Labor charge for Oil Change

[nitewolfgtr]

I'm thinking about bringing my own oil and filter to a local shop and have them change my oil. What should I expect price wise for a labor to do oil change? I just don't want to get ripped off.

[Bill Merchant]

The easiest way to find out is to just call them on the phone and ask. Most reputable shops will quote you a rate. They make money on everything they sell you, labor, oil, and filter. If you keep them from making a profit on the oil and filter, they may charge you more for labor, but most won't. You'll also have to pay a disposal free, though many shops sell your used oil to a re-refiner.

If you don't like the number you get, call another place. But do you really want to trust your new car to the place with the lowest rate if that means the person changing your oil doesn't know and doesn't care what you want? Sometimes the lowest price is not the best value.

[jayman]

The oil and filter is *really* easy to change in a Prius. I've never used ramps/jacks, keeping all four wheels on the ground. The only vehicle I have that is easier is my new FJ Cruiser

Unless you live in a condo or apartment building that forbids working on your car, you really should consider doing it yourself. Forum member John has put together useful hints:

http://john1701a.com/prius/prius-oilchange.htm

[John in LB]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Apr 24 2007, 09:23 PM) [snapback]429578[/snapback]</div>

... But do you really want to trust your new car to the place with the lowest rate if that means the person changing your oil doesn't know and doesn't care what you want? Sometimes the lowest price is not the best value.
[/b]

Why not? NASA does...

[smrtguy]

I am considering doing the first oil change myself. Looking at your posting I thought car doesn't need to be jacked up to get access to oil drain plug and filter. But I can't even see those things even after getting down to the floor. Is there a trick to this?

Thanks!


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jayman @ Apr 25 2007, 08:39 PM) [snapback]430209[/snapback]</div>

The oil and filter is *really* easy to change in a Prius. I've never used ramps/jacks, keeping all four wheels on the ground. The only vehicle I have that is easier is my new FJ Cruiser
[/b]

[JimboK]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SmrtGuy @ May 3 2007, 02:46 PM) [snapback]434883[/snapback]</div>

I am considering doing the first oil change myself. Looking at your posting I thought car doesn't need to be jacked up to get access to oil drain plug and filter. But I can't even see those things even after getting down to the floor. Is there a trick to this?
[/b]

The drain plug can be seen easily without raising the car. It's at the right edge (the car's right, not yours) of the drain pan, just a few inches inside the right front tire. The filter is a little tougher; it's up behind the radiator. Without raising the car, you may have a hard time getting under the front of the car to see it. You can still reach it, and once you know where it is you can do it by feel.

I really recommend looking at the link that jayman gave. John has done a nice job in describing and photographing the oil change process. His instructions include raising the car, but as jayman says, it's not necessary.

EDIT: SmrtGuy, I just noticed you're in Potomac Falls. If you didn't see the thread, we're having the first ever Central VA Prius meetup this Saturday. If you want to make the drive, we'll be glad to show you where the plug and filter are! Of course we'd be delighted to have you show up regardless!

[smrtguy]

Thanks for all the helpful information, and the document by John . It took me 45 minutes to change the oil this morning. There was no need to jack up the car, and both drain plug and oil filter were easily accessible. Bought Mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 from Costco at $5/quart and filter from Toyota dealer.

Jim, I am in Northern VA and the long drive to the meeting isn't a possibility today. Thanks for the info though.