I stopped to help someone change a tire the other day.. I couldn't see when I pulled up but it looked like they where having some problems. Wound up being a younger girl trying to read the manual with the jack and tire beside her. She was really flustered and was happy for the help. Insted of just changing it for her and trying to mac on her I showed and explained each step. How to find a good jack point, why her jack is shaped like a v, how to take the cover to the lugs off without scratching it, why you tighten the lugs in a star pattern. I asked if she had any questions and if she thought she could do it herself next time, if need be.

I'm SURE they thought I was nuts but next time she get's a flat and no one will stop I'm sure she'll be able to do it.

I really think basic car maintnance should be part of drivers ed. Of all the stupid videos they make you watch spending an extra half hour to go over tire changing, oil, and air filter maint would go along way.

Bart

 

I hear you with that one--a class based on common sense, what a concept...

 

First time I tried changing my oil, I rounded my oil plug from 15mm to 10mm, i tried everything to remove it, so I just took it to a jiffy lube haha, they said that my car was the hardest car they did in a while. Don't feel too bad Camaro9534. You put synthetic oil in that SS?

 

Jason,

The only way to learn is to ask questions. I'm not a skilled mechanic either, so I can relate. Most of the guys on here can relate, too. We've all been there. Keep wrenching and asking questions.

 

Jason my post was not intended as an insult to ya .I just got a huge laugh at the frustration you put into words...and just gave what advise hadnt been thrown out yet thats all.And as Rob put it you get a laugh cuz we can relate or regress to times when I myself have had my times.You just get a picture in your head..know what I mean?
Glad you got it done next time it will be a breeze
Tony

 

The first oil change on my Z28 I foud they must have been installing the oil filter with a freeken IMPACT gun. I broke one strap wrench trying to get it off. I was on so freeken tight!

 

Yeah, I decided to stay with the Mobil 1 synthetic. I figured it would be worth the extra couple of bucks. I think I finally got the hang of working on my stereo too with some help from my friends. I gotta think of something to do to my car next...maybe a ground effects kit? Those clear MTI filter lids seem pretty nice too.

Once again, thanks for all the help.

-Jason

ps: If any of you guys are from around Northern NJ give me a holler...it would be nice to have someone to talk about my car with.

 

Camaro9534-

Seeing how this was your first time changing oil, I thought I'd mention 2 great tools you should buy the next time you change oil.

The first is the Craftsman PocktSocket. It adjusts to pretty much every size bolt. It's black with a red rubber handle, and it's sold at Sears. This is a handy tool and it gets the bolt off and tightens it quickly.

The second tool is an oil filter wrench. You can find it at your parts store. It has a square adapter on it that's meant to fit on your ratchetr wrench. All you do is get this "cup-like" wrench on the bottom of your filter, give it a little pull, and it's off.