How many of you change you own oil? Also, what ramifications are there on my warranty if I change it myself? I am thinking of doing it because it’s just a little easier and cheaper... <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

I change my own, less hastle and cheaper. Record it in your manual everytime, so you have a record if they ever question you.

Suggest you remove your skid plate and cut out a corner of it so that your oil draining no longer splashes on it, you'll see what I mean the first time you change it.-:t

Also record what brand/grade you use. Would also be helpful if you saved receipts for oil purchases.

Check out the Fumoto valve.

Used to do all my own oil, filter and lube service at home. Now take oil to dealer and let them do all the grunt work and use OEM filter. All service gets logged in GM data base so should be less hassle if and when any warranty work is done. Cost is $30.00 incl the filter. On the positive side, that's $30.00 bucks my daughter-in-law won't get her spendthrift hands on when I buy the farm.

life time free oil changes from my dealer !!

Yes, I do my own.
The Fumoto drain valve is great! I attach a hose to the nipple and empty the oil directly into the container. No muss, no fuss.

I've done my own changes for 25 years. I don't keep records and never had an issue when it comes to warranty. Any good tech can tell if a motor has been properly maintained or not if they ever had to go inside.

I do all my own, now. Had the first oil change done at a quick lube that I have been going to for a long time. They DID NOT grease my truck, everything was spotless. So now I started doing my own. Using Amsoil I wont be changing oil for a long time, just filters and oil sampeling. I'm running the 3000 series Amsoil & I also use the Fumoto valve.

kewl.. thanks.. i think i will be ording me a Fumoto valve and doing my own from now on...

I do all my own oil changes too. Too many times, the technician just doesn't care if he does the job properly. Things like crossthreaded oilpan bolts, front end components not greased etc. I have a real strong interest in seeing that my truck gets serviced correctly, so anything I can do myself gets done by me. I have never encountered a warranty problem, but I do keep records and receipts of my work.:cool:

P.S. I got the fumoto valve too! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! No more mess.;)

do yall use the standard or the N drain valve?

I do my own, have from day one. keep all your receipts.
I use car ramps, and cut a 5 gal. plastic bucket for the oil, 2-3 beers later I'm done with the oil change.:grd:

(GreencowsOO, When I ordered mine I dont think I had a choice, The nipple is not big at all maybe 3/4" or so Don't worry it wont get in the way)

I take all my own oil and filters to the dealer and let them do the work, and get a bill for under $20.00 for labor.
Granted it feels good to “do your own” but I have been through two manufacturer buy back depositions with lawyers and receipts or not it’s more of a battle when anyone else but the dealer touches your truck. Another time I had the dealer try and wiggle out of something till I told them they were the only ones EVER to touch the vehicle, they then changed their tune and fixed the problem.
Here’s a typical question the lawyer asked. I see you have your receipts for oils and filters, but can you actually prove the work was done? Well Mr. So and so, since you can not actually prove the work was done then we have to deny your claim for a bran new $8000.00 engine.

Also by going in for $20.00 oil changes you get to know the service guy, like with the reflash - there was no hastle I just said can I get a reflash, and he said sure. Now if that was the first time I saw the guy I’m sure it would have been a different story.
I’ve done this with several car makers and get the same treatment from all. Furthermore every now and then I bring the service guy in some sodas, or ice cream ,and even tip him every now and then.
Now for $20.00 it’s not worth getting my hands dirty, or cleaning up the driveway, or having to drive to dispose of the used oil. Besides I get to read the paper and watch Oprah while they change the fluids, and it’s some of the only peace I get.
Just having the Service copy with milage and date stamped on the receipt is worth it’s weight in gold.
Each to his own, but this works for me.

do yall use the standard or the N drain valve?
I use the one with the nipple. That way, you can attach a short hose to make sure the oil goes directly into your oil drain pan/container.

I have to second BlackMaxx: My dad's brand new dmax just mysteriously left a puddle of oil on the ground after a dealer oil change. The real mystery: where is the old drain plug?

I just bought mine at a "GM certified" place that changed the oil prior to selling it, and there's oil all over the skid plate. I'm hoping it's just due to typical dealer laziness and skid plate location wrt what Vertical-Escape was talking about. I've spent the last 10 years covering myself to the elbows with old oil on my Z-71. First thing I did today was buy that fumoto valve with a nipple so I can hose it right into a jug or three.

As for what some are saying about it being easier to let someone else do the work, that's true to a certain extent I suppose. I can change the oil, clean up, make breakfast, and read the paper in the time it would take to get to the dealer and back to the house. Don't forget that if you use Amsoil like you were talking about, you won't even have to pull the filter for what....12.5k? That's almost a year's driving for "average" drivers. Like my dad says, "If you want something done right..."