How to change your own oil.
09-12-2007, 11:54 AM
#21
Member
Join Date: 07-24-2007
Location: Davenport, Florida
Posts: 41
I love the detail. If I were to use a floor jack and stands, where would you suggest positioning them. Every car seems to be different.
Also, since your photos and directions are better than any I have seen, could you include directions on replacing the engine air filter?
Also, since your photos and directions are better than any I have seen, could you include directions on replacing the engine air filter?
09-12-2007, 01:49 PM
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 07-17-2006
Location: Dallas, GA
Posts: 6,050
I love the detail. If I were to use a floor jack and stands, where would you suggest positioning them. Every car seems to be different.
Also, since your photos and directions are better than any I have seen, could you include directions on replacing the engine air filter?
Also, since your photos and directions are better than any I have seen, could you include directions on replacing the engine air filter?
Never opened up the air filter yet. With this mileage and it's usage, won't be needed for a while. It took 3 years for me to clean the K&N on the wifes MPV and even then it was still some what "pink". It's not a dusty area around here and they never go off road.
09-24-2007, 06:44 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: 08-17-2006
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Posts: 1,851
I've read that some people get access to the drain plug by reaching in behind the passenger side wheel - they must have long arms.
I had my HHR up on ramps tonight and tried to reach the drain plug from the passenger side and could not reach it. Even with a socket and extension I doubt I could get a solid connection to it.
Looks like I'll have to remove the drain plug from underneath and hope I don't burn myself
I had my HHR up on ramps tonight and tried to reach the drain plug from the passenger side and could not reach it. Even with a socket and extension I doubt I could get a solid connection to it.
Looks like I'll have to remove the drain plug from underneath and hope I don't burn myself
09-24-2007, 07:04 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: 07-21-2007
Location: Marietta, GA
Posts: 172
Great Explanation, detail, and pictures.
I would like to suggest one of these oil plugs.
A quick flip of the lever, and the oil comes out.
No need to use a wrench or get your hands dirty.
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
I have one on both my HHR and Colorado.
I don't suggest it to anyone who has replaced there springs and are running low to the ground.
Keith
I would like to suggest one of these oil plugs.
A quick flip of the lever, and the oil comes out.
No need to use a wrench or get your hands dirty.
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
I have one on both my HHR and Colorado.
I don't suggest it to anyone who has replaced there springs and are running low to the ground.
Keith
09-24-2007, 09:57 PM
#25
Member
Join Date: 06-11-2007
Location: Scarborough
Posts: 59
Great Explanation, detail, and pictures.
I would like to suggest one of these oil plugs.
A quick flip of the lever, and the oil comes out.
No need to use a wrench or get your hands dirty.
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
I have one on both my HHR and Colorado.
I don't suggest it to anyone who has replaced there springs and are running low to the ground.
Keith
I would like to suggest one of these oil plugs.
A quick flip of the lever, and the oil comes out.
No need to use a wrench or get your hands dirty.
http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/
I have one on both my HHR and Colorado.
I don't suggest it to anyone who has replaced there springs and are running low to the ground.
Keith
I'm very interested in getting this for my HHR. A couple of questions:
1. Which one do you have?
2. Is it safe from accidentally being opened during normal driving by road debris etc.?
09-24-2007, 10:19 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: 05-22-2007
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 318
I used to be a die hard change your oil every 3K, but if GM is putting your oil life in the DIC, then it sure seems to be a waste of money. Many years ago I switched to Mobil 1 full synthetic and in every car/truck I have had since doing so, I run to between 10K and 12K on the mileage with no problems whatsoever. My HHR currently has 4,600 on it and the DIC says I'm at 61% remaining putting my oil change at around 12K or so. Since this is the first oil change, I am going to about 50% DIC indication then I'm changing it and switching over to Mobil 1 due to this being factory oil. There doesn't seem to be a "break in" procedure with most new vehicles these days, but I would feel more comfortable changing that out as I know there is initial engine wear within the first couple of thousand miles. I highly recommend Mobil 1 and wouldn't have any problem going at least 10K between changes. Hope this helps!!
09-25-2007, 12:38 AM
#27
Platinum Member
Join Date: 05-09-2006
Location: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Posts: 6,804
But, I would be interested in reviewing/researching it !!
09-25-2007, 09:44 AM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: 09-11-2007
Location: Palm Bay, Florida
Posts: 1,378
The first oil change was a freebie from the dealer. I did #2 myself using Mobil 1. The next #3 oil change I had done at the dealer, who overcharged me for Mobil 1. The DIC now shows 58% after 6000 miles on that one. I'll do my own Mobil 1 change down the road.
On a side note, I have a toy car, a 20 year old Fiero that I had been using Mobil 1 in since the engine was swapped out some 50,000 mile ago. The last oil change I used 10-30 Amsoil and this past weekend on a road trip with it to Georgia and back, I noticed that the car ran lots cooler than in previous years. I may switch to Amsoil for the HHR.
On a side note, I have a toy car, a 20 year old Fiero that I had been using Mobil 1 in since the engine was swapped out some 50,000 mile ago. The last oil change I used 10-30 Amsoil and this past weekend on a road trip with it to Georgia and back, I noticed that the car ran lots cooler than in previous years. I may switch to Amsoil for the HHR.
09-25-2007, 10:05 PM
#30
New Member
Join Date: 09-25-2007
Location: Miami, Florida - City Of Magic
Posts: 13
That was a great - play-by-play - so to speak. My father usually does the work on all of our cars and we weren't sure where the oil filter was.
Thanks!
Thanks!
