For me, it's $45 for the dealership to do an oil change with their bulk oil. I can do it for about $25 myself with synthetic oil. $20 in my pocket.

If I get the dealership to do it and take my own oil, it's not much cheaper as they charge a different rate for the filter when not using their oil change package and I still have to pay for labour.

 

shouldnt you change the o-ring on the filter cap? The new filter comes with it, but I didnt see that step mentioned in the write up.

But the o-ring in the picture with the new filter did look new.

 

Oil changes on the HHR are messy. Because when you remove the plug the oil shoots straight out at first and it's a cr@p shoot as to whether or not your drain pan will catch the stream. Usually ends up depositing a bunch of dirty used oil on the big piece of plywood I slide underneath the car to protect my garage floor from spills. Sure it's caught by the plywood, but its still an ignorant design-- oil pan drain arranged to eject the oil initial stream horizontally.

I like my HHR, but since I do all my own changes on all my vehicles, this horizontal spewing of oil annoys the cr@p out of me.

It necessitates the purchase of a Fumoto drain valve with the hose fitting on it, so you can attach a small hose and direct it into your drain pan.

End of rant.

 

I agree about the horizontal oil jet.

I did my very first oil change ever in my life with the HHR last October. I was not expecting the oil to shoot out like that.

I definitely need a bigger drain pan that the one I have now. Perhaps one that is 3 feet long a foot wide would do it

 

If you are referring to my photo's, o-rings was not replaced. It did not come with any filter purchase so far.

 

They do that for a reason, if the plug hangs down, it can catch on semething more easily than a rear pointing one. Been a long time sine I changed the oil on one that was not rear facing. I never have an issue though, my drain pan is plenty big enough for 2+ changes before it needs to be emptied.

 

Fine job on the oil change demo . I also change my own oil, mow my grass and wash my vehicles. I don't have the time but I make it .

 

Nice How-to !! Thanks For Sharing !!

 

Been thinking Fumoto also...I use a metal tray under the oil catch container...anything that misses usually ends up on the tray and that is a quick wipeup...the top loading oil cartridge makes up for it though...talk about a clean oil filter changes with virtually no mess at all!



Goose

 

Thanks for the how too.
Question if you position the car on an incline such as Ramps would this help with keeping the oil from just shooting out? Maybe it would help keep it more controlable?