local shops

mastershake · 02-28-2011, 03:29 PM

i was wondering if i bring my car into a local shop to get an oil change, will they have the certain oil im looking for or will i have to bring it in? (specifically mobil 1 high mileage synthetic)

also, same question but for spark plugs. if i want NGK iridiums will i have to bring them in or will the shop have them lying around?

kind of a dumb question but ive just been wondering :P

Greencoupe2.2 · 02-28-2011, 03:56 PM

Why dont you change your own oil its not hard at all. Using synthetic won't really benifit you, unless you used it since your car was new anyway. changing your plugs isnt brain surgery either, im sure you could find thousands of how to's if you don't know how.

Lucalare · 02-28-2011, 04:08 PM

They'll either have the stuff you want on hand or they can get it from a parts store in town. Frankly unless you have the LA1 though I'd change your own plugs cause on a 4-banger it's cake.

cherrington17 · 02-28-2011, 05:18 PM

If your going to PAY for Mobil 1 synthetic... your going to get RAPED.

a full change (not on sale) DIY is ~$35.
a full change (in shop) is like ~$95

same service, same product. (major difference is... even if your clueless... it'll take you an hour DIY)

If you have the V6, ONLY USE AC-DELCO PLUGS.

spc2125 · 02-28-2011, 05:30 PM

dude im one of the biggest noobs here and enless your lazy or its too cold outside. i would suggest doing it yourself. its the easiest in the world. even i can do it

kwhauck · 02-28-2011, 05:33 PM

ha, I take our vehicles in.....

[ion] C2 · 02-28-2011, 05:34 PM

If you bring your own oil/filter they will still charge you the same fees to do it as if you didn't. That's just how it works. I suggest you do it yourself.

Unless you have a friend who works at one.. then you can get your family's car's synthetic oil changes for $15 with a car wash coupon! hehe

Second issue.
Where in Michigan do you live?
You must come to the Alero Show & Straveganza in Lansing on father's day weekend.

mastershake · 02-28-2011, 07:20 PM

well, i will probably end up doing the oil changes myself seeing as its pretty easy. what do i put the used oil in though and where do i bring it?

also, i have the LA1 engine so changing the plugs myself is a no-go.

cherrington, why should i only use ac delco plugs?

and i live in grand rapids, and im pretty sure my graduation party is going to be that weekend but i will see what happens :P

cherrington17 · 02-28-2011, 07:39 PM

Anything else in the V6 will make it knock. ONLY AC DELCO. (search the site. tons of people have had problems)

get a bin, bucket, or oil catch container to drain the oil into. Then pour it back into the bottles the new stuff came in (after you fill your car) and then take it back to the parts store. They dispose of it.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DON'T DUMP IT DOWN A SEWER DRAIN.

spc2125 · 02-28-2011, 07:45 PM

looks somthing like this
get it at most auto parts store

then do what cherry said and dump it back in the new bottles you just used and bring it back to where you bought it.
be careful though, hot oil on your face does not too feel good

Ttop191 · 02-28-2011, 08:28 PM

^ why am i not surprised that i heard that reply from you?

RisenequinoX · 02-28-2011, 08:34 PM

I usually just take mine into my friends work (Valvoline) He does it for free hehe

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ttop191

^ why am i not surprised that i heard that reply from you?

^ haha idk why but i just bursted out with laughter

mastershake · 02-28-2011, 08:40 PM

will i be safe with ac delco iridiums then?

mastershake · 02-28-2011, 08:50 PM

..... also, am i going to have to spend over 100 dollars on a jack and jack stands?

Ttop191 · 02-28-2011, 09:00 PM

hell no lol...go pick up a set of cheap steel ramps, i got a used set from a friend a while ago and they are perfect for oil changes

cherrington17 · 02-28-2011, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistershakez

..... also, am i going to have to spend over 100 dollars on a jack and jack stands?

personally, i prefer stands to the ramps...

but you can get cheap jack stands, as long as they are rated for the weight of the car.

03Sleepr · 02-28-2011, 09:38 PM

stands> ramps..i hate ramps, and nice oil selection btw. you can get a jack, stands, and everything you need to do your plugs and oil change (all for less than what a shop will charge for oil alone)

and I never take my vehicles anywhere for work for the simple fact that I don't trust people I don't know with my cars, I've seen what happens and a lot of the time its not pretty..

RisenequinoX · 02-28-2011, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03Sleepr

stands> you can get a jack, stands, and everything you need to do your plugs and oil change (all for less than what a shop will charge for oil alone)

WUT?

I don't know where you get your oil changed or where you buy your jacks and stands at but it doesn't seem right!

03Sleepr · 02-28-2011, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RisenequinoX

WUT?

I don't know where you get your oil changed or where you buy your jacks and stands at but it doesn't seem right!

well, a jack and two stands is on sale here for
$30

oil and filter $35 give or take a few dollars

and plugs..I'll figure $25 for the LA1.. I haven't changed them in the alero yet

so if you go to a shop and get higher end oil and filter, its cheaper or breaking even. should have clarified..

spc2125 · 02-28-2011, 09:47 PM

feeling lucky? just use two jacks. and use that e-brake