Savings on do it yourself oil/fuel filter change?

[wyosteve]

The time to change oil, oil filter and fuel filters on my 2015 is soon approaching. In the past I've always changed my own and it would save a few bucks. I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle, time and oil disposal issue to still do my own or just let the dealer do it. I realize the part about 'knowing it's done right'. Doing all 3 filters and synthetic oil, I figure will be roughly $210. Just wondering if anyone had dealer do theirs and what it cost? Don't want to get 'taken' by the local dealer. Thanks in advance.

 

[Newsa]

I think your first 4 oil/oil filter changes are free at the dealer. Do your own fuel filter changes if you have time.

 

[skorski]

Change it your self Dealer wanted 300.00oil and filter plus fuel filters bought oil for $12 at Walmart filter from fleetguard $8.00

FUEL FILTER FRONT $8.00 REAR FROM DEALER $64.00

 

[Bob4x4]

Most dealers will install your parts if they are oem. You can save a few bucks buying online and you will still have a dealer able to verify the work was done for easy warranty proof-just a thought. These new trucks with all the hi tech you will eventually need some dealer help

 

[DonR]

When I took mine in for the first service at 15k miles I took 12 quarts of Amsoil with me. The first 4 oil/oil filter changes are free but it was in the area of $215 for them to change the fuel filters. Amsoil makes both extended service oil good for 25k miles and another called OE for changes at regular intervals. Amsoil recommends changing the oil at manufacturer recommended intervals due to fuel dilution on the newer diesel vehicles. The OE oil is much cheaper than the extended service oil I use in my other vehicles. I think it was in the $8 range plus they have free delivery for orders over $100 or they did a couple months back.

 

[wyosteve]

Thanks guys. That helps!

 

[Grizzly]

I have alway belived in doing my own oil changes. Not only do you save money, but you get a chance to inspect everything under the hood and from below the truck or car. You can find things that are missing or starting to get loose or bent.

 

[MConyers]

I enjoy doing my own maintenance, have always done so after the first oil change; my local dealer is not making that economical for me to change my own at this point. 6-9k miles a year for me so synthetic doesn't pencil out for me. 4 oil changes for $180 is what the dealer is charging right now, about what I can do it for, so I'll let them do it for the next couple of years; heck of a lot less than Mopar shows online.

We'll see what they want for fuel filters... I still have a couple of front NanoNet FF bought for my 2011. If they are reasonable on using those and changing the rear filter I'll let them do that too. I'll still get in there to inspect the work, check for the lack of double oil filter gasket, almost always stays there with stratopore filters, and checking lug nut torque and so on.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I'm gonna change my own with my new truck and document the best I can. I just turned 5K miles and will change soon. I just can't let it go 15K before the first oil change.

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

Holy crap!! Anywhere from $210-$300 is insane!!

Has anyone else noticed that the price of crude is down and that people have lost their jobs in the last year or so??? The reason I ask is because oil changes were a lot cheaper in years past when crude was $109/bbl than now when it is just creeping up on $45/bbl!!

What gives??

 

[SnoKing]

If they can not make it at the pump, maybe they are making it case by case of oil? SNOKING

 

[Crambo]

My dealer wanted 300 bucks to change out the fuel filters. I ordered both filters from a ram dealer on eBay for a hundred bucks shipped and changed them myself in 10 minutes. This was after watching a 5 minute video on YouTube. My last oil change I did was with Delo 15-40 oil for 13 bucks a gallon. I bought 3 gallons and submitted a 15 dollar rebate. Oil filter was a Mopar from Walmart for around 9 bucks. No way I would pay a dealer to do any of it.

 

[dougsram]

Have been spending $33 an oil change on my 2011 on average. Purchase my LF16035 oil filters from PuredieselPower by the dozen for about 11.50 when they have a promotion going (10% off or free shipping). Usually pay about $8 a gallon with rebates on Shell, Castrol, Delo, or Valvoline. Just bought four gallons of Rotella T5 Synblend a few weeks ago for $8 with the rebate and sale at O'Reillys price matched by Pepboys. Sign up for the reward programs with Pepboys, Advanced Auto, or O'reillys and also sign up for their monthly fliers. They all price match, but I primarily use Pepboys to build my reward points at one location. Have been averaging $48 a FS53000 or Mopar 291 Nanonet fuel filter on Amazon for about $48 by buying 3 or more with free shipping. Put it in your cart and watch it occasionally for reduced prices. Amazon and PureDieselPower are also good places to shop for OEM transmission and CCV filters.

 

[KSchmalz]

I took my 2015 to the dealer for the first oil change....cost was $70.00. After picking it up and driving home I checked the oil level and found it at the very top of the plastic dipstick...way above the full line. Checked it several times after letting it set and found it over filled. Went back to the dealer and the service guys initially told me that it wasn't overfilled...of course he checked it right after the engine was shut off. After I told them to let it set for 10 minutes they rechecked it and it was well above the full line and rising. They eventually agreed to drain some oil out and then gave it back to me with the oil level about half way between full and add. At this point I finally figured best thing to just take it home and add oil rather than deal with these guys any longer. They really acted like I was problem and a pain in their rear. When I got home found oil smeared on the side of the truck and then a new dent on the front fender by the headlight. Just happened to be where they were standing while working on it. Won't make this mistake again and won't be back to that dealership. I always do my own oil service but figured I'd take my new vehicle to the dealer.....lesson learned.

 

[Newsa]

I only use the dealer when it's something i can't do myself. Or when it's free at the dealership. My first 4 oil changes/oil filter changes were free. And it always came back a bit over-filled. As long as the oil isn't frothy, it isn't dangerously over filled. If it's frothy, it's not flowing smoothly or is being churned up by the moving parts fighting against the pooled oil.

I've noticed my oil level gradually increasing on my dipstick. I might be getting a bit of fuel dilution when it goes through an active regen? I change mine about every 3,000 miles which is about 3 times per year........ just to be on the safe side.

I hear it's normal.for cummins to burn a quart of oil every 1000-1500 miles. But mine doesn't seem to burn any oil.

I haven't analyzed the oil. I just change it often. Some say that the dipstick can give erratic readings because it's not vented like we may be used to on other vehicles.

Sorry about your dealer experience. I don’t really trust the service depts at the dealers in my neighborhood either.

 

[wyosteve]

Thanks for all the responses. I've decided to continue doing my own, for peace of mind if nothing else. Plus is should save some $$$$.

 

[Camperman]

I also do my own oil & fuel filter maintenance. I like keeping the extra money in my pocket. I let the oil drain for 45 minutes to an hour. (Being retired, got more time than money) On my sold truck, a 2006 6.0 F-350, had a horrible experience at an oil change place. (was away from home) I then decided no one will touch my truck, unless it is out of my skill set. I'm no ace mechanic by any stretch of the imagination. I've read where others have experienced sloppy work by dealers or oil change places. I figure I can do it myself, take my time, plus a few extra bucks in my pocket. I must admit that I'm very thankful to have a 2012 that has easy oil filter access. Not everyone has the time or abilities to do their own oil, filter & fuel filter changes, I'm just thankful I can do it. Typical oil change for my 2012 is $55.00 or so. I do keep a spreadsheet on my computer with date, what, mileage, hours, & cost of each time something is done to our truck. Makes it so easy to look back and see what was done, & when.

 

[DavidMyers]

Added quick drain plug for oil!

I just added a quick oil drain plug on the last oil change. It is so much easier to drain the oil by open the ball valve. Drain a bit slower so I get less splashing going into my waste oil pan.

2004 2500 2wd. NV5600 Love Shifting! 253,180 miles Going strong!
Banks HiRam and Intercooler
Edge CTS2 - added pre egt, Lift pump press!

 

[Jeff Gurr]

I just watched a youtube video of an oil change on a cummins. Do you really need to pre-fill the new oil filter before screwing it on the engine block?

As an aside, have only paid for oil changes when a vehicle inspection was due. Got burned once on a slack lube job and do it all on my own now. Changed the oil on my recently retired 2000 tundra more than 72 times in 296,000 miles. Hope to go that far with my new to me 2014 2500 with 6.7 Cummins.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would advise reading my thread, "EASY! 2013 up oil change" thread. No special tools needed and no spills.

Yes pre filling is recommended.