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February 28, 2010
I just bought a 2008 Acura TL last December. I already had my first oil change at 6k miles. But now I want to switch to synthetic and start doing my own oil changes.
Do I need any special “Acura tailored” tools for an Acura TL in order to change my own oil and oil filter?
read comments (4)
March 1st, 2010 at 12:42 am
no. but if you use synthetic i suggest either Mobol1 or Amsoil,,,the rest i dont trust
and alway use a premium oil filter like Nappa or /Mobil— never a Fram (even for free)
March 1st, 2010 at 1:36 am
First – most luxury line cars have bumper to bumper warranty -that includes the oil change (free).
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If you want to change your own oil, basically you will need
(1) jacks
(2) jack stands
(3) oil filter wrench
(4) hand tools (wrench)
(5) pan to catch oil
http://www.ehow.com/video_11_change-motor-oil.html
http://www.greasegorilla.com/oilchange.asp.htm
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they have pans that you can catch oil AND carry it back to the store to dump the used oil (without spilling). Get the large size as it is difficult to get the oil to flow out just into the pan opening.
If you don’t have hand tools, I suggest getting Sears Craftsman brand. They are solid like rock. And if they EVER break, just take it back and they will give you a replacement tool – on the spot. That way you can continue with the oil change (repair).
Sears also sells Jack & Jack stands. You can get their lowest price version for the home use.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950138000P?mv=rr
I would wait for a sale on their hand tools. They have sales almost every month. I got the 154/155 piece set for $99. The set does NOT include filter tool – but that’s pretty cheap.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Automotive_Tools+%26+Equipment_Mechanics+Tool+Sets#viewItems=80&pageNum=1&sortOption=PRICE_LOW_TO_HIGH&&filter=Brand|Craftsman&lastFilter=Brand
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935154000P?vName=Automotive&cName=Tools+%26+Equipment&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?keyword=oil+filter&gobutton.x=0&gobutton.y=0&gobutton=find#viewItems=20&pageNum=1&sortOption=PRICE_LOW_TO_HIGH
Get the cheap oil filter tool – they are good enough for once in a while use.
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Just a FYI -
There are 4 most important maintenance items in your engine
(1) engine oil (3k – 5K miles) – even with a full Synthetic
(2) tranny oil (30K miles)
(3) coolant (3 years)
(4) timing belt (60K miles)
Just keep those maintenance and your engine and tranny will be problem free. I have a 94 Civic with 187K miles and the engine + tranny + suspension runs like new. I get 41 MPG (doing 72 MPH). I can get even better MPG doing 55.
Good maintenance pays off.
Good Luck…
P.S. Don’t use the oil filter tool to tighten the oil filter. Just use your firm grip. Don’t over tighten your drain plug. It does NOT hold anything but just block the oil.
March 1st, 2010 at 2:33 am
No,but I would highly recommend using a factory Honda filter and only Mobil1 oil and replacing the crush washer on the drain plug every time and torque to 18 ft lbs.
Your Dealer has both in stock and if they are as good as the one I work at,they will hand wash and vacuum each and every time you come in. They will also ck and adjust tire pressure to factory specs,rotate and balance tires at recommended intervals for a small nominal fee,Perform any warranty updates necessary and probably let you have a loaner vehicle,maybe an RDX or RL,and dispose of the toxic waste.
March 1st, 2010 at 3:23 am
All you need is an Oil Filter Wrench, an Oil pan to drop the oil in, and a basic wrench to open the oil drain plug.
To dispose of the old oil, pour the old oil into the bottles that the new oil was in.
Then take the Oil bottles to Pepboys. They get rid of it for free. You just have to sign your name and teh time you dropped it off.
Putting the oil in the garbage or down the drain is illegal and very bad for the environment.