[dmtalon]

We snuck up on 6k miles and had decided to do the oil changes ever 6k instead of 3750 or 7500 because we really fall under the 7500 mile routine BUT I just couldn't get myself to go that long. The dealer's "oil change" includes:

Fresh oil / filter
Wash / detail
rotate tires

Grand total was $66.xx A bit pricey but at 6k intervals vs. 3k the price almost evens itself out. Still feel funny waiting that long for an oil change...

FYI: this is the first time I've ever let a dealer change the oil. Not sure if I'll continue to let them do it or not.

 

[particlefx]

Your reasoning sounds very familiar to me. I've been thinking 6K miles would be about right too.

If a typical oil and filter change elsewhere costs around $35 on average (and the dealer is getting $66) then it costs $30 for the rotation and car wash. Not sure what kind of detailing yours did but mine will probably just wash the exterior. I'd expect that to be worth, say, $8? Leaving the rotation to $22.

Now I'm not cheap or anything but is having someone else rotate the tires for $22 worth it? Maybe. Those are some big, heavy tires. Probably take me close to an hour in my garage. Plus I'd hate to scratch the rims.

Sure, I did not consider changing the oil myself which would save some more $$, but I'd have to go buy some floor stands, a new filter wrench, a dolly, an oil bin for the old oil, dispose of the old oil and buy some bandaids for my scratched knuckle (usually happens to me anyway) :wink: . Plus it would probably take me an hour to remove and replace the underbody panels and/or spend more money on a quick drain valve.

I'm thinking $66 is a pretty good deal, IMHO.

 

[ujmot]

I agree on it being a decent deal considering that they rotate the tires.... I know what a PITA it is to rotate them yourself!

 

[e39ng]

My dealer charged me $50 for oil change only. I am sure it will be over $100 if includes tire rotation. $66 is a pretty good deal. I just went to the local tire shop to repair a flat tire on my FX and they gave me a deal -- $15/tire for lifetime balancing and rotation plus free flat repair. So I will go there for rotation every 6000miles now

 

[particlefx]

Does anyone know the expected average lifetime of our tires?

If I was very optimistic I'd guess around 30,000 miles. If that is correct then dmtalon you are paying about $12 per rotation (at 6000 mile intervals) -- which sounds pretty good (beats my $22 estimate anyway).

 

[ujmot]

Does anyone know the expected average lifetime of our tires?

The Goodyears are rated @ 260 AA (average thread life, not too great). More than likely these estimates are bloated by the manufacturer (although supposedly independently tested).

Treadwear

Treadwear receives a comparative rating based on wear rate of the the tire in field testing following a government specified course. For example, a tire grade of 150 wears 1.5 times as long as a tire graded 100. Actual performance of the tire can vary significantly depending on conditions, driving habits, care, road characteristics, and climate.

Traction

Straight-a-head wet braking traction has been represented by a grade of A, B, or C with A being the highest. In 1997 a new top rating of "AA" has been introduced to indicate even greater wet braking traction. However, due to its newness, this grade will probably be applied initially to new tire lines as they are introduced and later to existing lines which excel in wet braking, but had been limited to the previous top grade of "A". Traction grades do not indicate wet cornering ability.

Temperature

Temperature resistance is graded A, B or C. It represents the tire's resistance to the heat generated by running at high speed. Grade C is the minimum level of performance for all passenger car tires as set under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This grade is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.

 

[esemes]

id love to have that info UJMOT, maybe HERE as well??

:wink:

 

[esemes]

MOBIL ONE TEST STORY

good read!

 

[OIIIIIIO]

Anyone with experiance with Grubbs doing the Oil change? I scheduled an appointment for this Sat. Dont know what to expect. My milage is sitting at ~3500

 

[kcrudup]

Anyone with experiance with Grubbs doing the Oil change?

I hear the shipping charges back and forth are really excessive!

 

[FXLENT]

I liked Grubbs. I just didn't want to drive 45miles in heavy traffic to get there. They seem to do good work but I was only there twice (Sirius install and some warranty work).

 

[OIIIIIIO]

I'm close to Grubbs `5 miles so it would work for me. I also have a good relationship with the owner of the Kwik Kar around the corner from me. He has one of the ASE tech's from Texas Toyota. He is the only guy who'll do my oil Changes on my Jeep.