Actually, "whatever" the garage puts in it is exactly a good reason to do it your self. Do you really know if they are putting in what is specified?
On my car and my Chrysler mini van, I have no idea if what "they" put in is what the car needs, unless you are at the Dealer.
One example is that unless I give them the beat down, the Chrysler always seems to get 32lbs in the tires and 5w-30 in the motor, when it actually gets 36lbs in the tires and 5w20 in the motor.

 

yea I plan on buying mobile 1 from walmart since it seems everyone agrees that's one of the cheaper places to buy it.

I've had oil changes done at places like Midas/jiffy lube/etc in the past with no problem, but I think it's time I learn to do my own.

Under the adding engine oil section, it just recommends 0w-20 detergent oil displaying the API certification seal (with for Gasoline Engines), preferably honda motor oil. I'll have to look through again to see if they mention oil specs.

 

It's a lease the driver doesn't and never (assuming here) plans on owning it. Full Synthetic on a lease only to hand it back?? Not me I'd put in whatever's available just like I said. Oil isn't rocket science and I doubt any "oil change house" or specially the dealer would put in anything that would harm the vehicle. I've had three leases in the family and never worried about anything I gased them up and drove them. After three years I went back to the dealership and handed over the keys. Hell I know people that have done much worse to leases then handed them in. Believe me things I never would think of but that's another story.

 

Remind me to never buy a car you've previously leased.

 

I get better gas mileage with synthetic oil, the tires don't wear out as fast with the correct pressure, and at 27$ for a DIY oil change, its cheaper than most drive through places.
Also I have heard a lot of horror stories about cross threaded filters and drain plugs. One elderly woman I know almost destroyed her Ford Escape because of some careless oil change worker cross threaded the filter and she was losing 1/2 qt oil a day.
Don't think it can happen to you?

 

This is something from a Honda Service News a while back, see attached.

 

My days of crawling under my car(s) doing my own changes to save 10.00 are over.

 

Please keep things on topic and civil.