I just bought my first corvette a couple months ago (black C6 with about 3k miles) and I am starting to think about what to do for my maintenance. I am not sure I want to do my own oil change but I am also afraid to bring it to the dealer or anyone else for that matter.

Do you all do your own oil changes, use the dealer, or just go to the local jiffy lube?

I am interested in everyone's opinion on what the best way is to do maintenance on such an amazing car.

 

If you've read this forum much, you'll know that some dealers mess up trying to lift the Corvette. And if you think that's bad, you're really asking for it by going to a quik-lube type of place (your example, Jiffy Lube).

It may take a little time and effort, but I'd suggest actually going to, and talking with whomever and finding out if they really know how to lift the car and not do more damage than good. You do know about the pucks, and the actual points to raise the car (even better than the puck location), right? If not, read up on CF first.

 

I suggest you have your oil changed at the nearest Jiffy Lube or similar establishment.

There your prized vehicle will be treated with kid gloves by highly trained service technicians who take pride in their workmanship with a near obsessive-compulsive attention to detail.

Your car will be placed on a lift, with great care given to positioning in order to assure maximum deformation of your vehicle's rocker panels.

The drain plug will be removed utilizing an ill-fitting wrench to reshape the plug's flats to the preferred rounded configuration, most likely for no additional charge.

Only the finest lubricants derived from oil dropped off at local highway department recycling vats will enter your C6's crankcase.

A superior quality oil filter such as those manufactured by Fram, prefilled with air, will be carefully installed, at least to the recommended degree of tightness, with both arms tugging on a pipe wrench.

If you are so unfortunate to reside outside of reasonable driving range of a Jiffy Lube, rest assured that similar service, albeit with a different oil and filter, can be had at your local Chevy dealer.

 

I have read through this forum quite a bit and am aware of the lifting locations and the importance of pucks which is why I am concerned about taking the car in for service...

I definitely would not take my car to Jiffy Lube, but was just listing it as an option as part of the question.

 

Do it yourself. It is actually very easy, and there are several good threads on here about how to get your car up high enough to work under. I use some home made ramps to drive up on, then lift the car using adapted Northern Tools crossmembers, jacks, and jackstands. But there are several other good methods that have been suggested by members.
Although many swear by Mobile 1, I prefer the Redline motor oil. Another good choice is Amsoil. And also research the threads on filters - for example stay away from Fram filters. But K&N, GM, and a couple of others make good filters.
If you do it yourself you know it will be done right!
Good luck.

 

I take mine to Walmart for oil changes.

(NO I don't take it to Walmart)

 

Thank you for the advice. I was seriously considering doing it myself however I wasn't sure if it was worth the hassle. I already get a lot of crap from everyone about babying this car.

How about service for the car in general, obviously there are some things I won't be able to DIY?

 

Don't feel bad about babying your car - eventho mine is my dd, I still wipe it down, wash it, zaino it, just admire it every chance I get.

Some service has to be done by others. I had to get my runflat fixed - took tire off car and to one of two local Goodyear dealers to fix - they were terrible - had to go to Goodyear Customer Service for resolution (they were VERY helpful). On the other hand, I replaced the differential oil myself the other day (after reading threads on CF). Again, it was easy and I still haven't had to go to dealer.

 

Probably not from those that own Corvettes.

 

Of course, there are certain things you can't do that come under warranty. However, for most service items, you should be able to do it yourself.

I'm 61 years old and change my oil and have replaced the diff fluid.
I do use a lift where my four tires are resting on the ramps of the lift, so I do not have to use pucks or worry about damaging anything. I can actually stand up under the C6 while it is up on the lift. This really makes everything much easier. However, if I had to I would change the oil without lifting the car...if I had to so I would not have to visit the dreaded dealer for service. I dread the day I have to go buy new tires and use the tire store's lift and people to do this work...but I will have to one day...kind of ****...a lot of us C6 owners are...can't help myself...SMILE.

My wife kids me all the time about keeping the C6 so clean....does not bother me...MY car. I clean the windows every day...99 percent of the time anyway.

 

I felt the same way - meaning if it was worth it to do it myself. I got that answered on my second oil change at my dealer. They overfilled it by a quart and missed the clutch fluid level. And my guys are good, never had a problem before. Anyway the cost of that service was $70 and 1 hr and 40 minutes for the change and another hour to get back there to remedy the overfill. Time - scheduling and finding time to run to the dealer is my biggest issue. So I will be spending around $50 (my Z takes 8 quarts) and one hour of my time when it is easier for me to arrange. Most of all is the piece of mind knowing it was done right.....Priceless......

 

I take mine to the dealer. They have the old-fashioned ramps over a pit (no lifting involved) and do a first rate job. They charge me about $58 including the local taxes and I know if there is a warranty issue in my future, they will have no where else to point the finger.

I view it as a form of cheap insurance.

 

I do mine at home. I suggest you do yours then you can rest assured it is done right and you know what oil and filter is used. I have seen some cheap-o filters at some of the oil change places. Also it is a good opportunity to look over the car and do some bonding.

I never take any vehicles to a dealer for any routine "check-ups"

 

You're going to be in a bind if you don't want to change your own oil or let anyone else do either. However much we love our Corvette...it's just a car. Don't be paranoid about servicing or driving it....enjoy it!

If you're not setup to change your own oil or don't want to...take it to the dealership. I would never take my Corvette to a Jiffy Lube.

The dealership is far from ideal but they're familiar working on Corvette's and somehow they muddle-through and get the job done. I would suggest you buy the BMW rectangular jacking pucks and snap them in prior to having the dealership change your oil (when done store the jacking pucks in the rear storage cubby). My local dealership didn't have a clue what jacking pucks were.

Changing the oil is relatively easy with the proper equipment and knowledge. If you do change your own oil, document your oil change in order to protect your new car warranty.

I change my own oil and fluids...I don't claim to be an ace mechanic but I enjoy working on the Vette. I have the necessary floor jack(s), adaptor beams, jack stands, tools and the C6 Service Manuals. I also realize my limitations so I won't get into something that I'm ill-equipped to handle. Fortunately, my 2005 C6 has been extremely problem-free.

Contrary to the opinions of others, I believe in changing my motor oil sooner than the remaining oil life indicator may say...especially a new car's first oil change. IMO clean, fresh motor oil is preferable to older, dirtier motor oil.

Good luck...enjoy your Corvette.

 

I didn't know CF was part of the Comedy Channel Network.

 

I do all my cars myself. It's very easy, you know the right oil and filter were used and the right amount too.

 

I bring mine here:

http://www.fquick.com/videos/viewvideo.php?id=367

 

Good one, Busa196.

I love the Jiffy Lube experience.

 

What do you mean by actual points to lift the car that are better then the puck locations?Also, I was wondering if I could use a race floor jack that has the flat pad that touches the car instead of lifting pucks?

 

I do my own. Very easy, give it a try.