Where to go for an oil change...

[Farrarj]

I was wondering if we could go elsewhere to get the oil changed at 5K other then the smart center? would somewhere like jiffy lube or another local mechanic shop know what they were doing?

[SuperGeek]

Any oil change shop should be properly equipped - if they have the filter. Worst case, buy the filter from one of our vendors here or a dealer, bring it into the shop. It's a simple oil change - remove filter, drain, add new filter and oil, hope you got it right.

[mvaldes]

Others have gone to local places, usually bringing their own supplies. Some, I believe JWight was one, had to walk then through the process the first time. Reviewing the DIY oil lube video and familiarizing yourself with the locations of the filter, drain plug and oil dipstick before you go wouldn't hurt. You might want to write down the torque specs too to give them.

[gstreetcomic]

I am with you on that, however, as time goes on i am sure there will be somebody who works on the Smart other than the Smart center ( Local Mechanic). i will let you know for a fact that Jiffy Lube will not do service on the Smart not because it is a lot of work to do one in minutes ( I worked at Jiffy Lube a long time ago, they don't do certain cars, Mercedes Benz cars are one of them)
The main reason they will not do so is that the car is too small for their open bays, and do not want to risk having one fall in one of those open areas. This i was told by one Jiffy Lube in Vienna VA. BTW i am not trying to be funny, but this is the honest truth. I personally would not want Jiffy Lube to touch my Smart, I know they can screw up big time, they get a lot of cars in and out on a weekend.
If you are a dot it yourself kind of guy, I hear that the oil changes on a Smart are very easy to do. You might also look at the user name dan graves on ebay
He has a very detailed owners manual on the Smart as far the ins and outs, plus apparel on the car.

Originally Posted by Farrarj

I was wondering if we could go elsewhere to get the oil changed at 5K other then the smart center? would somewhere like jiffy lube or another local mechanic shop know what they were doing?

[Old smart]

I'm assuming that if some quick lube shops shy away from Mercedes it is because they use cartridge-type filter elements (like the 450) which the shops wouldn't stock.

For the spin-on shops, it is best to bring the proper filter of your choice, and make the sure the guy working on the car is well aware of the pickup screen attached to the drain plug. Bring a picture of it. Depending on what they use for an oil catch, the screen could be flushed out separate from the plug and never be seen (again). The screen should be cleaned, and put back in without it being damaged. Beyond that, the trick is to remove the dipstick and oil fill cap to break the sump vacuum before draining the oil.

[sheureka]

I just picked up the oil and cabin air filter at the local CarQuest, ordered a Purolator oil filter from Amazon, and took it to the only mechanic here in town. He changed the oil and filters and checked everything out. For my 10,000 mile service he charged me $15.00. - sheureka

[jetfuel]

...where to????....your garage...it's not rocket science

jetfuel

[fortow]

Yes, your garage - do it yourself.

Do not take it to a fast lube joint - they are notorious for making mistakes. It would be far better for you to take it to a dealer and pay more if you don't want to do it yoursself - either that or a local garage.

[AcePlatero]

I would personally have the Smart service center do the work so everything is properly documented. Just incase there is a warranty issue down the road, they would have everything in record so there would be no questions about it.

[sheureka]

Originally Posted by AcePlatero

I would personally have the Smart service center do the work so everything is properly documented. Just incase there is a warranty issue down the road, they would have everything in record so there would be no questions about it.

1. My closest dealer is 4 hours away.
2. I have my mechanic sign the warranty book, and I keep all the receipts.
- sheureka