For many combustion engine car owners, getting an oil change is a routine maintenance task, typically costing between $80 and $100 at a shop that often pushes customers to perform additional basic maintenance. This guide will demonstrate how easy changing your own oil can be, as well as how much money you can save by taking on this task yourself.
To get started, you'll need to make an initial investment in some necessary tools. Although this may seem expensive at first, it will ultimately save you money in the long run and eliminate the need for multiple trips to places like Jiffy Lube or Pep Boys.
These items include:
Oil Drain Pan
Ratchet and necessary
sockets
Oil Filter Wrench
Special Socket (European Cars and Foreign Cars only)
Dirty/Used Rags
Car Ramps (Low Clearance cars only)
Fast Orange Soap
Large Cardboard sheet or undercarriage cart
New Oil
New Oil Filter
Funnel
To begin, it's important to circulate the oil in your car by starting it and occasionally stepping on the gas while in park. If you have a sedan, slowly drive it onto ramps to lift the front side and make the undercarriage accessible.
Before proceeding, allow the oil to cool down for a few minutes. Then, open the hood and locate the oil fill cap marked with an oil can dripping oil. Twist it open and leave it to the side. If there's an oil dipstick present, slightly pull it and leave it open to allow air to flow through. These steps enable air to circulate through the top and push all the oil from the bottom, ensuring a steady flow.
Next, look up the make and model of your car to find the location of the oil pan underneath it. Locate the oil drain plug and get the appropriate socket and wrench to “break” the bolt. Breaking the bolt means to open it so that you can unscrew the rest of it by hand. Finally, place an oil drain pan underneath the bolt to catch the oil when it comes out, preventing spills.
To avoid getting hot oil on your hands or making a mess, once the bolt starts to come loose, push it into the oil drain pan and unscrew the last thread. Then, quickly move out of the way and remove the bolt.
During the time the oil is draining, locate the oil filter. For example, most Toyotas and Hondas have oil filters that are accessible from the bottom, while European cars and some Subarus have top-side oil filters that are easier to change.
After the oil has fully drained and the stream slows to a trickle, it's time to install the new oil filter. Begin by placing the bolt and new washer into the oil drain pan and tightening it to factory specifications. If you don't own a torque wrench, use your best judgment to ensure it's tight but not overly so, as to avoid warping any metal or plastic components of the oil drain pan.
Next, locate the oil filter and use a wrench to loosen it. Once the filter is "broken" loose, place a large plastic cup that fits over the filter and unscrew it the rest of the way, taking care to catch any dripping oil in the oil drain pan below. Remove the old filter and clean it with an old rag, then place it in the box that the new filter comes in for easy disposal.
There are two types of oil filters - spin on and cartridge. While spin on filters require minimal preparation, cartridge filters need some extra work.
For a spin on filter, apply some oil from the drain pan onto your finger and rub it on the seal on the outer edge of the filter. Then, screw on the filter using the special oil filter wrench until it is tight.
For a cartridge filter, remove the old cartridge from the housing, thoroughly clean the entire housing with rags, remove the two old seals, and replace them with new ones. Apply some oil onto the new seals and place the new cartridge inside the housing. Then screw back on and tighten using a wrench.
It is crucial to check how many quarts of oil your car requires, as adding too much or too little can cause damage. Using a funnel, fill the new oil into the oil fill area until you reach the desired quantity. Close the oil fill cap and double-check that the filter, drain plug, and oil fill cap are tightened properly.
Make sure to clean up any oil spills on the ground or any other parts of the car using a rag.
Start the car and let it idle for a few minutes before driving to ensure the oil has circulated through the entire engine.
Remove the dipstick completely, wipe it clean, push it all the way back in, and remove it again to check the oil quantity.
Next, pour all the old oil from the drain pan back into the new oil bottles that are empty and make sure to close them tightly.
Finally, take all the used oil and the old oil filter to an auto parts shop such as AutoZone to properly recycle everything.
Well done, you have completed a basic maintenance task and saved yourself a significant amount of money. Remember to take note of your current mileage and set a reminder to change your oil again after 5000 miles for conventional oil or 10,000 miles for synthetic oil.
Last Step is to wash your oily hands because chances are you spilled. Use Fast Orange soap to thoroughly scrub the oil from your skin. Then use normal antibacterial hand soap one more time to ensure your hands are clean.
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