Stores that issue coupons usually have a hard time retaining business. I wonder why?

Like Kira said, franchise stores usually carry the cheapest parts and hire mechanics that care less about customers. Repeat business is not their mantra.

So, if you want to save money, DIY. An oil change requires a new filter, crush washer, a wrench, a pan to hold used oil, and a 5 quarts of new oil. A piece of cardboard to lay on and paper towels are nice to have.

Flushing the tranny takes 30 minutes and no crawling under the car. But you will need 10-12 cans of ATF, a clear plastic tube, a few used gallon plastic jugs and a tranny long neck funnel.

Rotating the tires is a piece of cake. When you jack the car up at the jack point, both wheels lift off the ground. Just put the front on the back and back on the front. It would be nice if you had a $25 Sears torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to 82lbs.

If you can drive down the Eisenhauer or Kennedy at 60, take your hands off the steering wheel and still go straight, an alignment is probably not needed. Most shops charge around $100.

Klaus
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Praying for Cynthia Amendt, heaven bound