An oil change is a basic but necessary service all vehicles require. While changing your own oil at home won’t save you a whole lot of money, it can help you have peace of mind knowing that this critical service is done right.
Fortunately, oil changes are not complicated maintenance services, and you can easily change your own oil at home. You just need to have the proper tools at hand and know the simple steps for a successful oil change.
Get Your Tools Ready
As you get ready to perform your oil change, you need to make sure you have the right tools on hand, and your vehicle is ready for the service. Park your vehicle on a flat surface, and make sure that the engine has been off for at least an hour. This ensures that the oil has cooled down a bit, and you’re not dealing with scalding hot engine oil as you drain it. You also want to be sure your motor oil is not entirely cooled either. You want it to be warm as it will drain out a lot smoother.
You’ll need to have the following on hand:
- A ramp or a jack and jack stand that will allow you to raise your vehicle
- A simple socket set to remove the drain plug and oil filter
- A drain pan for the old motor oil to drain into
- A new oil filter
- Motor oil
- A shop towel to clean up runaway oil
- Gloves
How to Change Your Oil
Once your vehicle has cooled, raise your vehicle via a jack and jack stand or a drive-on ramp. Once you are under the vehicle, you’ll need to locate your oil pan. Most cars have an undercover plastic shield covering the oil pan, you may need to remove this plastic shield first.
Locate the drain plug on the bottom of your engine oil pan, and using your wrench, unscrew it. The oil will drain out onto your drain pan. Inspect the drain plug gasket and ensure that it’s not torn or damaged. Otherwise, it will need to be replaced. Once all the oil has drained, reinstall the drain plug.
Next, you’ll need to locate your oil filter and replace it. There are two types of filters; a canister also known as a twist-on-type filter, and a cartridge filter. Consult your vehicle service manual to figure out which filter type you need. If your vehicle requires a canister filter, always lube the outside of the filter before installing it. This makes removal during the next oil change much easier. Use your oil filter socket removal tool to remove the old filter and replace it with the new one.
Once your oil has been removed and your oil filter has been replaced, it’s time to add the new oil. Situate your funnel into your engine oil opening located on the top of your engine bay and pour the oil in. Once you’ve poured in the appropriate amount of oil, screw your engine cap back on.
Finally, turn on your vehicle and allow the oil to move through the engine. Let the engine run for a couple of minutes and then turn it off for two to three minutes, allowing the oil to settle. Once the oil has settled, you’ll need to use your oil dipstick to make sure you have enough oil in. If the oil level is running low, you can add a bit more and then recheck it again.
Know the Type and Amount of Oil You’ll Need
While oil changes are universal, all vehicles require a specific type of motor oil. There are two types of oil; conventional and synthetic, with each category varying further by weight.
Using the right type of motor oil for your vehicle ensures that it runs as efficiently as possible. In the most extreme scenario, using the wrong type of motor oil could cause damage to your engine. The best way to determine the right motor oil for your car is by referring to your vehicle service manual.
Your vehicle service manual will also tell you the oil capacity of your vehicle. The average capacity for a car is between 5 and 7 quarts, but larger engines could take up to 8 quarts.
Dispose of Old Oil Properly
Once you’ve completed your oil change, you’ll need to dispose of your used motor oil properly. Never for motor oil down a drain, in grassy fields, or on an asphalt lot. Most auto centers or your local dealer will take your used oil free of charge. An easy tip for disposing of your used oil is pouring it into the empty cans of the new oil you’ve just put into your vehicle.
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