Changing my own oil
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: New York
Changing my own oil
I would like to start changing my own oil. Can I get some ideas of what everyone else is using to get there car high enough so they can reach the oil filter and plug. I have been searching for some Race Ramps or is there a better brand out there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 2
From: Woodinville WA
I made some helper ramps out of some 2x6. Had a 2' section and screwed a 1' section on top. Made 2 of these put them under the front tires and drive up on it, which gives 3" extra clearance which is enough to get a jack under the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
I don't think there is anything "better" than Race Ramps, as far as ramps go. You could make your own wood "step up" ramps to get the front up 5"-6". Or just use a floor jack under the frame behind the left front wheel to raise the left front some. There are even some guys here who profess to do it without raising the car at all, just need a very wide, shallow catch pan. I tried to figure out how to do that but I just couldn't so I made some wood ramps for about $50 in material. 
As the saying goes, 'sup to you. 
As the saying goes, 'sup to you.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 181
Likes: 2
I made the wood ramps, too, but too much hassle getting up on them on my slick garage floor. I still use them, but I jack from the side (front - with pucks) and then put the ramps under the tires, so I can move the jack out of the way.
It is very easy to get to (both filter and drain plug) - much easier than any of my other cars.
It is very easy to get to (both filter and drain plug) - much easier than any of my other cars.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
I jack one side up just a bit and reach under to unscrew everything. Don't even need to really get under the car.
Raceramps are crazy expensive for what they are (to me). I don't see much benefit in them over just a good low-profile jack.
Raceramps are crazy expensive for what they are (to me). I don't see much benefit in them over just a good low-profile jack.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: SE Florida
No Lift Oil Change
It's very easy. First, try and see if you can reach the oil filter and feel ok with the working space. If so, turn the front wheels all the way as if you were making a left turn. I use a 7 quart oil pan (Koller Craft U.S.A.) that is 3 3/4" tall, a 3/8 drive ratchet type socket wrench, 15mm socket (Napa magnetic oil drain plug size), a total of 4 1/2" of extension from the wrench to the end of the socket, and an adjustable rubber band type oil filter remover (works for plumbing too etc). I chose to go with a magnetic oil drain plug during my first oil change. After the first oil filter removal, I tightened the oil filter by hand without full force, so now I can remove the filter by hand with a sticky glove. Always oil the oil filter's rubber seal. I pour a little oil into the filter also. You will also need a container to pour the oil for recycling.
Don't pour all 6 quarts all at once because your dipstick might read high, start with 5 quarts and 1/8 of the 6th quart.
I'm sure I forgot something...
Don't pour all 6 quarts all at once because your dipstick might read high, start with 5 quarts and 1/8 of the 6th quart.
I'm sure I forgot something...
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 55
From: Philadelphia PA
A lot of forum members may agree with you. The exception are the people who purchased the Race Ramps. The only regret they may have is not getting them sooner.
Race Ramps are a safe and convenient tool for performing DIY maintenance.
Race Ramps are a safe and convenient tool for performing DIY maintenance.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,717
From: Springfield MO
I'm surprise that no one has mentioned a 4-post lift. That's what I use. Standing up to do the work is a lot more comfortable for me and I have the added advantage of having another parking space for one of my old Vettes.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,331
Likes: 18
From: Missouri City Texas
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: New York
Thanks everyone for the help. I think I will check out the race ramps. Local Chevy dealer wants $100.00 to change the oil. Just think that is way to high. I paid $75.00 last time, but they say that the labor rate has gone up.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 681
Likes: 14
From: Beverly Hills Michigan
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 681
Likes: 14
From: Beverly Hills Michigan
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 3
From: Dyer IN
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 1
From: Edmond, OK
There are alternatives to Race Ramps. Check out the heavy duty Rhino car ramps at Auto Zone. These are about $40 and what I use to get my '07 Coupe up to change the oil and filter. I can completely get under the front end of the car, change oil, filter, check front end air dam, just about anything. You may need to drive up on 2X4s first depending on the hight of your front end but other than that, Rhinos work just fine. Been using them for over 4 years now.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
I would like to start changing my own oil. Can I get some ideas of what everyone else is using to get there car high enough so they can reach the oil filter and plug. I have been searching for some Race Ramps or is there a better brand out there. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
