The rumble of your engine, the smooth glide of your car down the highway – it’s a beautiful relationship. But like any relationship, your car requires maintenance to thrive. One of the most essential (and surprisingly simple) tasks is changing your oil.
Many drivers relegate this task to the quick lube shops, assuming it’s a complex, greasy affair best left to the professionals. But I’m here to tell you: changing your own oil is not only achievable but can also be empowering. It’s a chance to save money, understand your vehicle better, and gain a new level of automotive confidence.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to changing your own oil!
Why Change Your Own Oil?
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s quickly revisit why changing your own oil is worth considering:
- Cost Savings: Quick lube places often charge a premium for basic oil changes. By doing it yourself, you’ll only pay for the oil and filter, saving a significant amount over time.
- Quality Control: You choose the oil and filter that goes into your car, ensuring you’re using high-quality products that meet your vehicle’s specific needs. No more wondering about what cheap bulk oil they might be using.
- Vehicle Understanding: Getting under your car and performing maintenance gives you a deeper understanding of how it works. You’ll become more attuned to its sounds and feel, potentially catching issues before they escalate.
- Personal Satisfaction: There’s a unique sense of accomplishment that comes from completing a task yourself. Changing your oil is a tangible way to take ownership of your vehicle’s maintenance.
- Convenience (Yes, Really!): While it may seem counterintuitive, once you have the process down, changing your oil can be quicker than driving to a shop, waiting in line, and then driving back.
Gathering Your Tools and Supplies
Preparation is key to a smooth oil change. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Owner’s Manual: This is your car’s bible. It contains vital information like oil type, oil capacity, and filter specifications.
- New Oil: Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct type and viscosity (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40).
- New Oil Filter: Again, your owner’s manual is your friend. Buy a quality filter that’s compatible with your car.
- Oil Filter Wrench: This tool helps you remove the old, often stubborn, oil filter. There are various types (strap, claw, socket), so ensure you get one that fits your filter.
- Wrench/Socket Set: You’ll need this to remove the drain plug.
- Drain Pan: To catch the old oil. Make sure it’s large enough to hold your car’s oil capacity.
- Funnel: To pour the new oil into the engine without spilling.
- Rags/Paper Towels: For cleaning up spills and wiping your hands.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from the dirty oil. Nitrile gloves are a good choice.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from splashes.
- Jack and Jack Stands (Optional but Recommended): To raise your car for easier access to the drain plug and filter. Never work under a car supported only by a jack!
- Wheel Chocks (if using a jack): To prevent your car from rolling.
- Torque Wrench (Optional): Some manufacturers provide torque specifications for the drain plug and the oil filter.
- New Drain Plug Washer (Optional but recommended): If your vehicle uses it, replacing it ensures a proper seal.
Step-by-Step Oil Change Guide
Now that you’re prepared let’s get to the main event:
1. Prepare Your Car:
- Warm up the engine: Run your car for a few minutes to warm up the oil. Warm oil flows more easily, ensuring a more complete drain. However, don’t let it get too hot, as you can burn yourself.
- Park on a level surface: This is crucial for accurate oil level readings.
- Engage the parking brake: Safety first!
- Optional: Raise the car: If using a jack, position it correctly, raise the car, and then securely place jack stands under the designated jacking points. Never rely solely on a jack. Chock the rear wheels for added safety.
2. Locate the Drain Plug and Oil Filter:
- Consult your owner’s manual for the exact locations.
- The drain plug is typically on the bottom of the oil pan, which is a large, metal reservoir at the bottom of your engine.
- The oil filter can be located near the engine, it’s typically cylindrical.
3. Position the Drain Pan:
- Place the drain pan directly underneath the drain plug. Ensure it’s centered to catch all the oil.
4. Remove the Drain Plug:
- Using the correct wrench or socket, loosen the drain plug by turning it counterclockwise.
- Be prepared for the oil to flow out quickly once the plug is removed.
- Let the oil drain completely. This may take several minutes.
- While it is draining, you can go to the next step.
5. Remove the Old Oil Filter:
- Position the drain pan, if needed, to catch any residual oil that may leak from the filter.
- Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the old filter (counterclockwise).
- Once loosened, you can usually unscrew it by hand. Be careful, as it may be full of hot oil.
- Ensure the rubber gasket from the old filter comes off with it. If it’s stuck to the engine, carefully remove it.
6. Prepare the New Oil Filter:
- Lubricate the rubber gasket of the new oil filter with a thin film of fresh oil. This helps create a good seal and makes it easier to remove next time.
- Some people recommend pre-filling the new oil filter with oil, but check your owner’s manual. Some vehicles and filters can safely be pre-filled, and doing so helps to reduce the amount of time it takes for oil pressure to build when you start the engine after the oil change.
7. Install the New Oil Filter:
- Carefully screw the new filter onto the engine by hand.
- Tighten it until it’s snug, then give it another 1/2 to 3/4 turn, or as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t overtighten.
- If you have a torque wrench, use it, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
8. Reinstall the Drain Plug:
- Once the oil has completely drained, inspect the drain plug and replace the washer if necessary.
- Screw the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand, then tighten it with the wrench or socket. Don’t overtighten.
- If you have a torque wrench, use it, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
9. Add New Oil:
- Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine.
- Insert the funnel into the oil filler hole.
- Carefully pour in the correct amount of new oil as specified in your owner’s manual.
- Add it slowly, stopping periodically to check the oil level using the dipstick. Don’t overfill!
10. Check the Oil Level:
- Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then remove it again.
- The oil level should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the dipstick.
- If it’s low, add a little more oil and recheck.
11. Start the Engine:
- Replace the oil filler cap.
- Start the engine and let it run for a minute or two.
- Check the oil pressure light; if everything is okay, it should go off after a few seconds.
- Carefully inspect the drain plug and oil filter for any leaks.
12. Recheck the Oil Level and Lower the Car:
- Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
- Recheck the oil level and add more if necessary.
- If you raised the car, lower it safely by removing the jack stands and slowly lowering the jack.
13. Dispose of the Old Oil and Filter:
- Never pour used oil down the drain or onto the ground. It’s illegal and harmful to the environment.
- Take the used oil and filter to a designated recycling center, such as an auto parts store or a local recycling facility.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully changed your own oil. You’ve saved money, gained a new skill, and taken a step towards becoming a more confident car owner.
Important Notes and Tips:
- Always prioritize safety. Use proper safety gear and follow all instructions carefully.
- If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consult a professional mechanic or watch tutorial videos specific to your car model.
- Keep a record of your oil changes, including the date, mileage, and type of oil and filter used.
- Regularly check your oil level between changes and top it off as needed.
- With practice, changing your oil will become a quick and routine task.
Changing your own oil is a rewarding experience that can deepen your connection with your vehicle and save you money in the long run. So, don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty and take control of your car’s maintenance. You might be surprised at how empowering it can be!
