Oil changes...beside the dealer or smart madness - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

rasrx7 · 04-04-2012, 02:20 PM

Anyone gone anywhere else in socal to get a regular oil change? I used to do it at home, but where i live now does not permit the residents to work on their cars on the property. I was wondering if anyone has gone to get there oil changes done anywhere else. I know the dealer and smart madness, but making an appointment is a pita. Is there anwhere we can just drive up to and get a regular oil change on the spot? Has anyone tried? A little help please. Thanks in advance. How i miss my own driveway and garage. =(

ClearwaterZiggy · 04-04-2012, 03:41 PM

Don't you just looooooooooooove neighborhood associations? I used to have to throw my tools in my car and change the oil in a Walmart parking lot. So glad I moved.

Smart Bob · 04-04-2012, 04:29 PM

Any place that services vehicles should be able to do an oil change for you. You may have to provide them with the 0w/40 Mobil 1 and an oil filter but the actual changing of the oil is very easy. Pep Boys or any of the fast lube places should also be up to the task.

tvengineer · 04-04-2012, 05:12 PM

I change my own because the smart is the easiest car I have ever owned to change the oil in. Don't even need to jack it up..
I did ask one oil change place and they quoted their standard price for a synthetic oil change ..even though the smart uses 1/2 the oil that a full sized car uses AND they said that I would have to bring my own filter (no price reduction).. so if I were you I would find a spot to change it yourself... I actually do mine in the parking lot at work sometimes.

rasrx7 · 04-09-2012, 01:32 AM

thanks everyone..i guess i look into finding a decent spot where i can do it on my own and cant get in trouble lol. the local oil change spots in pasadena are afraid to put the car on the lift or drive up bay in fear of damaging the car or their tools. I get " sorry smart cars not in the system so we aren't certified to service it." =( thanks again

forestacademy · 04-09-2012, 05:15 AM

Find an independent local Mechanic. Someone who doesn't rely on the corporate Computer to decide what is happening with there Business. Break them in on the oil change and soon they will be willing to change other fluids and fix your breaks.

It is just a car, Nothing all that special about it

**jwight** · 04-09-2012, 07:43 AM

Smart Car Oil Change - YouTube

BB Benz · 04-09-2012, 08:21 AM

I too have the working on the car restriction in my condo parking lot, though I do the limited amount of modding and brief work on it there. No one has complained so far.

I added the Fumoco oil change valve, so that I can easily change the oil in a matter of minutes and few will even be aware. The longest part of that process is changing the filter and pouring in the new oil, all of which could be done anywhere, for that matter near the convenience of the oil dump at Walmart. I'm sure they wouldn't mind, if you don't make a mess and are only there long enough to do the deed.

**jimvw57** · 04-09-2012, 09:39 AM

I stopped at a quick change place this morning and had them change the oil and filter, $32.. Great guys and I like supporting a local small business. Plus, they get rid of the oil and filter, and I don't have to clean up any spills.

jefferios · 04-09-2012, 12:00 PM

I cannot change oil in my lot but I can wax and also do mods on my car. I think they are worried of a spill which I understand. I live by a business park. I went there on saturday and did it in their empty lot. Took the oil to the recycling center right after that then went home.