Q: I just bought a 2008 Acura TL last December. I already had my first oil change at 6k miles. But now I want to switch to synthetic and start doing my own oil changes. Do I need any special "Acura tailored" tools for an Acura TL in order to change my own oil and oil filter?
A: First - most luxury line cars have bumper to bumper warranty -that includes the oil change (free). === If you want to change your own oil, basically you will need (1) jacks (2) jack stands (3) oil filter wrench (4) hand tools (wrench) (5) pan to catch oil http://www.ehow.com/video_11_change-motor-oil.html http://www.greasegorilla.com/oilchange.asp.htm === they have pans that you can catch oil AND carry it back to the store to dump the used oil (without spilling). Get the large size as it is difficult to get the oil to flow out just into the pan opening. If you don't have hand tools, I suggest getting Sears Craftsman brand. They are solid like rock. And if they EVER break, just take it back and they will give you a replacement tool - on the spot. That way you can continue with the oil change (repair). Sears also sells Jack & Jack stands. You can get their lowest price version for the home use. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00950138000P?mv=rr I would wait for a sale on their hand tools. They have sales almost every month. I got the 154/155 piece set for $99. The set does NOT include filter tool - but that's pretty cheap. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/s_10153_12605_Automotive_Tools+%26+Equipment_Mechanics+Tool+Sets#viewItems=80&pageNum=1&sortOption=PRICE_LOW_TO_HIGH&&filter=Brand|Craftsman&lastFilter=Brand http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935154000P?vName=Automotive&cName=Tools+%26+Equipment&sName=Mechanics+Tool+Sets http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?keyword=oil+filter&gobutton.x=0&gobutton.y=0&gobutton=find#viewItems=20&pageNum=1&sortOption=PRICE_LOW_TO_HIGH Get the cheap oil filter tool - they are good enough for once in a while use. === Just a FYI - There are 4 most important maintenance items in your engine (1) engine oil (3k - 5K miles) - even with a full Synthetic (2) tranny oil (30K miles) (3) coolant (3 years) (4) timing belt (60K miles) Just keep those maintenance and your engine and tranny will be problem free. I have a 94 Civic with 187K miles and the engine + tranny + suspension runs like new. I get 41 MPG (doing 72 MPH). I can get even better MPG doing 55. Good maintenance pays off. Good Luck... P.S. Don't use the oil filter tool to tighten the oil filter. Just use your firm grip. Don't over tighten your drain plug. It does NOT hold anything but just block the oil.