If you have no interest in DIYing your car, no experience, and no tools then it would be daft to persuade yourself to do it.
OTOH, if you have some basic tools, and a bit of interest, why not DIY it? In the time you have driven to a service centre, waited your turn, and fended off all the attempts to convince you of all the other work "needed", you could have the job finished.
I keep my old engine oil, and use it mixed 50/50 with creosote substitute for treating the fence and shed.
You don't need ramps. Jack a wheel up and place it on a block of wood if you can't reach under. I can usually reach under without. A plastic 5 litre can cut in half makes a good drain tray.
I can do an oil and filter change on my 1999 Renault Megane in 20 minutes and only soil a pair of vinyl gloves, but the 2000 Ford Focus with the filter at the back of the engine requires ramps and crawling underneath, etc, etc... and probably takes about an hour. But it's still better than taking it to a service center!
I had a look at the job this afternoon. I can get to the sump plug with a socket, I didn't feel too confident of the grip I would get at that angle. I felt my socket may slip off the nut without me being able to steady it better.
The oil filer is at the bottom front of the car between the wheels (Peugeot 106 diesel). I think I'd need some way of griping the filer better than I can at that angle laid on the floor.
A pukka oil collecting thingie makes it easier to transfer the waste oil into a container, though - less chance of spilling it. Wouldn't be without mine.
Think you drive the car onto wooden blocks. Unless that wood is totally rotten it's a very safe way to increase the clearance slightly. A jack should only be used to raise the car - it should be supported on axle stands. Perfectly respectable ones are cheap enough from the likes of Lidl - when on offer.
I do mine myself. I know it's done then and that good quality oil and filters have been used. Costs under £20 including air filter. Just pour the old oil down the drain when no one's looking.
For god sake use axle stands. They don't cost much and will last you a lifetime and possibly save your life. Get a trolley jack and stands and you will be sorted for life.
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Never get under a vehicle with just the jack supporting it.
I just hope you are caught and prosecuted the next time you attempt it then. If however you are a troll, which seems likely, then I shouldnt be following up. Alan.
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