1. If someone needs to learn and want's to learn. I'm sure they can find a teacher. If not, you can usually find a class in a local school to learn.
2. You would learn that at the same time.
3. That's on the oil filler cap. Brand, well you might just have to trust the individual behind the counter. Preferance is just that. No oil is going to kill you engine if you use it, (but yes, no oil will if you don't).
4. Class will show you this also.
5. Again, the class.

Bottom line is you and I know it's not hard. We had to learn at some point. It's not rocket science. Some are not capable, granted, for what ever reason (medical, disability, age, etc). Some don't want to do it, period.

I do it for some of the reasons listed above. WHile under the hood and under the car I see it. I can tell if something looks wrong. Clean means good and oily means bad for the most part. Plus if you see it new, and the next time it looks a little different, might make you go hummmmmm. And investigate. Not talking about opening thinks up, but if it looks like something of a concern, you can ask about it (here or elsewhere). Learning is learning, reguardless if it's an oil change or rocket science.

If it has not been done (and I don't forget). I'd be happy to do a sitcky on my next oil change. Photo's and all. The HHR is a very simply car to do it on.

For those that don't know, I deal in fleet vehicles. We manage over 5K in SC alone. I deal with dealerships, quick lube places, tire shops, etc daily. Not all are bad by no means. But I see what a good bit of them do. I also used to sell auto parts (actual ASE Parts Pro certified). I delievered to shops, so I know what they used for the most part to fix your vehicle and what it cost them...... So when I see signs like 19.99 oil change, I know what they use for that. Not my car. But it's your choice.

 

My dealer gives the first oil change free + free state inspection for life.

rNr // mike

 

Solman.....

My original question(s) to you was not to criticize or challenge, if that's what you thought. My intent was just the simple question, "doesn't it scare you.....". The bullets I used were examples of questions asked, on an individual or collective basis, by members here.

For example, I remember on another forum a while back, someone asked how to change spark plugs on a chev. v8. The basics were explained by several members. The questioner did the change and the car was running very "rough". Turns out the gaps were not adjusted (because it was not mentioned) AND he disengaged the little conductor point, inside the plug boot, by just pulling, carelessly, on the boots for removal.

My point essentially, is I cringe sometimes when someone says something absolutely basic, "where is...., what is....., how do you....", thinking perhaps they shouldn't do it because of very limited knowledge.

Understand, I'm not suggesting anyone has a limited learning curve, just that it may be better to "walK" someone through it physically.

And yes, the "schools" are good and that was also my point.

 

Does anybody know did you change the oil and filter at the first 1000. miles and then every 3000. there after presuing one uses reg oil ( non synthtic)or is there any special oil additive in the factory oil that would warrant going 3000. miles before changing the oil the first time.

 

Huh....

 

I think he's refering to some manufacturers using a special 'break-in' formula oil when it comes from the factory. My SVT Focus specified not changing the factory juice until 3000 miles and not switching to SYN until 7k (if I remember correctly). I'm searching the manual for recommendations as to when my new Cap Frost Metallic PE HHR can be switched to SYN. Anybody know?

 

The only recommendation for synthetic is this:

Some folks on this site have gone to synthetic on the first oil change. Another site I belong to recommended I wait until 12,000 kms (7,200 miles) before switching to synthetic to allow the pistons/rings to properly seat.

 

I actually took Gomez to Walmart because I was a little low on cash and I hve Wal-Mart credit. LOL

I was thinking that the Dealer might do it but their service dept is not open Saturdays. I think they did a good job putting oil in Gomez. A lady changed his oil! =)

For the second one though, I might go take it to the dealer. BTW, I'm a little over 4K, should I take him in for his first check up?

Again, I know NOTHING about cars, sorry that I sound dumb...

 

I pay ZERO yeap ZERO for my Half Hot Rod oil changes..... for 2 years every 3000 miles the dealer changes it for nothing.

I have always had the oil changed at the dealership just because as previously mentioned by others its easy to trace if and only if there are any engine problems with no questions ask because the dealer has the record.

 

I worked at a Chevry dealer for over five years, I now work at a local fleet repair shop (yes we have HHR fleets), I started my working life as a lube tech at your typical quick lube. I can tell you guys alot of horror story's but most of them are from the dealer. The tech's at the dealer are no diff from your local repair shops and your fast lubes. My suggestion to all of you that do not change your oil yourself, is to find a local shop where you like and can trust the people, make a relationship with them and always take your car to the same place.

When you take your car to the same place over and over the techs remeber your car, and they will notice a diffs if something goes wrong. The auto industry is so thin right now. Its up and down almost by the week, when we see returning customers we always treat them like family, there the ones that pay our bills and keep our shop open. I know many people that work at many smaller shops in the area and they all feel the same way. These are the people and the shops that will spend the extra few minutes with your car to make sure everything is right, and when you leave you have no doubts. If it cost you a few more bucks to get your oil changed or to get your 30/60/90k service, i say its worth it!!! A vehicle is the second biggest investment you will ever make, isnt your ride worth the best!!!

The dealership is a much bigger beast! They do not and most will not spend the time with your vehicle that it needs. There inspections are a joke and 90% of them have weak to no drive techs worth a darn. They hate warranty work and husstle just like everyone else. I dont hate the dealerships, nor do I have anything against them, its just me being a service writer for a living and an honest person, I like to sleep at night. Working at the dealership it was getting harder and harder to sleep at night.

A 19.00 oil change is not some thing I would trust, yet a 40.00 oil change seems a bit much. I would try a local independant shop with good people trying to make a living like the rest of us!! If you can find a local shop that uses dealer parts thats a mojor plus!!! Wix filters are a plus!!! Name brand or better oil is a plus!!! Beware of shops that push napa and less style products.

Just my $.o2