Best place for lube and oil change service?

[steve_]

I've got a new (to me) car and am looking for recommendations on where to take it for lube and oil changes. Any favorites or places to avoid?

[Bixby]

Take it to your normal mechanic that you trust.

It usually costs about the same (even if it does take a little more time), you'll get quality service, and it lets the mechanic look over the car on a regular basis so that they may diagnosis possible issues.

That way you aren't letting Joe Schmoe high school student at the quickie lube put in too much oil or the wrong kind of other fluids...

And if you don't have a good, trusty mechanic, check out the Mechanix files at cartalk.com.

[AlphaDog]

The dealers used to be really expensive for routine service, but, at least around here, they've become very competitive price wise. Fast, too, but they'll wash my car if I'm willing to wait a bit longer.

[SteveJobs]

Trade it when it needs new oil.

What do GREEN activists use to lube their mechanisms, by the way?

[spearmint]

Avoid the chains they have a repeated again and again sales pitch to add on additional charges. I have found a few good ones but they are the exception. When they start talking changing transmission fluid, time to screech on out of there.

[Racer X]

Why minty? trans fluid needs to be changed at specified intervals too.

[Carm]

I think most chains suck, its all about the turnover rate.

The SO and a friend had problems with chains.

The SO, oil drain plug was hand tightened only, resulting in oil dripping onto the driveway.

My friend had his old drain plug overtightened and it was stripped. he had to wait a day and a half to get it fixed.

Carm

[JEBB]

Marshal, just 4 blocks from my house is a very good mechanic. I recommend you go there too.

[Golfer]

Your driveway and 20 minutes off your time?

If not, I'd go with taking it to your usual mechanic and avoid the chains.

[MacMagus]

I can usually Google a $3 coupon for Jiffy Lube.

Depending on where you live, that can make a pretty good dent in the price of service and unless you need a special grade of oil or a unique filter, there's not much difference between one place and the next for a basic oil change.

Wherever you go for service, remember that if they top off your tires you should check the pressure yourself with a good guage at the earliest opportunity. Those guages on the pumps aren't accurate and it's a rare service guy who remembers to check inside the door for the right inflation pressure before he inflates the tires.