Oil Change FYI

[bozo4onion]

I was changing my oil last weekend and gathered jackstands to lift the cars four corners level. I thought why not lift just one corner enough to get the container under it. So I did. I drained most of the oil then replaced the big container with a really shallow one. I then lowered the car which released only about 1/4 quart. raise the car again, torque plug, change filter, replace oil and I'm good to go. Is this how most do it here?

 

[Sayantsi]

I'll typically jack one corner, place jack stand, initiate the oil change, drop the car to level, then jack it again to replace the drain plug. I haven't done it yet on my Genesis, but if I can slide under the car without jacking it up, I'll just do that. Fwiw, I have 4" ramps I canget the car up on all around, so it gives me about 10" clearance - just enough to squeeze under and get to the drain bolt.

 

[bozo4onion]

I tried ramps w/my Corvette...still a pain. The Vette costs $85 @ quickie change w/Mobil 1. I'll try this method next but I'll need a really really shallow pan.

 

[Mark_888]

I'll typically jack one corner, place jack stand, initiate the oil change, drop the car to level, then jack it again to replace the drain plug. I haven't done it yet on my Genesis, but if I can slide under the car without jacking it up, I'll just do that. Fwiw, I have 4" ramps I canget the car up on all around, so it gives me about 10" clearance - just enough to squeeze under and get to the drain bolt.

Cars seem to be getting lower and lower and each year (either that, or I am getting wider).

 

[Sayantsi]

Cars seem to be getting lower and lower and each year (either that, or I am getting wider).

Ha!

Fwiw, I posted the elsewhere, but for general tasks where you need to get under the car, the 4" ramps are great. I originally made them for cars that you can't get a standard jack (or even a low profile jack) under.

Go to Home Depot, Lowes, or any local lumber yard and have them cut a 2"x6"x20' or 2x8x20' board for you into four 2' and four 3' pieces - straight cut or 45° cut. Take it all home and nail the 2' pieces onto one end of the 3' pieces. Viola, four ramps you can use to get the whole car up 4". Place them in front of each wheel, back up a bit, and drive the car up onto the ramp. If you desire, and have clearance for it, nail a 1"x1" chock to the end of the board so you know you're at the end.

 

[bozo4onion]

Ramps are not much easier than jacks and stands. Isn't it much easier to jack one corner (right front) and just switch oil pans? It sure was w/me. With a cheap Harbour Freight "racing jack" you're draining oil in less than 5 min. Just use a jack stand for safety.