No, I'm just uninformed. I assumed something that costs $100 to $200 to change the oil must be more complicated than what typically costs between $19.99 to $49.99. If it's so easy then a chimp can do it then why is Smart charging so much...because they can?
No, I'm just uninformed. I assumed something that costs $100 to $200 to change the oil must be more complicated than what typically costs between $19.99 to $49.99. If it's so easy then a chimp can do it then why is Smart charging so much...because they can?
The original poster (who signed up on the 25th, posted this and hasn't followed up since) mentioned that a friend mentioned that her smart dealer mentioned that a 10k oil change costs $200. First of all, as has already been mentioned, there's more to the 10k service schedule than just an oil change. Second, and also already mentioned, changing the oil on this car is a mindlessly simple exercise. Third, smart doesn't set pricing for scheduled services. That's up the dealer. Fourth, the car uses synthetic oil, typically Mobil 1, and, assuming they have a suitable filter, I doubt that even many of the quick lube chain joints would come in at under $50 for just and oil & filter change.
That's gotta be some sorta world record for mentioning the word mentioned in one paragraph!
Really though, Dr.Custom, next time you're around a 451, have a look under its backside for the filter. It's right there, as is the drain plug. It's no worries, mate!
Check out "smart oil change" on You Tube, he walks you thru a complete oil change, looks like a chimp could do it.
A chimp with some tools I don't have, and will have to figure into the cost. Torque wrench, for one. Socket wrench set, oil recycling container. I know, these are things all car owners should already have.
Using pliers to loosen the oil filter? I'd read somewhere on this forum that both the plug and the filter could be a challenge in removing, very firmly tightened at the factory.
I haven't tried it yet. Just passed 4K, is keeping receipts enough to protect your warranty?? Has anyone tested this yet?
I had no problem changing my oil and filter using a crescent wrench (for the plug) and channel locks (for the filter.) The whole process took about 15 - 20 minutes with all 4 wheels on the ground.
Hey, Watch it boys and girls. My Dad was a caveman, and Mom was a pretty chimp. She did shave a little. How many times, do we have go over this subject on this site???????????? Go ask the Gecko!!!!!
I have changed the oil on our smart, and this is the easiest car I have done yet! If you get down on your back and take a glance under the engine on the passenger's side, the filter is right there and the drain plug is within arm's reach. You need a size "B" filter wrench, which fits perfectly on a Bosch or Fram filter, but is just a touch too small on the stock Mitsubishi filter that came on the car. I had to use a crescent wrench on the drain plug because it is too large for any of the sockets on the socket wrench set I have. That means a trip to Sears for another socket.
One thing I noticed was that the Bosch filter they had at Auto Zone was longer than the Mitsubishi filter. As a result, the engine took a touch more oil than the 3.5 qts. they specify in the owner's manual.
I had to go to Auto Zone for the Mobil1 0W-40 Euro blend of oil. There was a sign up at WalMart saying that hurricane Ike had caused damage at the Texas refinery where Mobil1 is produced. It's tough to find some of the more popular weights on that now.
A chimp with some tools I don't have, and will have to figure into the cost. Torque wrench, for one. Socket wrench set, oil recycling container. I know, these are things all car owners should already have.
Using pliers to loosen the oil filter? I'd read somewhere on this forum that both the plug and the filter could be a challenge in removing, very firmly tightened at the factory.
I haven't tried it yet. Just passed 4K, is keeping receipts enough to protect your warranty?? Has anyone tested this yet?
If money for tools is an issue they have this really cheap discount store for tools where you can get everything you need for next to nothing. You don't need the $300 Snap-On torque wrench. You could most likely find anything you want at Harbor Freight.... cheap ......that would be perfectly good for what you need to do. I am a tool snob and spend a lot of money on tools for my workshop, but I work on cars all the time. For oil changes on a smart I would recommend you just get what you need and not worry about having expensive tools. You don;t need a whole socket set. Get the one wrench you need for the drain, and the filter can be removed using big ol channel locks. On my R1200gs I always put them on with my hands, and get them off with the channel locks. It is often referred to as the universal oil filter wrench. Just buy big enough channel locks, or the one oil filter wrench you need. You will save so much money in the long run, and have the satisfaction of being able to take the time to check and double check that you have everything right. Figure the cost of money you will save in oil changes, and most people would save it in one change. I meet so many people with botched oil changes quite frankly I trust no one else to do it. My sister lost a motor to one of these oil change places, and just try and get your money for that one out of them.
Torque wrench 14.99
Oil filter wrench 3-7.00
Oil drain pan 10.99
24mm socket 5.00 or less
A complete 40 piece socket set 4.39
about 40 bucks you'd be all set.
And yes, receipts is all you need to protect your warranty. They cannot force you to have your service done at smart. What???? Do they think I am goign to take the day off, drive 250 miles for an oil change???? No, and they don't expect you to either. Buy their filter if you have any fears, because that is the only point they could ever argue with you. During the life of the warranty, I will buy their filters, but after that I will choose my own.
To be better informed about which filter would be right for you after that....read this.....
The original poster (who signed up on the 25th, posted this and hasn't followed up since) mentioned that a friend mentioned that her smart dealer mentioned that a 10k oil change costs $200. First of all, as has already been mentioned, there's more to the 10k service schedule than just an oil change. Second, and also already mentioned, changing the oil on this car is a mindlessly simple exercise. Third, smart doesn't set pricing for scheduled services. That's up the dealer. Fourth, the car uses synthetic oil, typically Mobil 1, and, assuming they have a suitable filter, I doubt that even many of the quick lube chain joints would come in at under $50 for just and oil & filter change.
That's gotta be some sorta world record for mentioning the word mentioned in one paragraph!
Really though, Dr.Custom, next time you're around a 451, have a look under its backside for the filter. It's right there, as is the drain plug. It's no worries, mate!
Cheers,
Arch
Arch, I like you...very nice response and answer to my question which clearly is my lack of being familiar with the vehicle and reading of the forums. I try not to claim understanding unless I am fully sure I know what I am talking about is truth based on experience...I never deviate from such. Typically I take apart everything I own and sometimes (and more accurately, "often") it cost me as I mess things up but I've been really busy with finishing up my last year of my doctoral degree which has been hell to say the least. It's refreshing to know it's not so complicated. My favorite part of my houses is the garage although I have spend very little time playing around with my vehicles. I enjoy customizing things and fixing the lack of engineering of products yet I'm overall quite pleased with the Smart with the exception of the seats and well I of course could go crazy with installing faster engines and special suspensions but I'm just too busy with school to put the required time into that in order to do it right. :woohoo
Oh, and always full synthetic....dirt cheap at Wally-Mart......Mobil 1 is the one I like....but you have much to choose from now.
The weird thing is I was putting fully synthetic in my vehicles then I got a bunch of people telling me frequent oil changes were better. I really don't care so much about $20 versus $50 to change oil.
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