Your step-by-step instructions for changing your oil at home along with all the equipment that can simplify the process.
Is Changing Engine Oil at Home a Simple Task?
Performing your own oil change is the most cost-effective method to carry out one of the crucial maintenance tasks for your car, truck, or SUV. Additionally, this practice allows you to closely monitor the overall condition of your vehicle, enabling you to inspect your brakes and other fluid levels, along with checking for signs of rust and other damages each time you undertake an oil change.
If you’re not skilled with tools and unsure about the process, worry not. Below are comprehensive steps for changing your oil yourself at home along with clear, straightforward guidance on how to proceed!
Oil Drain Pan
What Is the Process for Collecting Oil During an Oil Change?
Here are some essential tools you’ll require, let’s begin with them. First and foremost is an oil drain pan designed to collect old engine oil. Choose one that lies levelly on the ground and features a spacious receptacle area along with a sturdy cover or stopper. It would be beneficial to have a grating positioned above where the oil drains; this can prevent the drain plug from dropping directly into the pan full of hot oil—should it fall through, using a magnet should easily retrieve it—but aim to hold onto the drain plug yourself whenever possible.
Oil Drain Pans
Oil Filter Wrench
What Is the Process for Removing an Oil Filter?
You may require an oil filter wrench to take out the old filter. These spin-on filters can become overly tightened, which makes removal difficult; however, using an oil filter wrench simplifies the process. Should you struggle opening a fresh jar of pickles, consider getting an oil filter wrench as well. Remember not to employ this wrench when installing the new filter though.
Certain vehicles feature a cartridge-type filter, usually reachable from above the engine compartment. For this task, you will require an adjustable wrench capable of opening up to at least 1 1/2 inches or a sizable socket matching the correct dimension.
Oil Filter Wrench
Trim Clip Removal Tool
What Is the Procedure for Removing the Shield Beneath My Vehicle?
Many contemporary cars feature plastic splash guards beneath them for better aerodynamics. These can be obstructive when getting an oil change, thus requiring their complete or partial removal. Although some utilize standard hex screws or Torx bolts, most employ plastic clips instead. The best approach to avoid significant frustration and costly replacements involves using a specialized clip removal tool kit.
Trim Tool Removal Set
Mechanic's Socket Set
What Is the Procedure for Removing the Oil Drain Plug?
Typically, your drain plug will match a standard socket size, frequently being 17 millimeters or close to it; however, this can vary depending on the manufacturer. Generally, most socket or wrench collections include these measurements, so provided you own such a kit, it ought to suffice for the job.
Socket Set
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Floor Jack and Accessories
A floor jack along with jack stands, or a pair of ramps will be necessary for this task—unless you find it easy to work beneath your truck or SUV. Additionally, nitrile mechanic’s gloves would be beneficial if you wish to keep oils off your hands. It’s also advisable to have some oil absorbent powder ready to deal with any potential leaks.
Floor Jack
Jack Stands
Oil And Oil Filter
Up next, we have the details about the new components. You can find the appropriate type of motor oil specified in your owner’s manual under the maintenance section. Additionally, this information might be noted on your oil filler cap, typically indicated as 0W20 or 10W40. Consult both these sources to determine the correct viscosity. Many modern vehicles prefer synthetic oil, though some earlier models could perform better with traditional mineral-based engine oils.
What Steps Should I Take to Determine Which Oil Filter Is Right for My Vehicle?
To determine the correct filter for your vehicle, perform a fast search using your car’s make, model, year, and engine displacement; this will provide you with the necessary filter dimensions. Since oil filters play a crucial role, prioritize well-known brands known for their reliability as well as specific attributes such as anti-drainback valves which ensure continuous engine lubrication during startup phases. Certain cars come equipped with a tiny circular component referred to as a crush washer situated between the drain plug and the oil pan. Such washers cannot be reused once removed, thus ensuring an adequate supply becomes essential whenever conducting routine oil changes. Failing to replace these components might result in fluid leakage issues or compel you to over-torque the drain plug potentially causing damage either to the plug itself or even compromising the integrity of the oil pan.
Engine Oil
It's Time to Replace the Engine Oil
It’s finally time for an oil change. The process becomes simpler when the oil is warm, particularly during colder weather since warmer oil moves faster and smoother. Should your vehicle be cold, turn on the ignition and allow the engine to idle for several minutes. However, if the car is already at operating temperature, skip this step; just keep in mind that the heated oil can result in severe burns.
If you have a large pickup truck or an SUV, you may not need to do this part, but lift the front of your vehicle using a jack (or position it on some ramps), followed by securely placing jack stands underneath at the correct locations. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific jacking and standing positions recommended for your particular model.
Lift up the hood and remove the oil filler cap. Doing so initially is beneficial as it facilitates smoother draining of the old oil and guarantees that you will be able to add new oil later without any hassle.
For those who aren't seasoned DIY mechanics, we suggest placing your freshly cleaned new oil containers on the driver's seat of the car at this stage. This ensures that you won’t start the engine without oil, thus preventing potential catastrophic damage.
When your car is elevated, move under it with your tools and a drain pan. To avoid lying on a grimy floor, use a workshop mat or a rolling creeper for a cleaner, comfier experience.
Take off any splash shields obstructing the filter. When dealing with intricate plastic clips, slide the tool into the narrow opening, tug at the central section until you can extract it fully, and subsequently utilize the broader end of the instrument to detach the whole clip entirely. Keep in mind that both the clips and the shields will still be needed later, hence handle them cautiously throughout this process.
Place your oil collection tray beneath the drainage plug and carefully unscrew the plug. In case this is your initial attempt at changing the engine oil in this particular vehicle, prepare to shift the tray swiftly as you figure out exactly where the used oil will drip.
You have approximately 10 minutes to wait as the oil drains out. This is an ideal opportunity to inspect other parts beneath the vehicle, such as ball joints, sway bar links, shock absorbers, and control arms, ensuring they appear mechanically intact. Additionally, this is a suitable moment to check for any signs of leakage or concerning rust on the chassis.
After the oil has finished draining, clean the drain plug using a cloth, then attach a new crush washer to the plug before reinstalling it. The plugs should be tightened securely but not overly so. If you have access to one, applying up to 30 lb-ft of torque with a torque wrench can ensure proper installation.
It’s now time to replace the oil filter. You might have to use a filter wrench, and remember that the filter is filled with oil, so expect some dripping as you remove it. Place the used filter into the catch pan to let the remaining oil drain out. Inspect the contact area where the old filter was seated to ensure that the sealing ring remained attached to the filter itself. Should you see anything but a smooth, clean surface on the engine block, you’ll need to carefully remove the leftover sealant from the previous installation; otherwise, your new filter could end up leaking.
Cleaning Up
Pour clean oil into your new filter, and apply a thin coat of fresh oil onto the gasket before securing the filter to the engine. This prefilling aids during startup, and the light lubrication prevents the gasket from adhering excessively when you reinstall it later. However, if the filter mounts atop the engine or lies horizontally, omit this step to avoid making a messy situation.
Once the filter is securely tightened by hand, begin to pour in your new oil. After adding the initial quart, check underneath the vehicle to ensure nothing has come loose and that you're not spilling oil onto the ground. If all looks clean, proceed to add the remaining oil (consult your manual for the correct quantity).
Remove the oil filler cap and start your engine. Allow it to idle for one minute, simultaneously inspecting for any leaks. Should none be found, reinstall the splash shields and carefully lower the vehicle from the ramps or jack stands. Once the car is on flat ground, use the dipstick to verify the oil level and top up as needed.
You're almost done. Using a funnel, pour the old oil into a container, usually your now-empty fresh oil containers, and dispose of it properly. Depending on where you live, this might mean taking it back to where you bought it or you may have to take it to a hazardous waste depot. Whatever you do, do not just dump used oil, it is extremely damaging to the environment.
For removing stubborn grease and dirt from your hands, arms, and likely your face, opt for a mechanic’s hand cleanser. Products containing pumice tend to work best. If you have an oil spill, apply oil-dry powder to absorb it effectively. When storing your catch can, remember that oil has this annoying habit of leaking out regardless of precautions taken.
Congratulations!
Once you’ve completed your initial oil change, things will go in one of two directions. You might decide to continue performing this task yourself, or perhaps you have scheduled an appointment with a dealership for future changes. Regardless, you can confidently say that you have successfully managed to change your own oil this time around.
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