OK, so I used to go to Texaco in Brookside, then it became Shell. The price went up, the coupons went away, and there was a lot of turnover of staff. I had a coupon for Robertson's Tires, so I gave them a try. Good price, but you smell like tires when you leave, and they didn't vacuum or wash the windows, and they didn't top off my coolant, which was low. (Not sure if they checked any other levels or not...) (On the bright side, I got my tires rotated at the same time, which is a bonus.)
Anyone have recommendations for oil change places? I'm looking for good, fast service and not too expensive. And I'd prefer a place that doesn't try to sell me unnecessary services and assorted "flushes." But I do appreciate the vacuum and window wash.
McKay's Conoco 31st and Jamestown....Talk to Tom he is the owner....
Quote from: PonderInc on April 17, 2009, 04:41:27 PM
OK, so I used to go to Texaco in Brookside, then it became Shell. The price went up, the coupons went away, and there was a lot of turnover of staff. I had a coupon for Robertson's Tires, so I gave them a try. Good price, but you smell like tires when you leave, and they didn't vacuum or wash the windows, and they didn't top off my coolant, which was low. (Not sure if they checked any other levels or not...) (On the bright side, I got my tires rotated at the same time, which is a bonus.)
Anyone have recommendations for oil change places? I'm looking for good, fast service and not too expensive. And I'd prefer a place that doesn't try to sell me unnecessary services and assorted "flushes." But I do appreciate the vacuum and window wash.
Jim Norton Toyota. You don't have to have a Toyota. Great price $22 for my car and it holds 7 quarts. They have a great lounge and coffee shop, but I never really get to enjoy it because they're done like 10 minutes after I hand them the keys.
Sorry, realized you wanted midtown. Well if you ever make it out South Jim Norton is a good oil change.
21st and Sheridan Shell.
They are always very thorough and give me advice on all car things. I have had them change the oil on my whole fleet and personal cars for over a decade. That is probably over 50 oil changes and am always satified.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 17, 2009, 04:47:25 PM
Jim Norton Toyota. You don't have to have a Toyota. Great price $22 for my car and it holds 7 quarts. They have a great lounge and coffee shop, but I never really get to enjoy it because they're done like 10 minutes after I hand them the keys.
Sorry, realized you wanted midtown. Well if you ever make it out South Jim Norton is a good oil change.
Was there recently and they lost my business. They kept bringing out filters to show people so they can charge $80 to install a $10 filter that takes 30 seconds of labor. They were also doing all kinds of upselling, wanting to change every fluid on the car at $80-100 each.
Jiffy Lube - across the street from Staples on Harvard (near the BA)
Quote from: RecycleMichael on April 17, 2009, 05:30:54 PM
21st and Sheridan Shell.
I second that one.
I drive my car very, very little, and average only 3,500 miles/year in the 16 years I have owned it. I took it into the 21st/Sheridan Shell for a 6-month oil change last year and they told me the oil was still so clean, I really didn't need to change it but once a year at the most given my driving history. I had them do it anyway since I was right there, but I took their advice about the annual change. That was pretty honest of them.
When it comes to oil changes, I like to do it myself so I know it's done right. Sometimes those guys over tighten the oil drain plugs and strip them out, or forget to add oil or even forget the filter, sometimes they put in oil that you did not request. I drive a old 1990 heap, it's a half ton truck and I can change that oil in under 10 minutes and no jack is needed, I can reach the drain plug without a jack. The fast lube joints have a high employee turn over and sometimes they don't teach the new people right. I always hear alot of stories about stripped out drain plugs from over-tighting many new cars have aluminum pans. Changing oil is easy, the problem is when a young worker gets carried away with the wrench. :-\
What do you do with the used oil?
Express Tire and Auto near 41st and Harvard.
Owner operated. Long time family business. Have always treated me right.
I had them do a vehicle inspection before I bought a car and they waived the fee if I said I'd have the work done there. While there another time they repaired a flat for a couple passing through from Sante Fe to Chicago and waived the fee saying "you've already had a bad day." I was told a problem with my vehicle could be negated without fixing it at a cost of $50 instead of $300.
I have them do all my car work now. They have always done what they say they will for the price they say and on time. Never force sell things and will tell you if it is NEEDED, suggested, or something you can really do without. That goes a long way with me.
They always seem to be fair and friendly. Oil changes are quick and cheap. You don't get the free vacuum like Jiffy Lube but you save $10 a pop.
3903 S Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK - (918) 747-7566
http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Express+Tire+%26+Tulsa&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,16374983888435411939&ei=Uez1SaOBJ4jOMq-moc8P&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1
Quote from: carltonplace on April 27, 2009, 12:24:05 PM
What do you do with the used oil?
Auto Zone, Advance Auto, and 'O Reillys and all those car parts places take in the used oil for free. They have me dump it in a oil tank they have behind the parts counter. Some of the used oil I save for home use, and for putting on the underbody of my old heap to prevent rust. I lube my doors and hood with used motor oil, and things around the house. I save about a quart or so or used oil when I do a oil change and recycle the rest. If I don't need any more used oil, I recycle it all after a change.
Quote from: cannon_fodder on April 27, 2009, 12:32:56 PM
Express Tire and Auto near 41st and Harvard.
Owner operated. Long time family business. Have always treated me right.
I had them do a vehicle inspection before I bought a car and they waived the fee if I said I'd have the work done there. While there another time they repaired a flat for a couple passing through from Sante Fe to Chicago and waived the fee saying "you've already had a bad day." I was told a problem with my vehicle could be negated without fixing it at a cost of $50 instead of $300.
I have them do all my car work now. They have always done what they say they will for the price they say and on time. Never force sell things and will tell you if it is NEEDED, suggested, or something you can really do without. That goes a long way with me.
They always seem to be fair and friendly. Oil changes are quick and cheap. You don't get the free vacuum like Jiffy Lube but you save $10 a pop.
3903 S Harvard Ave, Tulsa, OK - (918) 747-7566
http://maps.google.com/maps?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Express+Tire+%26+Tulsa&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,16374983888435411939&ei=Uez1SaOBJ4jOMq-moc8P&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1
WoW That's good to know. I'll have to make a note of that place for when I need service that I can't do myself. Thanks for the heads up! :)
I use synthetic so my pocketbook gets taken for a ride no matter where I go.
OK, update. I checked my oil level the other day and discovered that they over-filled my oil by approximately 1/2 qt (I'm guessing...). Am I hurting my engine by driving with too much oil? Do I need to drain some out?
1/2 qt should be fine. Either it's within the capacity of the pan or it'll burn off. If you haven't already noticed blue smoke, you're fine.
I want to know who the "they" is.
To answer the question, on most vehicles 1/2 qt won't matter. On a Corvette or Boxter engine (probably other high performance engines) oil pressure is very sensitive and it might matter. But still probably not. At least in my amateur never-blown-up-an-engine opinion.
Also, was the engine stopped when you checked the oil?
Bah! Either way, I'd call the place that changed it and mention it to them. See if they have an explanation and if they will remedy the problem. Even if they say it isn't a problem they should agree to drain it to the fill mark imho.
Quote from: PonderInc on April 29, 2009, 01:52:06 PM
OK, update. I checked my oil level the other day and discovered that they over-filled my oil by approximately 1/2 qt (I'm guessing...). Am I hurting my engine by driving with too much oil? Do I need to drain some out?
You DID wipe the dipstick replace it and check again, yes? Every engine oil system I've ever seen was even quarts, so for someone to wind up putting in a 1/2 quart extra would be a real obvious no-no to the mechanic, unless you are using a Jiffy Lube and they've got one of the tank and pump systems where they fill your oil with a hose.
1/2 qt. shouldn't hurt anything, a qt over and you might start pushing oil out of places you don't want it coming out of.
Quote from: Conan71 on April 29, 2009, 05:14:15 PM
You DID wipe the dipstick replace it and check again, yes? Every engine oil system I've ever seen was even quarts, so for someone to wind up putting in a 1/2 quart extra would be a real obvious no-no to the mechanic, unless you are using a Jiffy Lube and they've got one of the tank and pump systems where they fill your oil with a hose.
1/2 qt. shouldn't hurt anything, a qt over and you might start pushing oil out of places you don't want it coming out of.
I wonder if the engine was checked cold or running? If it was cold, the oil has time to drip from the cylinders down into the pan. Oil is always measured when hot, not cold. And yes, a half quart could easily be up in the cylinders where it can drip back down into the pan as it cools.
My 98 Buick (3.8 L) takes 4 Liters, not counting filling the oil filter. Puttin in 4 quarts brings the level to about 1/2 quart low. Adding another quart would make the level 1/2 quart over full. I just carry an extra quart and add it when it gets down to add a quart. I cannot explain the 4 liter capacity and quart markings on the dipstick.
Edit: I looked in the maintenance manual to be sure and found the listed oil capacity with or without a filter change is 4.25 Liters or 4.5 quarts. The filter is small but not small enough to be zero difference when they are already not even liters or quarts. The fill up described above is valid with a filter change.
Edit 2: I found another reference in the engine mechanical section rather than the general lubrication section. 4.25 L or 4.5 Qt with filter change. 3.75 L or 4.0 Qt without filter change. I would not change the oil without changing the filter.
Quote from: Hoss on April 29, 2009, 11:07:18 PM
Oil is always measured when hot, not cold. And yes, a half quart could easily be up in the cylinders where it can drip back down into the pan as it cools.
My 81 Buick Shop Manual prefers oil level to be measured warm. It also states the oil level may be measured cold if the engine is NOT started before measuring for the drip down that you noted. I couldn't find a temperature reference in the 98 Manual.
Oil has improved a lot. The viscosity and volume is about the same hot or cold. Also, the filters are now positioned such that they retain oil at all times. Thus, the level is about the same with it hot or cold - there isn't a big change in volume and not a ton of oil gets "stuck" in the engine or the filter that needs to slowly drain back down.
So hot or cold is no longer an issue (so says the internet).
Quote from: PonderInc on April 29, 2009, 01:52:06 PM
OK, update. I checked my oil level the other day and discovered that they over-filled my oil by approximately 1/2 qt (I'm guessing...). Am I hurting my engine by driving with too much oil? Do I need to drain some out?
I've seen your car. I imagine 1/2qt extra is like twice what the engine is supposed to hold.
(kidding)
I believe the marks on the dipstick at that shows "fill" is like 1/2qt low and then the full mark is whatever your rated capacity is. 1/2qt one way or the other isn't going to hurt. My car takes 7qts, so a bit extra isn't noticeable at all.
Hot/cold, doesn't matter. The issue is, pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace, pull it back out then read it.
Thanks for all the info! I checked it both hot and cold and got the same reading. Thanks for the advice and reassurance (that I'm not causing damage by driving it). Next time I'm going to the guy at 31st and Jamestown for my oil change!
Note to sgrizzle: 7 quarts?! When are you going to quit driving the Exxon Valdez to work every day?!
Quote from: PonderInc on May 06, 2009, 10:44:31 AM
Note to sgrizzle: 7 quarts?! When are you going to quit driving the Exxon Valdez to work every day?!
When I quit making payments on it, or sometime thereafter.
Quote from: PonderInc on May 06, 2009, 10:44:31 AM
Thanks for all the info! I checked it both hot and cold and got the same reading. Thanks for the advice and reassurance (that I'm not causing damage by driving it). Next time I'm going to the guy at 31st and Jamestown for my oil change!
Note to sgrizzle: 7 quarts?! When are you going to quit driving the Exxon Valdez to work every day?!
My weekend car takes 8 quarts. It also gets about twice the miles before the oil change indicator lights as my car that takes 4 quarts. I also recycle my used engine oil.
Quote from: Floyd on April 29, 2009, 03:35:27 PM
1/2 qt should be fine. Either it's within the capacity of the pan or it'll burn off. If you haven't already noticed blue smoke, you're fine.
Or the excess pressure blows a seal somewhere. Then you can be like me, slowly dripping small amounts of oil onto your exhaust pipe, thus spewing smoke when stopped in the right wind conditions. (In the 'wrong' wind condition, it just smells like burning oil)
One of these years I might either buy a newer car or get it fixed...I might be more motivated if it went through more than a quart or so between oil changes.
Quote from: nathanm on May 07, 2009, 02:48:47 AM
Or the excess pressure blows a seal somewhere. Then you can be like me, slowly dripping small amounts of oil onto your exhaust pipe, thus spewing smoke when stopped in the right wind conditions. (In the 'wrong' wind condition, it just smells like burning oil)
I used to have a car like that. That car got a hundred miles to the gallon. Unfortunately, it was oil, not gas.
Quote from: nathanm on May 07, 2009, 02:48:47 AM
Or the excess pressure blows a seal somewhere. Then you can be like me, slowly dripping small amounts of oil onto your exhaust pipe, thus spewing smoke when stopped in the right wind conditions. (In the 'wrong' wind condition, it just smells like burning oil)
One of these years I might either buy a newer car or get it fixed...I might be more motivated if it went through more than a quart or so between oil changes.
this is how I went so long without changing oil. I had fresh infusions often enough I could easily triple my oil lifespan. Right up until my rear main seal blew (hense the many posts on riding the bus lately).
In the days of full serve gas stations, we had a car that I pulled in and said to fill the oil and check the gas.
Quote from: Red Arrow on May 07, 2009, 07:57:46 AM
In the days of full serve gas stations, we had a car that I pulled in and said to fill the oil and check the gas.
I thought RM's post was pretty funny..until I read this one. It would have induced a coffee spitting incident if I was drinking some at the moment. ;D
Quote from: Conan71 on April 30, 2009, 10:07:28 AM
Hot/cold, doesn't matter. The issue is, pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, replace, pull it back out then read it.
Yes, but wait a few minutes after you shut off the engine before you check the oil, so the oil can drain back into the oil pan. Hot oil expands a bit so the reading could be a bit higher than checking the oil when it's stone cold.. I do my own oil changes on my heap. I have a F-150 and it takes 6 quarts with a filter change. It's faster and I know it's done right. :)
For all you do-it-yourselfers...
All 12 of the M.e.t. recycling centers accepts used motor oil for recycling. Our centers are open seven days a week, but we ask you to bring oil during regular business hours to avoid any potential spills.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on May 07, 2009, 03:16:58 PM
For all you do-it-yourselfers...
All 12 of the M.e.t. recycling centers accepts used motor oil for recycling. Our centers are open seven days a week, but we ask you to bring oil during regular business hours to avoid any potential spills.
So does Auto Zone, Advance Auto and 'O Reilly's That's where I take mine. Many of those fast lube joints seem to over-tighten the oil drain plug and with today's aluminum oil pans that's asking for big trouble. The worker turn over rate is high.