Changing your own oil is one of the most straightforward and cost-effective maintenance tasks you can perform on your vehicle. Not only will it save you money compared to taking it to a mechanic, but it also gives you a better understanding of your car and its inner workings. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and successful oil change.
Why Change Your Own Oil?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s briefly discuss why changing your own oil is a worthwhile endeavor:
- Cost Savings: Oil changes at a shop can be expensive, factoring in labor costs and markup on parts. DIY oil changes significantly reduce these expenses.
- Knowledge and Familiarity: Working on your car yourself fosters a deeper understanding of its mechanics and potential issues.
- Control Over Quality: You get to choose the specific oil and filter that you want to use, ensuring quality and suitability for your vehicle.
- Sense of Accomplishment: There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from performing a task and knowing you’ve contributed to your car’s well-being.
- Preventive Maintenance: Regular oil changes are crucial for engine health, preventing wear and tear, and extending the life of your vehicle.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gathering the necessary tools and materials is the first crucial step. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- New Oil: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the correct oil type (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40) and quantity. Consider synthetic or conventional oil based on your vehicle’s requirements and your budget. Synthetic oils generally offer superior protection and longer intervals between changes.
- New Oil Filter: Again, consult your owner’s manual or a parts store to find the correct oil filter for your vehicle’s make and model. Different filters have different sizes and thread types.
- Wrench for Oil Filter: An oil filter wrench is essential for removing the old filter. There are several types:
- Cap-type wrench: Fits over the end of the filter.
- Strap wrench: Uses a strap to grip the filter.
- Pliers-type wrench: Grips the filter with adjustable jaws.
- Wrench for Drain Plug: You’ll need a wrench (usually a socket wrench) to remove the oil drain plug. The size will vary depending on your vehicle.
- Oil Drain Pan: A container to catch the used oil. Choose one with a wide opening and sufficient capacity to hold all the drained oil.
- Funnel: To pour the new oil into the engine without spills.
- Jack and Jack Stands (or Ramps): You’ll need to safely lift your vehicle to access the drain plug and oil filter. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands for safety. Ramps are an alternative, but make sure they are rated for your vehicle’s weight.
- Wheel Chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling while it’s lifted.
- Gloves: To protect your hands from dirty oil.
- Rags or Shop Towels: For wiping up spills and cleaning tools.
- Protective Eyewear: To protect your eyes from splashes.
- Torque Wrench (Optional but Recommended): To tighten the drain plug and oil filter to the manufacturer’s specified torque, preventing leaks and damage.
- Owner’s Manual: A crucial resource for oil type, capacity, filter part number, and drain plug torque specifications.
- Cardboard or Drop Cloth (Optional): To protect your garage floor from spills.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation:
- Warm Up the Engine (Slightly): Run the engine for a few minutes (2-3 minutes is sufficient) to warm the oil. Warm oil flows more easily, but be careful not to overheat it, as hot oil can burn you.
- Park on a Level Surface: Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Gather Your Tools and Materials: Make sure everything is within easy reach.
- Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Double-check the oil type, quantity, filter part number, and drain plug torque specification.
- Safely Lift the Vehicle:
- Chock the Rear Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent rolling.
- Locate Jacking Points: Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended jacking points on your vehicle’s frame.
- Position the Jack: Place the jack under the jacking point.
- Raise the Vehicle: Carefully raise the vehicle to a sufficient height to allow you to work comfortably underneath.
- Place Jack Stands: Immediately place jack stands under the designated support points on the frame. Never rely solely on the jack to support the vehicle.
- Lower the Vehicle onto the Jack Stands: Carefully lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding. If using ramps, drive slowly and carefully onto the ramps.
- Locate the Oil Drain Plug and Oil Filter:
- Oil Drain Plug: The oil drain plug is usually located on the bottom of the oil pan. It’s a large bolt that, when removed, allows the oil to drain.
- Oil Filter: The oil filter is a cylindrical canister that filters the oil. Its location varies depending on the vehicle, but it’s usually near the engine block.
- Drain the Old Oil:
- Position the Drain Pan: Place the oil drain pan directly under the oil drain plug.
- Loosen the Drain Plug: Using the correct wrench, carefully loosen the drain plug. Do not remove it completely yet.
- Remove the Drain Plug: Once loosened, carefully unscrew the drain plug by hand, keeping it pressed against the oil pan until the last thread to prevent a sudden gush of oil.
- Let the Oil Drain Completely: Allow the oil to drain completely. This may take 15-30 minutes. While the oil is draining, you can proceed to the next step.
- Remove and Replace the Oil Filter:
- Position the Drain Pan (Again): Move the drain pan under the oil filter to catch any oil that spills when you remove it.
- Loosen the Oil Filter: Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the old oil filter. It may be on tightly, so apply firm pressure.
- Unscrew the Oil Filter: Once loosened, unscrew the oil filter by hand. Be prepared for some oil to spill out.
- Prepare the New Oil Filter: Lightly lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with fresh engine oil. This will help create a good seal.
- Install the New Oil Filter: Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand until the gasket makes contact with the engine block. Then, tighten it an additional ¾ to 1 full turn, as instructed on the filter itself or in your owner’s manual. Do not overtighten.
- Clean the Filter Mounting Surface: Wipe the oil filter mounting surface on the engine block clean with a rag.
- Reinstall the Drain Plug:
- Inspect the Drain Plug: Check the drain plug and its washer (if applicable) for damage. Replace the washer if it’s worn or damaged.
- Clean the Drain Plug: Wipe the drain plug clean.
- Reinstall the Drain Plug: Screw the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand until it’s snug.
- Tighten to Specified Torque: Use a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Overtightening can damage the oil pan. If you don’t have a torque wrench, tighten it snugly, but don’t overtighten.
- Add New Oil:
- Locate the Oil Fill Cap: Remove the oil fill cap on the engine. It’s usually marked with an oil can symbol.
- Insert the Funnel: Place the funnel into the oil fill opening.
- Pour in the Oil: Pour in the amount of oil specified in your owner’s manual. It’s best to add a little less than the specified amount initially.
- Check the Oil Level: Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then remove it again to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the dipstick.
- Add More Oil (If Needed): If the oil level is below the “MIN” mark, add more oil in small increments, checking the level after each addition, until it reaches the correct level.
- Start the Engine and Check for Leaks:
- Remove the Funnel: Remove the funnel from the oil fill opening and replace the oil fill cap.
- Start the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
- Check for Leaks: Carefully inspect the drain plug and oil filter for any leaks. If you see any leaks, immediately shut off the engine and tighten the drain plug or oil filter as needed.
- Turn Off the Engine: Turn off the engine.
- Lower the Vehicle:
- Raise the Vehicle (Slightly): Use the jack to slightly raise the vehicle off the jack stands.
- Remove Jack Stands: Remove the jack stands.
- Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Remove Wheel Chocks: Remove the wheel chocks.
- Final Check and Disposal:
- Check Oil Level Again: Recheck the oil level one last time after the engine has been running.
- Reset the Oil Change Indicator: Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to reset the oil change indicator light (if equipped).
- Dispose of Used Oil Properly: Take the used oil and filter to a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts used oil. Do not pour it down the drain or into the ground.
Important Safety Precautions:
- Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands.
- Be careful when working with hot oil. Wear gloves and protective eyewear.
- Dispose of used oil and filters properly.
- Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and torque specifications for your vehicle.
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully change your own oil and save money while gaining valuable knowledge about your vehicle. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions related to your vehicle’s make and model. Good luck!
