quickjack 7000, but got a pair of Rhino Ramps Max (usually available in store at Autozone) specifically for oil changes because it’s SO much faster and easier. The ramps weigh maybe 7-8lbs each, and I can grab and place them in seconds, then drive up. Chock a back wheel (safety first), slide under and begin. The QJ ramps each weigh ~110lbs, and need to be placed properly and aligned just right for the pinch weld blocks at the lifting points, then all the hoses connected to the master unit, the GooLoo I use to power the 12v hydraulic unit hooked up, and THEN I can raise the vehicle. That alone takes almost as much time as the whole oil change using the Rhino Ramps. |
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I reached that point ten years ago, but I kept pushing, not wanting to have to say that I couldn't do it anymore. My back is so bad, when I changed my plugs, in an easy to do car, 95 Mustang GT, I would take a plug out and put a new one in, the start the next one. But before I could get it out, my back hurt so bad I had to lay on the fender, and then roll onto the ground. I couldn't stand, and I couldn't lower myself to the ground by any other method. That three foot drop hurt, even if it was in the grass. I'd lay there 15 or 20 minutes until I could get up and make it to the house to lay down a while. Then I'd go out there and do it again. Occasionally I could get two plugs in, but I had to lay on the fender and roll off onto the ground, then get in the house. Now, I was doing the distributor cap, rotor button, and new 8.8mm Motorsport wires. This whole job used to take 30 minutes to an hour depending on whether it was a convertible ( have to remove the cross member brace ), or if it was my street car ( nothing in the way ). I decided then that I was not doing that again. Changing oil,, I'm too old to get under the car. I just take it somewhere for maintenance or borrow a shop with a lift in it. |