Changing your own oil can be a satisfying DIY project that will save you money in the long run. With the right preparation and equipment, you can learn how to change your oil quickly and easily. Here’s a look at everything you’ll need to change your oil yourself.
Page Contents
- 1 What Type of Oil Does Your Car Need?
- 2 Equipment You’ll Need for an Oil Change
- 3 Step-by-Step Oil Change Directions
- 3.1 1. Run your engine briefly
- 3.2 2. Jack up the vehicle safely
- 3.3 3. Locate the oil drain plug
- 3.4 4. Position the oil catch pan
- 3.5 5. Remove the drain plug slowly
- 3.6 6. Inspect and replace drain plug
- 3.7 7. Locate and remove oil filter
- 3.8 8. Replace and secure oil filter
- 3.9 9. Add new oil through fill opening
- 3.10 10. Start engine and check for leaks
- 4 Conclusion
What Type of Oil Does Your Car Need?
Before you can change your oil, you need to make sure you have the right type of oil on hand for your vehicle. There are a few key things to consider:
Oil Viscosity
– The oil’s viscosity refers to its weight and thickness. Thinner oils have lower viscosity numbers like 5W or 10W.
– Heavier oils have higher viscosity numbers like 20W or 30W.
– Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil viscosity for your car based on your location’s climate.
– Using the wrong viscosity oil can lead to engine issues like excess engine wear in hot weather or difficult cold weather starting.
Synthetic or Conventional Oil
– Synthetic oils are man-made using chemical processes and tend to have higher performance. Conventional oils are refined from crude oil.
– Synthetic oils typically provide better protection, especially in extreme cold or hot climates.
– Check your manual to see if your car requires synthetic oil. Many modern engines do need synthetic oil.
Oil Rating – Check for the API Donut
– Look for oils that carry the API (American Petroleum Institute) service rating.
– The API donut will indicate oil performance ratings like SN, SM, SL etc.
– Make sure the oil matches the recommended API rating specifications for your vehicle. This ensures optimal engine protection.
Once you’ve identified the correct oil type and viscosity grade needed, you can move on to gathering the other necessary equipment.
Equipment You’ll Need for an Oil Change
Here is a complete list of the basic tools and materials you’ll need to change your oil at home:
Oil Drain Pan
– An oil drain pan is essential for safely capturing the used oil as it drains out of your engine.
– Get a pan with at least a 4 quart capacity with a sturdy, flat bottom.
– The shape should allow the pan to fit conveniently under the oil drain plug location.
Wrench Set
– You will need wrenches to loosen the drain plug and oil filter.
– A set that includes standard and metric sizes will ensure you have the right fit. Common sizes are 3/8″, 14mm, 22mm.
– Socket wrenches are ideal since they provide better leverage and grip than regular open-end wrenches.
Oil Filter Wrench
– A special oil filter wrench helps grip and turn the oil filter to remove it.
– You can get a band style wrench that wraps around the filter or a socket wrench style filter tool.
– Make sure the wrench fits your vehicle’s filter dimensions.
Jack and Jack Stands
– Safely lifting your vehicle to access the oil drain plug requires a jack and jack stands.
– Floor jacks or hydraulic bottle jacks allow you to conveniently lift the car from the side or underneath.
– Jack stands support the car’s weight once lifted. Make sure to use jack stands rated for your vehicle’s weight.
Rags, gloves, and eye protection
– Have rags, gloves, and safety glasses handy to stay clean and protect yourself while changing the oil.
– Gloves help avoid contact with hot oil and grime. Glasses protect your eyes from oil splatter.
– Rags clean up spills and oil residue.
Funnel
– A funnel is necessary when pouring new oil into the engine.
– Use a sturdy plastic or metal funnel to prevent spills and make adding oil easy.
– The funnel spout should fit into your engine’s oil fill opening.
Creeper (optional)
– A mechanic’s creeper allows you to smoothly roll around on the ground while working beneath a raised vehicle.
– Creepers provide padding and ergonomic access without having to lie on the hard floor.
– A creeper is an optional convenience item but not mandatory.
Step-by-Step Oil Change Directions
Once you have gathered the necessary equipment, follow these key steps to safely change your oil:
1. Run your engine briefly
– Run your engine for 5-10 minutes to warm the oil.
– Warm oil flows out more quickly and cleans contaminants out of the engine better.
2. Jack up the vehicle safely
– Refer to your jack’s instructions for proper lifting points. Consult your manual if unsure.
– Jack up the vehicle until the tires are off the ground.
– Securely place jack stands underneath proper support points.
3. Locate the oil drain plug
– Crawl under the vehicle to locate the drain plug, typically at the bottom of the oil pan.
– The plug and pan are hot after running the engine. Allow time for cooling or wear gloves.
– Note which size wrench or socket is needed to loosen the plug.
4. Position the oil catch pan
– Slide your drain pan underneath the drain plug area, ensuring the pan lip is flush on the ground.
– Tilt the pan to create a corner drain point where oil will collect for easy pouring.
5. Remove the drain plug slowly
– Place your wrench on the plug and slowly loosen it counter-clockwise.
– Loosening slowly prevents hot oil from gushing out suddenly.
– Allow the oil to fully drain into the pan, occasionally wiping the plug clean.
6. Inspect and replace drain plug
– Check the drain plug threads and sealing surface for damage or debris. Clean surfaces if needed.
– Replace the plug if damaged. Apply thread seal tape to prevent leaks.
– Tighten the plug back in place snugly when finished draining.
7. Locate and remove oil filter
– Find the oil filter attached to the engine, often near the top or side.
– Position the oil filter wrench onto the filter and turn counterclockwise to loosen.
– Unscrew the filter by hand once loosened. Allow oil remaining in the filter to drain out.
8. Replace and secure oil filter
– Check that the filter mounting surface is clean of old gasket material or oil.
– Apply a thin layer of new oil onto the rubber gasket of the new filter.
– Install the new filter by hand, turning clockwise until snug. Tighten about another 3/4 to 1 full turn.
9. Add new oil through fill opening
– Unscrew the oil fill cap on top of the engine and place your funnel into the opening.
– Pour in the recommended amount and type of new oil slowly and carefully.
– Give the oil time to settle before rechecking the dipstick. Top off as needed.
10. Start engine and check for leaks
– Start the engine and let it idle for about a minute.
– Check underneath for any leaks at the oil drain plug or filter.
– Turn engine off and re-check oil level on dipstick. Top off if needed.
Conclusion
With the right tools and preparation, learning how to change your own oil is an easy DIY job that anyone can tackle. Just be sure to consult your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct oil type, tools, and drain/fill locations. Always work safely with proper lifting equipment, gloves, and eye protection. Changing your own oil will save you money and the satisfaction of tackling basic car maintenance yourself.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Oil drain pan | Safely collect used oil and prevent spills |
| Wrench set | Loosen drain plug and oil filter |
| Oil filter wrench | Properly grip and remove old oil filter |
| Jack and jack stands | Safely lift vehicle to access drain plug |
| Rags, gloves, eye protection | Keep clean and avoid contact with oil |
| Funnel | Neatly pour in new oil |
| Creeper (optional) | Comfortably work underneath vehicle |
Here are some key steps in the oil change process:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Run engine briefly to warm oil |
| 2 | Jack up vehicle and place jack stands |
| 3 | Locate oil drain plug |
| 4 | Position drain pan under plug |
| 5 | Loosen and remove drain plug |
| 6 | Inspect and replace drain plug |
| 7 | Remove old oil filter |
| 8 | Install and tighten new filter |
| 9 | Refill with new oil through fill opening |
| 10 | Start engine and check for leaks |