Hi Keith, My first car was an old 59 Beetle (Bug) and yes Keith, I think we are older than the 'parents' of most of the people in these B forums and I glad they still let us post considering our ages! But the oils are a lot better now but not "that" good(23,000 kms between changes,I don't think so). You do pay too much for oil( and everything else unfortunately). I do still think Mobil 1 full synthetic is the best that's locally available and as the MB dealer uses it on there better models. It's 27$ CAD for a 4.4 liter jug at our super stores when on special. For oil, we really have it good. Cheers, Derek ps: we've both been driving for 40 years!
Hi Keith and Derek My first car was a 54 Pontiac and first new car was a 67 Rambler. Maybe older than 'parents' of some of the people in forum
Phoned local auto parts store today (not a big box) and was quoted $7.99 CAD for Mobil 1 0W - 40 per liter. under 4 British pounds( my keyboard does not have that little wiggly L ). Factory filter $10.25 It seems that someone is getting ripped off. But we also can get a fish and chip dinner for under $10. I think shipping oil to England might be more profitable than selling drugs. Planning a trip to Jolly Old next year, might just fill the suitcase with cans of oil.
Hi Bill, what Auto Parts store was that? I need a case of 0W40 for the B and my smart as well. If it's local only, well my sister lives in Sunshine Hills, so I could go to Surrey quite easily....
Hi Mike
When I phoned to day they only had 6 liters in stock (apparently not a huge sales item) but the price is good to the end of the year. Probably a phone call or fax will make them bring a case. They do have stores on the Island, so maybe check with them first.
For those of you who are considering a DIY oil change .
Most home mechanics in North America have these work aids.
Please consider using these items when working under you car.
If you have a wheel to remove, then a simple hydraulic jack can save you a lot of time in lifting one wheel only.
I sometimes feel that our European friends do not have the same availability of compact work equipment.(like the red ramps)
All of our car part stores have them as do our department stores.(like Canadian Tire"CT") I hope you all do also.
I use the compact ramps all the time when doing an oil change or poking around underneath. Plastic drain trays are also readily available to capture the old oil.
All you need is a flat surface whether it be inside or out.
I've marked the floor surface as to the exact placing of the ramps and this saves a lot of time in lining the ramps up.
I also place small thin rubber pads under the contact points of the ramps so as to stop them from sliding when driving up.(an old truck inner tube is good when cut to size)
Those red ramps are quite old and newer models are more gradual for driving up with our lower front overhangs on todays cars.
I always block the rear wheels as an extra precaution when up on the ramps.
When jacking a wheel up, always use jack stands placed at structurally sound support areas.
Good luck on your next oil change!! Derek
I just came in from the garage where I had checked the jack and tool roll and then I see your jack and ramps. I will probably get one of the extendable gorilla wheel wrenches and a 17mm socket from Tirerack to replace the original equipment. Maybe I can power the OEM jack with my cordless drill - I have not tried that yet. Also an effective torque wrench would help. I have been looking for either a good 12 volt scissor jack or preferably, a good, but not too expensive pneumatic jack. I do not trust ramps and I do not want a heavy and bulky hydraulic jack in the garage taking up real estate.
Something like this could be good:Costco - Arcan Air Jacks
But, then I would need a compressor....or this as an alternate:Costco - Torin Aluminum Racing Jack 1.5 Ton
If anyone has discovered a simple, small, quick, jack at a reasonable price, please let me know.
Last edited by BeeClass : 12-02-2007 at 10:45 AM.
Reason: added link
ps: we've both been driving for 40 years!
. I think shipping oil to England might be more profitable than selling drugs. Planning a trip to Jolly Old next year, might just fill the suitcase with cans of oil.
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