Oil Change/Tire Rotation Anywhere?

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Neil

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Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone has gotten an oil change and/or tire rotation anywhere except a Honda dealer. When I called my dealership they said I would have to wait for the Clarity expert technician to be available... Do you think a standard Jiffylube like place will be able to perform a proper oil change for the Clarity? I'm almost sure tire rotation should be anywhere, right?
 
My local dealer is excellent (fast, comfortable waiting area, and competitively priced) but you can have this done by any professional (or DIY if you keep receipts/records well). If you search this group for "DIY oil change" you will find some photos and instructions to give an impression - but it should be straightforward for a professional.
 
I’m doing my own oil changes and except for having to remove the cover under the engine (which doesn’t require any special tool), it’s just like changing oil in any Honda. So any place can do it as long as they stock a Honda compatible filter. Just keep the receipt in case you have any future engine warranty claim.
As for tire rotation, yes. Just make sure they don’t air gun the lug nuts. They are supposed to be torqued to 80 ft lbs. I’m a little picky with that, but my mechanic understands and uses my torque wrench when I’m too lazy to do it in a cold garage.
 
ClarityDoc said:
If you search this group for "DIY oil change" you will find some photos and instructions to give an impression - but it should be straightforward for a professional.
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^this. It looks like an easy change-so much so, that I might get a Fumoto for my car eventually, and try to change it myself (not easy in Manhattan).

Given the weight of the car, the need to use the lift points, and the cavalier way some places lift your car, I'd personally look for a place that uses a pit, rather than raising the car.
 
JustAnotherPoorDriver said:
^this. It looks like an easy change-so much so, that I might get a Fumoto for my car eventually, and try to change it myself (not easy in Manhattan).

Given the weight of the car, the need to use the lift points, and the cavalier way some places lift your car, I'd personally look for a place that uses a pit, rather than raising the car.
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I believe pits are illegal for commercial use just about everywhere in the US aren't they? Killed lots of people in the old days.
 
Some dealerships will give you the cold shoulder if you didn't purchase your car there. Thats a lame excuse in my opinion. My local dealership made excuses a couple of times so i just went to one an hour away. It was well worth the drive.
 
Maybe they're not illegal even here, but operating one and truly following OSHA guidelines is not easy. So it comes down to what state and local inspectors will allow, and the fact that its so cheap and easy to install lifts I'm surprised any business would take the risk and stick with pits (except for big vehicles of course, but those tend to be more controlled areas than your normal auto shop). My lift was a little over $2000 installed.

According to OSHA Standard 1910.21(a)(2), a “floor opening” is “an opening measuring 12 inches or more at its least dimension, in any floor, platform, pavement or yard through which persons may fall; such as a hatchway, stair or ladder opening, pit, or large manhole.” OSHA continues to state in Standard 1910.23(a)(5): “Every pit and trapdoor floor opening, infrequently used, shall be guarded by a floor opening cover of standard strength and construction. While the cover is not in place, the pit or trap opening shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be protected on all exposed sides by removable standard railings.”
 
Neil said:
When I called my dealership they said I would have to wait for the Clarity expert technician to be available...
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For my A0 service I just pulled into the Honda Express Service lane at my dealer without an appointment and was on my way 45 minutes later. It would have been even faster, but I was third in line. I doubt the Clarity specialists were called in to help. The A0 oil change and inspection cost me $52, which I was happy to pay because I like my dealer's service department so much.
 
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I pay $109 at Honda of the Desert here in Palm Springs which includes 3 oil changes and tire rotation. I think that's fair price for only $36 each time I have my oil changed and tires rotated. (that includes the oil filter) Other dealers outside my area are offering the same thing. I would suggest calling your Honda dealer and ask for any specials.
 
David Towle said:
According to OSHA Standard 1910.21(a)(2), a “floor opening” is “an opening measuring 12 inches or more at its least dimension, in any floor, platform, pavement or yard through which persons may fall; such as a hatchway, stair or ladder opening, pit, or large manhole.” OSHA continues to state in Standard 1910.23(a)(5): “Every pit and trapdoor floor opening, infrequently used, shall be guarded by a floor opening cover of standard strength and construction. While the cover is not in place, the pit or trap opening shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be protected on all exposed sides by removable standard railings.”
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That particular OSHA reg doesn’t apply-the pits are not “infrequently used”. There’s a bunch that they do violate, I’m sure.

They are somewhat common here in NY. Given the 4k lb and the admonition to use the jack points, I'd only change it with a pit or at a garage I trust. I'd never let a J-L type place with untrained staff lift it.

Sigh; $36-$52 for a synthetic change and rotation. None of the dealers I’ve seen in NYC come close to that.
 
The Honda dealer wants to charge me $104 for A1. Based on what people are saying here, that seems high, right?
 
Neil said:
The Honda dealer wants to charge me $104 for A1. Based on what people are saying here, that seems high, right?
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Yes, very high. Ours was a first time freebie. But even if it weren't, the price would've been $49.95 for the oil change, filter and rotation. That's half of your quote!
 
Outrageously high! What city are you in? When I purchased my car (UNICAR HONDA) I got free oil changes as long as I owned the car but I had to pay $30 for tire rotation. Unfortunately, I stopped going there cause they scammed me on the $7500 tax credit. They dated the sale of my car Dec 31, 2017 to pad their sales quota. I actually purchased the car January 1, 2018. So I cannot use the $7500 tax credit this year which is what I planned to do. MAJOR CROOKS! UNICAR Honda in Palm Desert. Stay away from them! I went to another Honda dealer which is closer for service and now pay $36 for oil change and tire rotation.
 
I'm in San Diego. It seems not that bad because when I asked Valvoline the price they said 75 for synthetic blend and 100ish for full synthetic.
 
Neil said:
I'm in San Diego. It seems not that bad because when I asked Valvoline the price they said 75 for synthetic blend and 100ish for full synthetic.
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You can look at different dealer websites to compare some show their prices. Note that only a oil and filter change price seems much different than a Letter service cost.
 
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