I have an '06 Chevy Trailblazer that's almost due for its first oil change (5,200 miles). I'd like to use a very particular type of oil that I'm sure they won't use at the service station (Mobil Newer Vehicle Synthetic Blend).
My biggest problem is that I've never changed oil before. Does anybody know of a site I can check that will provide me with instructions on how to do this detail?
Also, what's actually involved in rotating tires? Is it putting the front tires in the rear and vice versa?
Thanks very much for your kind input. I appreciate it.Is it better to change your own oil or have it done by the service station?There is no %26quot;better%26quot; involved; it is easier and more convenient to have the oil changed at a service station, or, better yet, at the dealer's. I would recommend that you bring it to the dealer's, as that way, there will be a more permanent record of the vehicle being serviced (which MAY make a difference if and when you need Warranty work done).
In addition to the problems involved with changing your own oil, you're also faced with disposal of the used oil (you can't just dump it anywhere or put it in the garbage), plus there's the filter with which to contend. You may need a wrench dedicated to removing the filter (strap wrench) and of course, you'll need the wrench that fits the drain plug.
You also need to have a grease gun as there are probably at least a few zerk fittings that need to be greased.
All in all, I'd say, %26quot;Leave it to the dealer to service the vehicle%26quot;. If you want a certain type of oil, just buy six quarts or however many it requires to fill the crankcase, and watch the mechanic to ensure he actually uses your oil.
As far as rotating the tires, it is more than just swapping front to rear; you also have to cross them. The right front becomes the right rear, the right rear becomes the left front; the left front becomes the left rear and the left rear becomes the right front. Again, it's better to have a professional do it, since you'll need a set of jack stands, a level area where it is safe to raise the vehicle and besides, it's a time-consuming job. Good luck!Is it better to change your own oil or have it done by the service station?If I were you I would have my oil be changed by a mechanic and ask them how to do it.Is it better to change your own oil or have it done by the service station?It's always better to get the service done by a professional, and it doesn't cost much actually...Is it better to change your own oil or have it done by the service station?Since you do not know how to change the oil or rotate you tires.....go to a PROFESSIONAL to get them done. You can buy your own oil separately and take it with you for the service, they will use it. However, they probably won't charge you less on the oil change. Oil changes on Chevys should be done EVERY 3,000 miles (not 6,000) and tire rotation should be done every 5,000 miles!! Tire rotation isn't just putting the front on the back and vice versa. Sure, you can go to a website that will tell you how to do it but......is your BRAND NEW vehicle that you are paying BIG BUCKS for worth ruining because you %26quot;think%26quot; you know what you are doing?? I have a Chevy trailblazer and I take mine to either the dealership or Big O Tire. I get charged about $20 - $25 for the oil change (and they check all your other engine fluids) and the tire rotation is worth about $20 (and I KNOW how to do BOTH!!!!) think of it this way, if they mess it up, THEY pay to fix it....if you mess it up, YOU pay to fix it!!!!!Is it better to change your own oil or have it done by the service station?I have 2006 Nissan Sentra Spec V R Type and I am a auto technician I NEVER change my own oil. I take it to the dealer so they have a record of the maintainance if something else should go wrong. If there is a problem with the engine and you don't have perfect records and correct gm parts they won't warrenty anything in the engine.Is it better to change your own oil or have it done by the service station?Service stations use low prices on oil changes to lure in customers (hoping they will come back when major work needs to be performed). I would take advantage of those low prices and let a service station perform the work... just don't let them talk you into extras. Good synthetic oil (Mobil, Valvoline, etc) usually costs about $5-$7 per quart and the filter is probably $5-$10. Keep that in mind when getting quotes. I would call several of the local service stations and get a quote for comparison... make sure you specify which oil you want or they will use the cheaper stuff! Also, tell them you would like to watch the work being performed. If they give you some BS about liability issues and only mechanics being allowed in the shop... call another shop. An honest shop will at least let you look through a window into the shop as the work is performed.
I believe the Trailblazer requires use of synthetic oil (as most newer vehicles do). You may even contact the dealer and see if a service plan came with your vehicle when you purchased it. The oil change and tire rotation may be free! The oil specifications and tire rotation procedure should be included in your owners manual. Most tires rotations are front to back... but some tires require a criss-cross patern.
Good luck!Is it better to change your own oil or have it done by the service station?I would rather change my own oil, but I only drive old cars that don't cost $100,000. In your case, you'd better just get it done. It's easy, but if you screw up, you'll most likely ruin your engine.
