Oil Change Not By Dealer

[marciano]

I usually let wal-mart change my oil. Synthetic Mobil 1 usually runs about $45.
I was reading some other threads about how a plastic tray needs to be removed to get to the filter and drain, and I was wondering if anyone takes their vehicle to a Wal-Mart for the change or anywhere other than the dealer.
I don't feel like jacking with the dealer because I am always working and do the change when I am not at work, plus they are 25 miles away. Anyone go to someone other than the dealer???????????????? Did they have problems with the tray????????????????????????????????

[erhayes]

I do my own but, don't find the undercover a big issue. To remove it you have 7 small bolts and one plastic clip to remove. All is easy to get to. The oil filter is the canister type. You should talk to the service writer & person doing the work, to ascertain what is involved. No big deal but, you don't want any surprises. Lots of cars have the protective undercover now so it is nothing new. Just make sure they replace it, as it is not only protection but, part of the cooling bay and aerodynamics. Ed

[marciano]

thank you, and what do you mean canister type...aren't they all round cylinders?

[robin2660]

thank you, and what do you mean canister type...aren't they all round cylinders?

Like many older, (pre-50's) cars, the filter is like an air filter, where it drops into a canister that mounts to the engine. You can do a conversion to screw-ons.

[BlackCherry06]

"I usually let wal-mart change my oil."

*CRINGE*

IMO, risky move considering how easy it is to f'k up the oil filter on this engine. Do it yourself or take it to the dealer. It's too late to re-consider your decision after the oil light comes on while driving.

[marciano]

is there an advantage to this style of filter vs the normal screw on?

[AWmustang]

You sure you still have that tray... good chance they pulled it off and never put it back on, figuring you'll never crawl under there and check.

[marciano]

have not changed the oil yet............

[marciano]

i only use mobil one and wal mart charges a good price, and they have never f'd up a job yet for me.

[erhayes]

Talk to the service writer & PERSON DOING THE WORK. See if he knows what is involved. Like I said this is not new anymore as many cars have an undercover and many are starting to use the canister type filter. My WalMarts even has the filter element on their shelves. Watch the work being done if you can spare the time.

[autoxes]

I used to work for Walmart, not in the service department, but I heard many horror stories, just from my store that arose from that department. I definitely would not recommend taking anything that you particularly cared about there. I had them mount my autocross tires once, and they screwed that job up so badly I took them to another shop to be remounted.

[Int3grity]

You get what you pay for. Pay cheap = get cheap service but in the long run it might end up costing you. Take it to where they know the vehicle best your dealer.

[bazooka joe]

(shrug)it can't take that long to do it yourself? save the $45 and take out the favorite person in your life for dinner!

[erhayes]

I have good confidance in my WM for tire mounting-balanceing and oil changes. I watch and observe while the wife spends money. The quality service depends on the people and not the store name. JMO. Ed

[marciano]

i agree ed........i would lovbe to change the oil myself, but i do not like doing it outside(i have no garage).......or i would.

[NCZ13]

just wait until a cooler part of the day? do you have a driveway?

when your oil light comes on it usually means its to late...

[wannabe]

i personally do my own oil changes, but i understand that people don't always have the time, skill/confidence, or the resources. if you feel comfortable with wal-mart, let them do it. just make sure you watch them to make sure they are putting in what you pay for. i've heard a few places have charged for synthetic and put in dino.

another thing to watch is the filter itself. i know that there were issues originally with the fram and other cheap brands crushing. this could be a problem because your oil is essentially no longer being filtered. i'm not sure if that issue was fixed or not, but still something to be watchful for. also, if they do not have the correct oil filter wrench, they could mess up the housing for the filter, which could run you $50 or so.

[marciano]

thanks

[marciano]

So I completed my oil change at Wal Mart using Mobil 1 Synthetic Etxended Performance and.............. everything went fine, just as usual. For $48 dollars including the tax, my oil was changed-and-fluids checked...air pressure and filters and all...and they vacummed and cleaned my car. Got to love that service for the money!

[erhayes]

Good to hear things went well marc. I presume they changed the filter element in the oil filter canester? I have confidance in my WM although I do my own. I have one or two fellas I like when getting tires rotated and always give them an extra $5 for good work, like using a torque wrence to set the wheel lugs. If possible get the guys name who did your work and call ahead next time to request he do your car. just a thought. Ed

[ocmazdaspeed]

So I completed my oil change at Wal Mart using Mobil 1 Synthetic Etxended Performance and.............. everything went fine, just as usual. For $48 dollars including the tax, my oil was changed-and-fluids checked...air pressure and filters and all...and they vacummed and cleaned my car. Got to love that service for the money!

Its worth it... plus you have record that it was done (this is very important actually the most important).
We just had a guy come in, blown motor (only 20k miles)... Said he did the oil changes. So those of you that do it yourself? Even if its WM that is doing it, its still getting done and there is a paper trail. What that means is there is no proof (if you do it yourself) so its not covered under warranty!

[erhayes]

I do my own and save all receipts and use the Mazda sites service record. I expect no problem IF I need warranty work.

[wannabe]

Its worth it... plus you have record that it was done (this is very important actually the most important).
We just had a guy come in, blown motor (only 20k miles)... Said he did the oil changes. So those of you that do it yourself? Even if its WM that is doing it, its still getting done and there is a paper trail. What that means is there is no proof (if you do it yourself) so its not covered under warranty!

i keep all my receipts for oil filters and the oil. theres my proof.

[ocmazdaspeed]

i keep all my receipts for oil filters and the oil. theres my proof.

That just shows that you bought them...?
Who knows if it was done or not (correctly and or incorrectly). I guess they could say that it wasnt done by a certified shop too...

[wannabe]

That just shows that you bought them...?
Who knows if it was done or not (correctly and or incorrectly). I guess they could say that it wasnt done by a certified shop too...

the owners manual tells me how to do it. why would they include instructions, if you weren't allowed to do it?

[erhayes]

In addition; Mazdausa.com has a screen where you can put all your maintenance records. It appears that Mazda uses that record to remind you of upcoming surace according to mileage.

[marciano]

i use it

[DJS GOATGUY]

Can someone please let me know which normal style, screw-on/off filter works?

Oh yeah, the wife has her new 08 GT AWD, and she and I both love it (I expected to be annoyed with any crossover, but this car was markedly superior to the Acura RDX we thought we were going to buy).

Any thoughts or suggestions to a new owner?

Thanks!
Dave



Like many older, (pre-50's) cars, the filter is like an air filter, where it drops into a canister that mounts to the engine. You can do a conversion to screw-ons.

[erhayes]

You have no choice as all CX 7s come with the canister type filter. I'm told that earlier Mazda's did use a spin-on type filter. The different mounting bracket can replace the canister mounting. The mounting bracket cost ~ $50 and must be installed by someone with some mechanical aptitude. Someone on this or another Mazda news group had instructions on how to do or let the dealer do it. Ed

[Marlo88]

I have the dealership change the oil. (Actually this is the first vehicle I have taken back to the dealership for service, all others (Toyota) were serviced by my mechanic.) They charge $35 for the oil change and other routine check-ups. With me being single, I honestly don't trust any of my male friends to change the oil. If something goes wrong, I only have myself to blame. I brought my 08 CX 7 in December 07 with 14,000 miles and have not had one problem with it. Actually, I'm going tomorrow to get the oil changed.

[motopilot]

I kjnow this is an old post but can someone tell me what tool you need to take the canister off? Finally due for a change at 20K and will be doing this one myself. I think I see the canister in the front of the engine so not hard to get to but do not want to damage it.

[motopilot]

Lol, just did it and it was easier than I thought. Took a little more time taking off that bottom panel (10screws) but everything else was not a problem.

[erhayes]

To remove the canister cover you really need or should use a cap type filter wrench so not to damage the thermo plastic cover. Always install the new O-Rings that come with the filter and tighten the canister cover to 25 FT/LBS with a torque wrench if possible. Another tip that I discovered is to generously lubricate the ends of the filter element before installing. The step reduces the friction between the element and the spring loaded cover.. The result is much less chance of twisting the element,