Thanks to all who posted about how easy it is... it really was simple. I went to Mobile 1 and used a Fram toughgard filter since they didn't have the K&N for our cars at the store I went to. I haven't driven it yet so I don't know if I can feel a difference with the synthetic.

 

you wont, unless you are racing. I have used synthetic in the past, and the only difference is the increased cost, and of course the lack of support for OPEC.

at any rate, there is a satisfaction changing your own oil. I have only paid to have done twice in 10 years. The first time, they put in way too much oil, the second place didnt tighten the drain plug and it fell off. Been doing it myself ever since.

 

congrats,,,also this way you can change your oil sooner than 3000 miles,,if u want, and 2 oil changes will be cheaper than the cost of one from the dealer or other service shops

 

i dunno about you guys......but for me...... it costs me like 16 bucks to change the oil myself......and it costs 20 to get it done at the store.....i think i'd rather spend the extra 4 bucks and not get my hands dirty....oh yeah.....i also get a free air freshener too =)

 

what type of oil do u buy? use latex gloves, not for what the nurse used on STIFFLER in American Pie , but so that you don't get oil on those pretty hands ..
the free air freshner is only to mask the crappy mechanic smell, your car is subjected 2 at the oil change place

 

We get free oil changes for as long as we own the car at the Nissan dealer from which we bought our car from. It's quite nice actually..bring the car in, show the card, wait for a bit (or if they are in rush they drop us off at home and pick us up), and its done. Sometimes if they are not busy they clean the car (basically wash it).

 

Damn! I want to go to your dealer. Mine is alright, but that is some service.

 

I would if I could, but my apartment complex manager is like Hitler when it comes to car service. Nothing more complicated than changing a tire. I was changing the air filter a while ago and she came out and yelled at me.

Oh well, Nissan does it for 15 bucks in a half hour guaranteed. Not a bad deal.

 

You're now as mechanically inclined as my wife.
Yes, I make her change her own oil.

 

Come to Canada! All dealers offer that service but you have to pay. We negoiated it in the deal. Not bad, considering we got a '99 Maxima GLE out the door including tax (which is 15%) and everything for $36K CDN. When the '99 GLE came out, it was going for $36K before tax and everything. However we bought the car when the 2000s were out and they wanted to get rid of the '99s.

 

Good for you--yeah it's easy, and you know it was done right. I found that some shops didn't let the oil drain out long enough and my oil looked dark a lot sooner than when done myself. The whole point is to get the dirt out.

 

Sad thing is I did my own suspension work before I did an oil change

 

if I could reasonably expect them to do it right.. get all the oil out.. put the proper amount back in.. not spill it on the engine (smell!)... not get their greasy a$$es all over my leather and steering wheel.. put the proper weight in that I ask them to... use a crush washer when needed... not under/over torque or strip the oil plug... not cross thread the filter..... then yeah, I might go back to a place to change it for me. I have to be in a real bind for time to use the dealer.. now that I'm using Mobil1 and the dealer wants $50 for $16 worth of oil, they wont be seeing me for awhile

 

That's REALLY funny! I can only imagine the first conversation!!

 

Now you are physically challenged to change your own ATF, Brake Fluid, Clutch fluid, antifreeze, Gas etc!!...

 

congratulation punkdork, you are no longer an oil change virgin!

 

i'm still an oil change virgin with the maxima - now u making me feel guilty =(

 

This was my Max's cherry... I'd done it on other cars... I actually considered this easier than my mom's jeep cherokee, you gotta crawl up under that thing.

 

Easier than changing struts isn't it?

 

Yeah... took me just under 4 hours.

 

wait u dont have to go under the car to change the oil in our maximas? Also how much would it cost me if i were to do my own oil change, not using mobil 1, but regualr oil. What regular oil is good by the way??

 

You might reconsider the FRAM filter. I used them for years and finally saw a cut away filter compared to both puralator and the two NAPA filters.
Basically I was shocked to see how cheap the FRAM units are. I now buy the NAPA gold filters for about $10, only a few bucks more than FRAM but twice the filter.
Go to a NAPA story, they have the filters cut in half to view.

 

you dont have to get under the car... but you may want to remove the right front tire. thats how amateurs like myself do it. the only downside to that is that after the car is jacked up and tire removed, you have to let it down alittle to get it level... then jack it back up to get the tire back on when done. still super easy and quick.

 

I was planning on the K&N filter... they just didn't stock my size. Next time I'll be prepared and have a decent filter.

 

4.25 quarts of oil at $1.50-2.00 = 8 dollars or so (you can get it on sale, I'm giving you high numbers.

Filter $5-10

One time cost of reusable oil pan $5.

Changing your Max's oil.... Priceless.

 

What about Nissan OEM filters? I haven't heard anyone talking 'bout replacing theirs with an OEM filter.

 

When in doubt use OEM, that covers you warranty wise. Overall a OEM filter should be as good or better than a FRAM.

 

or just turn your wheel all the way to one side. Then you can reach the filter and plug withoug even jacking up the car!! (unless its lowered)

 

I've got eibachs and still did mine without jacking the car up.

 

You mean "Road Trip", that is one funny A$$ movie.

 

Yup, I change mine the same way

 

wow thats amazing, can u guys teach me how to do this pleasse, this is soo interesting!!!

 

i get free oil changes from my dealer, too, but I don't use them much

 

OIL CHANGE===>

Park car on level ground
Turn wheel all the way to the right (or left)
Reach under car and unscrew oil drain plug (put pan under to catch oil)
Reach up and unscrew oil filter (remove plastic cover if you can't reach)
Put new oil filter on (coat of oil on rubber ring)
Screw in oil plug
Fill oil!
Ckeck level
Drive and check oil again in a few days


Hope that wasn;t a scarcastic remark

 

lol, no but seriously i really want to learn! Can some1 help me out pweeaaassseee

 

well, what questions do you have?

I suggest first looking under your car and finding the oil filter and oil drain plug.

 

By the way, Napa gold filters are re-packaged WIXs. I get the WIXs straight from the source

DW