A problem about to happen for sure.
Jalopnik is way over thinking this...
I do not change my own oil nor do I have a lift in my garage. It is typically a ‘loss leader’ as the shop inspects for other defects.
I will however do my own brakes, tie rods (count turns and drive slowly to a neighborhood alignment shop), wheel bearing replacement, window motor replacement, spliced wiring after squirrel chewing, and other easy tasks. I haven’t needed many repairs more complex than that.
When I was in my twenties I changed my own oil. The hardest part of it was figuring out where dispose of the used oil. I’m not climbing under a car anymore to save 20 bucks on an oil change.
If changing your own oil at home, then great idea. I like the one with a hose. Not all of us have a full shop with lifts….
I’ve found that the local Ford Dealer’s Quick Lane operation gets oil changes done on my F150 cheaper than doing it myself.
The rest of the fleet?
Done in the shade of a tree.
I have two Ford F-150’s with the plastic oil pans and plugs. It is not that big a deal to change the oil but for the stupid shield that you have to remove. The oil filter is on the top.
Had a Fumoto on two different MINIs. Worked perfectly.
I make an online appointment with a reputable shop and screw with my phone for 30 minutes while some kid who does this every day worries about stuff like this.
I have one on my airplane, seems to work just fine
I’ve had a fumoto for years. No problems and makes it much easier to change the oil.
I always change my own oil, always have, always will. I take the opportunity to check everything else under the car. I bottle up the used oil in the bottles and take it to the hazardous waste disposal facility.
I’ve been using Fumoto oil drain valves for almost 30 years and have never had a single issue. The only vehicle I ever used for serious off roading was my Jeep Wrangler and it had a skid plate protecting the oil drain valve.
“However, one of the more challenging aspects of the home oil change is removing said drain plug. First, you’ll need to remember what size wrench or socket to grab from the toolbox.”
If it’s your own car, then write the size somewhere under the hood (or remember that it’s 14mm).
“Then, there’s the juggling act of maintaining inward pressure on the plug with your fingers while unscrewing to prevent oil from dribbling out.”
Nitrile gloves help in that area.
“And finally, you pull the liberated drain plug away at lightning speed while still somehow getting hot oil on your hands and the floor.”
Nitrile gloves (again). Also you can let the car cool down...nothing wrong with that. Just be sure it WAS fully warmed up (as in hot) prior to letting it sit. In other words, drive it up the ramps (if you use them) while the engine is hot, then let it cool for an hour or two before changing the oil. You’ll get the most oil out that way. The way to NOT do it is start the engine cold, drive it up the ramps, then change the oil...as you just circulated cold oil and it will take a long time to drain-down through the engine.
As far as a quick-drain plug, just remember that any valve can get crud in it and stick partially open. Far less likely with an OEM oil plug and new gasket (washer)...so I’ve stayed clear of that option.
(for you EV junkies, don’t worry if you’re clueless about the above as it’s not the only thing you’re clueless about)
I never put one in. I trust the standard drain plug.
Seems Nonsensical, so little gain.
Also very important to cover oil filter gasket with a light coat of fresh oil before HAND TIGHTENING, do not over-tighten !
One of my vehicles in 22 years old and I've done EVERY oil change, usually every 6-8k miles. Vehicle has 165k miles on it now and runs like a top. Has a MANUAL trans. and I love it ! Full synthetic is good stuff, I prefer Mobil 1.
Lifts aren't necessary for sedans, or trucks if they're rated for the vehicle weight. Portable RAMPS are a great way to get the ground clearance to do oil changes.
The best drain plug is one with a magnet.
You have to get rid of loose metal fragments your oil filter is not catching.
Same thing happened to me. Had them change the oil while they were doing other repairs. Next day an oil pool under my vehicle. I tightened the loose drain screw myself but it could have beeen worse.HTH do they not tighten the screw?
Bad idea
I usually install a valve on the drain port of small engines
(generator, log splitter) and add a plug for safety.
Pull the plug, turn valve to drain...reverse and fill.
= ‘AND gate’