I have never seen the specifics on how many folks change their own oil and filter and how many folks take their car to a lubrication/oil change specialist. Considering it is a heck of a lot easier and in most cases less expensive to go to a specialist, there is little sense in doing a home oil change. A lubrication joint will also dispose of all of the toxic wastes legally.
The services any quality oil change outfit offers that we may not be able to check while doing an oil change at home are items like: Lubricate and grease the chassis, check every fluid level in the vehicle including the brake fluid, power steering fluid, belts, hoses, radiator cap, rear differential, front differential (4 wheel drive), transfer case ( 4 wheel drive), the front differential lubricant in a car with a transaxle (front wheel drive cars), radiator coolant, windshield wiper juice, wiper blades, and lights. Some cars have more items to check, this is the lube specialists job to know everything to check. Using a checklist is mandatory in order to have a written record for you to have.
Mechanics looking at car
Briefly, we always used checklists in my shop when we serviced a vehicle or did a major job such as a rebuild or exchange unit/engine so we did not miss any conditions that may currently be an unnoticed problem or perhaps a problem that will cause major damage in the future. The point is that if doctors, licensed airplane mechanics and most service related businesses use checklists, why not put them to good use on cars too?
Prevention is the reason. What if you have a small drip coming out of your transmission? If it is not noticed, it slowly, drip by drip leaks the fluid out and at some point your transmission runs out of fluid and fails. Anything with fluid or oil in it is subject to this problem. Wouldn’t it be a nice confidence builder knowing these areas have been looked at and you received a written report. With the written report in hand you can see your regular repair shop and have what may seem minor issues now, fixed. Make it important so you don’t have an emergency happen at the wrong time.
Unless you are a mechanic and/or have the ability, desire and tools to perform a proper lubrication job at home, it makes sense to stay clean and take your car to a professional. GotEngines.com sells used, rebuild and new engines if you should need one, GotEngines.com Blog has tips, must do maintenance and much more use-able information to help your car and engine last as along as possible. Enjoy.
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