Do You Change Your Own Oil?

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Maintenance' started by SRT-Tom, Jul 30, 2021.

  1. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    I change my own oil and filter on my 2009 SRT. I use Mobil 1 0W-40 full synthetic and an SRT oil filter. I enjoy working on my car and want to use the best products and make sure that it is done right.

    I take my two grocery-getter cars/SUVs to Valvoline Instant Oil Change. I use a Groupon discount and get the oil changed quickly and cheaply for only $24.99. This is about what I would pay if I changed it myself.

    The only annoyance is that they try to sell you things like wipers, air filters and cabin filters. I just say "not at this time."

    [​IMG]
     
  2. NC20RT

    NC20RT Full Access Member

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    I change my oil on my Trans Am and Mustang but NOT the Challenger since it's under warranty. I don't want any grief from Dodge if something goes wrong. I'll just bring my R/T to the dealership and let them do the 'normal' maintenance until my warranty expires. No big deal and no worries.
     
  3. Wizard of Iz

    Wizard of Iz Full Access Member

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    I change my own oil on our three cars and assist my daughter in changing the oil in her vehicle.

    The first roughly 15 years that I owned a car I changed it myself partially because I enjoy working on my own vehicles but mostly out of financial necessity.

    Then there was about 10 years that I paid others to do the work as a matter of convenience ... and because I had a customer "suggest" that I let his shop do the work. That ended in about 2001 when his guys put the wrong oil (and wrong air filter) in my '99 Grand Prix GTP.

    So ... to know that it's done right and since I still enjoy doing the work myself - and am still able - I've been back to doing it myself the last 20 years.

    Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40 and a SRT oil filter in my '15 Challenger SRT 392
    Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 and a Mopar oil filter in our '17 Durango R/T (345ci)
    Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-30 and an ACDelco oil filter in my '05 Monte Carlo LS (3.4L V6)
    Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20 and a Motorcraft or Mobil 1 oil filter in my daughter's '12 Ford Edge SEL (3.5L V6)


    If you want to do your own changes on your Challenger R/T ... do it! Unless the dealer included a few free oil changes in your purchase.

    The owner's manual says you're responsible for following the maintenance schedule to keep your warranty intact. It does not say that the work has to be done by a dealership. Just keep your receipts (and perhaps take a picture or two) to prove that the work has been done on schedule. The Dodge Owner's site (mopar.com) even has a place where you can add your do-it-yourself maintenance to the work history of your vehicle.
     
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  4. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Have any of you guys used some of Red Green's tips for changing your oil?

     
  5. 70-426_10-SRT

    70-426_10-SRT B&E body lover

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    Changed my owe every since I got her at 8k miles, (actually since I was 15 years old)
    with Castrol 0w40 and SRT filter
    Just turned 53k last week
     
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  6. Cloverdale

    Cloverdale Full Access Member

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    Like so many applications we don't get the convenience of a simple access door to the drain bolt (I do on my BMW). This can't be a design oversight.
     
  7. 2017 Redline HC

    2017 Redline HC 2021 Durango RT

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    I change the oil on my Challenger in the fall before it’s put away for winter. With that the wheels come off to look at the brakes and then a thorough cleaning and wax. I do our daily driver when time permits, otherwise it goes to a local shop for service.
     
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  8. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    If you decide to take your car to a garage for an oil change, don't let this guy do it.

    [​IMG]
     
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  9. mikeT

    mikeT Full Access Member

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    Dealer probably charges about $20.00 more than you doing it yourself. Plus you don't have to haul the s%%^ and dispose of it and bring back the oily containers. Bunch of duffices, you worry too much about something that has been going on for decades. Holy shit Martha, it's time to change the oil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  10. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    i have a local shop that does all my oil change and tire rotations. hard for me to get down on the ground with out having a plan to get back up...
     
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