Manducation: How to Do Your Own Oil Change
July 9, 2008 by stergeron
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We’ve all heard it before. Changing your cars engine oil regularly is one of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle. Sure that sounds great, but if you’re like us you really don’t want to hear that guy try to sell you on the air filter, the new windshield wipers or that transmission flush. Hear is a quick guide to help you do your own oil change.
Step #1 Prep
These are the tools you will need to get started:
Wrench (open end) or ratchet
Funnel
New Engine Oil
New Oil Filter
Oil filter wrench
Oil Pan or bucket
Small towels or rags for minor spills
It’s a good idea not to change your oil directly after driving it. Since the engine oil will be extremely hot, let the car cool down for a while before working on it. Also make sure to change the oil on safe level ground. Be sure to layout a piece of cardboard or mat just in case there are any minor spills.
Step #2 Drain Old Oil
Pop open the hood and open up the oil filler cap (will help drain the oil faster). Then locate the oil drain plug which is beneath the oil pan. Place your oil container directly beneath it and unscrew the drain plug. Let the oil drain for a while so that all of the old oil is out of there.
Please note: Some cars may require that you jack your car up to get underneath it. If that is the case, remember to use jack stands.
Step #3 Remove Old Oil Filter
Use your oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. For some cars you can access it from the top, but for some cars you will have to reach for it from beneath the car. Do not have your face directly under the oil filter when unscrewing as it still has oil in it which may be hot.
Step#4 Add New Oil Filter
Grab your new oil filter and use your finger to coat it with some engine oil. This will help it seal better with the engine block. Then put on the new oil filter and tighten by hand at first and then finish it off by using the oil filter wrench. It’s very important you don’t over tighten. The filter cap should have some further instructions on how to tighten just right.
Step#5 Replace Oil Drain Plug
Next replace the washer and oil drain plug back. Be sure not to tighten this too hard as well. You want it tight enough so that there aren’t any leaks, but not so tight that you will not be able to get it off next time. Many people make the mistake of not taking care in this step. Make sure not to strip the threads as this will almost assuredly cause future leaks. Ensure you have the plug square on the threads and screw it in carefully.
Step#6 Refill Engine Oil
Using a funnel, add the new engine oil to your cars specifications. How much you use will depend on how big the engine is. It’s a good idea to refer to your car owner’s manual to ensure you are using the right amount of engine oil. Once all the quarts are in replace the engine oil cap.
Step #7 Check Oil
Start your car and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks.
That’s pretty much it. Don’t forget to dispose of the used engine oil properly. It is against the law to just dump it anywhere. Bring your oil container with you to a designated station where they accept used engine oil. Generally most gas stations will offer to do this.
Good, easy-to-folow instructions. Next time I need an oil change, I’ll print out these directions and try it myself.
Instead of using a jack, you can also drive one side of your car up on a curb to give you some more space to slide underneath. Good overall step by step primer though. But if you are reading any of that and it still feels difficult…the quick lubes aren’t too bad if you are in a hurry. Just wish all those grease monkeys working there didn’t have to all look like criminals. Why is that?
I’ve done my own oil change in the past. It ain’t as easy as it looks if you are not the type of guy who works on your car all the time. But it’s not hard either. I just didn’t have the jack or the filter wrench so that made it somewhat difficult.
if i were more masculine i probably would follow these steps rather than paying $20 each time.
this articles comes at such perfect timing because i’m long overdue for one AND also a smog check (boo!). i’ll try it next, next time. seems easy! who wants to witness my 1st oil change 3 months from now? if i’m successful, sorry ma (aka kevin) and pao….no more oil change $$ from share.
When you are tightening the new oil filter, you’re not supposed to use an oil filter wrench. Just hand tighten it and trust me, the next time you go to do your oil change, it will have tightened up to where you will need a wrench. And also, the oil drain plugs for some cars require a gasket, either an o-ring or a metal crushing gasket, that needs to be changed every time you loosen the drain plug.
Thanks for posting these steps. Im going to print them out right now and give them to my husband! Our cars need an oil change and im tired of paying others to do it. ha.