Wow. Lots of conversation on this one. I am with MonkeyMomma in that my Dad changed his own and had me doing it since before I could drive. I don't mind getting out and doing it and it feels like I can stay more in tune with what's happening under the hood.
I also rotate tires (found a great deal on hydraulic jack with stands at Sears) and wipers, fluids, engine cleaner, etc. Anything I can feel comfortable doing myself, I dont see why I would pay somone else the upcharge and add in the wait time, doing nothing constructive.
By the way, for those concerned about disposal, most oil change places will allow you to dump used oil, as long as you sign your name, address, etc. WalMart car care is really good at accepting this. Especially when they know that by dumping your old oil there, you will most likely head inside to purchase replacement fluids.
I buy the stuff at WalMart most times, unless I catch a sale elsewhere. PennZoil synthetic is usually 11.99 -13.99 per 5qts and I use 4, per recommendations. Essentially, every 5th oil fill is free that way. I'll stock up the rest of my fluids there also.
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