DIY Oil Changes?

[FutureStage1]

I know Audi provides a pretty comprehensive oil change that goes beyond just the oil, but at almost $80 a change is it really worth it? Wondering how much effort and time do most spend changing their own oil? Keep in mind I don't have a floor jack, jack stands or a socket set. Maybe I could do it for fairly cheap if I buy some ramps, a little 25pc. socket set and an oil filter wrench? Any input? With the additional amount for an oil filter and 5L of new mobil 1 oil, I'm probably looking at $100-150? Or am I way off?

[ValveFloat]

My personal opinion, don't bother with ramps. Get a decent floor jack, and some stands.

I like doing my own changes, I take my time, try not to spill or overfill.
When its done I know its right, the oil is clear and in my hand is a beer.


whoa, not sure where that came from

[Mikewire]

$80 isn't bad considering its an Audi and it's at the dealership. I guess it comes down to time vs. money vs. mechanical ability. It's easy to change oil and a filter if you have time and the ability - you need a basic metric socket set (with sockets and filter wrench), an oil drain pan, a good floor jack, jack stands, along with somewhere level and dry and warm to work. Forget about ramps...they don't work as well as just a floor jack does. Oil and a filter sets me back about $40-$45 each change, and it takes maybe a hour to do the labor - I have all the tools already and I have a garage. So, I save about 1/2 of what you paid at the dealership. To me, it's worth my time and money to DIY. Plus I know what is done to my car and how it is taken care of. Then I add a record to my online service records (shameless plug for my web app).

If your time is worth $80/oil change keep getting it changed but, if you want to save 1/2 each time you can start DIY'ing it.

Tools, if you have none, would run about $150. If you source your tools cheap enough you may be able to get your oil and filter and tools for that price. It's always good to have garage days, where tools and shop space can be shared and beerz are consumed.

A 12 pack is a lot less than a set of sockets or a floor jack.

[FutureStage1]

Well my garage is fairly open and just has couches in their for when we play beer pong championships. Unfortunately its super smooth concrete so even using the widow maker is out of the question. The only option is outside.

I loved changing the oil on my old Integra because I knew it was done right or wrong lol. I'm too mechanically literate, but I've done some of my own installs on a car, my exhaust, strut bars, oil, tire rotations, brakes, and installed my own system.

I just don't have the money to shell out for new tools. My old ones where in my car when I got rear-ended so lucky me most of them were lost or mangled. Never got a chance to recollect them until it was dark since I was immobilized and taken away on a stretcher. My sub box looked like a smashed oatmeal cookie lol...tear

Looks fine here


Not so much here...

[Ramrod]

When its done I know its right, the oil is clear and in my hand is a beer.

I totally agree with Joe. Why would I pay more to let someone have my fun?

And don't be scared about tools. We're just talking about an oil change here. I'm not sure about the filter location on the 1.8T but on mine it's right at the front of the engine. So I could do it without raising the car if I wanted to, or as a cheap alternative just drive it up on a couple 2x6's for a little extra wiggle room. A pan is about $3, a single open end wrench for the plug, a and a filter wrench. And if you wanted to splurge for a floor jack and some stands we are talking less than $40. I bet you'd save that on your first oil change doing it yourself. Course you have to buy oil and a filter, but you were buying that anyway.

[MK 4 GTI]

When its done I know its right, the oil is clear and in my hand is a beer.

I totally agree with Joe. Why would I pay more to let someone have my fun?

And don't be scared about tools. We're just talking about an oil change here. I'm not sure about the filter location on the 1.8T but on mine it's right at the front of the engine. So I could do it without raising the car if I wanted to, or as a cheap alternative just drive it up on a couple 2x6's for a little extra wiggle room. A pan is about $3, a single open end wrench for the plug, a and a filter wrench. And if you wanted to splurge for a floor jack and some stands we are talking less than $40. I bet you'd save that on your first oil change doing it yourself. Course you have to buy oil and a filter, but you were buying that anyway.

Yep...not that many tools needed....an open end wrench is just fine.

My only concern is.......is your car under warranty????? Car makers LOVE to void warranty if you dont have reciepts!!!!!!!
If your car is under warrantyyou can, by law, go to any shop you want to that follows audi recomendations!!!!!

[bigmontana]

I agree, DIY is better, however right now I take mine to my local small euro Shop, (It's a lot like Metric Wrench in Billlings). I wish I could do it my self but I have zero tools plus it is way to cold here still. I need to start buying tools.

[Mill3niumThr33]

1.8t oilchanges aren't bad as long as you have it a bit off the ground. I will loan you my filter wrench and a 19mm socket if ya need it.

[thetwodubheads]

Simple as pie....
You can get away with ramps if you want to squeeze a little. Just make sure yo check to see if you can losen the filter first. I'd hate to drain the oil just to find out you can't get it off of there.

[MK 4 GTI]

As far as "filter wrenchs" goes, there are a few different styles....I like the ones that you attach to a rachet.