$96 for 1st oil change, tire rotation and wheel balance

Banjovibe · Post by **Banjovibe** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:05 am

Well, I went to the GM dealer today for my first maintenance trip (5000m) and got my oil changed, tires rotated and balanced. I was a bit surprised by the total price of $96. I'd like to know what you are paying for the same services..please include the wheel balance (if you've done this) so I'm comparing apples to apples.Short of doing all this myself, is there anything I can do to lower this cost? I.e. the dealer suggested I could buy my own oil...they charged 4.36/qt. for 5 quarts when they provided it. Do you suggest I go to Walmart (bringing my own oil-if they don't carry it) to do both oil change and tire rotation/balance..I know it would be much cheaper vs. the dealer if Walmart (or a similar retailer) does this...

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:36 am

A wheel balance can run a few dollars per wheel. Anywhere in the 15-25 range depending on where you go. Oil changes go between 25-40 depending on type of oil and where you go. So your dealer is right in the range as a rotation is usually given if a balance or oil change are done. Separately it would run probably 15 bucks. I typically don't pay for it.

Banjovibe · Post by **Banjovibe** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:41 am

So, how often do you feel the tires should be balanced?

Whelan · Post by **Whelan** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:50 am

I don't really have a set mileage for balancing. Since I have AWD and directional tires, they go front to back on rotations every 6k (two oil changes). I just keep notice as I drive at least 50 miles each day for work (round trip), so I can tell when they need to be fixed. I'd say just keep note and if you feel a little wobble at speed then the balance is off slightly. Also be sure to keep in mind that snow stuck up in the wheels, dirt caked in or mud, or even a weight that could fall off can cause out of balance. Snow and mud/dirt can melt and be washed off though. After a day or two of no snow my tires finally allow me to go over 60. Word to the wise, AWD donuts in the snow can really cake your wheels.

zionzr2 · Post by **zionzr2** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:55 am

My rotates and balances are free. I get it done after every other oil change.The Vibe at any Goodyear dealer since I got the TT at a goodyear dealer.My Wifes Cobalt has free rotate and balance now that i got a new set of Bridgestones at a Firestone dealer.

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 6:12 am

I have a Goodyear dealer within walking distance so it is easy to take my car there. They run coupon specials frequently. Typical - rotate and balance tires for $24.00.Sometimes they have a LOF and rotate for $20-25.The new GM Pontiac dealer has an oil change club that runs $99 for 6 oil changes - but they will charge me about $8 extra each time for 5w-20. Just got the '09 so this is new for me - had a $15.99 special for first LOF and they "ate" the extra charge for the 5w-20 LOF on that one. I a still have two LOF's left on a $119/10 oil change card I got at my previous Pontiac (now Chevy) dealer. This former Pontiac dealer also has been running a fall 10 for $10 special that includes a rotation so I may luck out there.At my twice yearly LOF service (every 3,000 miles) I figure I am covered on LOF until early 2011.

lovemyraffe · Post by **lovemyraffe** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:18 am

Don't take it to Wal-suck. Get a little dirt under your finger nails, save yourself a couple bucks and do the oil change yourself.

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:43 am

Quote, originally posted by lovemyraffe Â»Don't take it to Wal-suck. Get a little dirt under your finger nails, save yourself a couple bucks and do the oil change yourself.Yup!! My tires get balanced when the summers come off and the winters go on. $60 for all 4 at Wal Marx!I don't rotate my tires. I use a depth gauge and watch for abnormal wear. Check the pressure every week, 39psi!

lovemyraffe · Post by **lovemyraffe** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 10:46 am

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver Â»Yup!! My tires get balanced when the summers come off and the winters go on. $60 for all 4 at Wal Marx!So you agree not to take your car to Wal-farts, but then tell us that you take it there to get your wheels balanced? Hmmm...I wouldn't trust a Wal-puke to wash the windows in my car.

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:07 am

The only thing I take the car to wal marx for tis tire swapping, that's it, because they're the cheapest and I know the tire guy! I do the oil myself.John has worked at walmarx doing tires for about 2 years and before that he worked at a local garage for 20 before it closed.As for taking it to any other wal marx or Cambodian tire and such, a simple click or two on the net can give you a whack of reviews for every place in town. And just like job hunting, it's not what you know but who you know!!!

lovemyraffe · Post by **lovemyraffe** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:09 am

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver Â»The only thing I take the car to wal marx for tis tire swapping, that's it, because they're the cheapest and I know the tire guy! Fair enough, I would probably do the same if I knew the guy. But since I know the idiots who work at the local one, nope.

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:24 am

I've seen a lot of riffraff working at various wal marx garages throughout the Province and Northwestern states. Sometimes it seems that they'll hire just about anyone!

Banjovibe · Post by **Banjovibe** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 6:35 am

Guys, this is great info. I haven't changed my own oil in years. Is there a thread that goes into detail on changing the oil. That sounds like a really good plan. I love this forum! One more question, how about Firestone...they seem to have good deals from time to time too on oil changes, tire rotations, etc.

lovemyraffe · Post by **lovemyraffe** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 10:18 am

Quote, originally posted by Banjovibe Â»Guys, this is great info. I haven't changed my own oil in years. Is there a thread that goes into detail on changing the oil. That sounds like a really good plan. I love this forum!Changing your oil is fairly simple and I'm sure somewhere somebody has done a step by step thread. Basically you pull the plug and drain the oil into a container, put the plug back in and put oil back in.I love this forum too.

jake75 · Post by **jake75** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 12:55 pm

While some people don't trust others to change their oil, I don't trust myself to do it. If the oil leaks out I want to make sure there is somebody else to hold responsible.I don't use places like Jiffy Lube - like to stick to places that have real mechanics in sight.Also - the difference between what I usually pay and the cost of the oil and a filter to do it myself is minimal. Then you have to take the old oil somewhere. I have better things to do with my time.But I tip my hat to those who are comfortable doing this.

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 1:38 pm

Quote, originally posted by Banjovibe Â»Guys, this is great info. I haven't changed my own oil in years. Is there a thread that goes into detail on changing the oil. That sounds like a really good plan. I love this forum! One more question, how about Firestone...they seem to have good deals from time to time too on oil changes, tire rotations, etc.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38351 for the 1.8

ClunkClunk · Post by **ClunkClunk** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 1:38 pm

The big reason I end up doing most of my own oil changes are that shops locally tend to take synthetic oil as an excuse to jack up the price dramatically.The mom & pop garage about 1/4 mile away from me will do a traditional oil change for $22.50, but charge $65 for a synthetic change. I know the stuff is more expensive, but that's just price gouging.

$96 for 1st oil change, tire rotation and wheel balance

$96 for 1st oil change, tire rotation and wheel balance

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