Changing the oil in your motor vehicle is one of the most basic maintenance steps in responsible vehicle ownership. Unfortunately, it is also the one that auto and lube shops most commonly overcharge for. An oil change can be accomplished in less than an hour, and with very little physical work. All it takes is a few basic tools, a little bit of research, and some patience!
Before you begin, it is important to make sure you have the tools and parts you will need to complete the job properly. For most vehicles, all you will need to complete an oil change at home is:
* A socket or open-ended wrench
* A catch-can to hold the old oil
* A funnel
* At least one clean rag
* One new oil filter for your vehicle
* New oil to fill your vehicle with
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Getting the Job Done
An oil change can be accomplished in most passenger vehicles in five easy steps. This is assuming the job is done on a level garage floor, and that the vehicle sits high enough for you to reach the oil drain plug and oil filter without lifting the car. If there is not enough space, you will have to raise the car with a jack and place it on jack stands before beginning.
1) The first thing you need to do is remove the old oil from the vehicle. This is best done with the engine warm, but not hot. If your vehicle is cold, start it up and let it idle for a minute or two before beginning. You can still proceed if you have just driven your vehicle recently, but be aware that the draining oil will be very hot.
To locate the oil drain plug, refer to your owners manual. Slide your oil catch can down under the vehicle, positioned under the oil drain plug. Using a socket or open-end wrench, remove the oil drain plug. You will want to make sure your hand and arm are not in front of the plug as it is removed, or it will be covered with the draining oil!
You may have to let your vehicle sit and drain for 5-10 minutes.
2) Now, you need to remove the old oil filter. Locate the filter, and position the catch-can underneath it. You can remove the filter by twisting it off with your hand, or you can use a special oil filter wrench available at auto parts stores. Some people also elect to use a strap-wrench.
As the filter comes off the vehicle, an additional 1/2 quart of oil or so will drain. There is a rubber gasket at the top of the filter that should come off attached to the old filter. If it does not, you will need to pull it off of the engine yourself.
3) Replace the old oil filter with your new one. Before placing the new filter on the car, you will need to prepare it by filling it with some of the new oil. The amount your filter will hold depends entirely on its size and type. You will also want to take a small amount of new oil on your finger and rub it along the rubber gasket on the new filter. This will ensure proper fitment and a good seal.
When placing the new filter on the vehicle, it is best to tighten it on by hand. It is very easy to over-tighten the filter with a wrench, causing leaks. Get the filter on to that it fits snugly against the engine.
4) Fill the engine with new oil! Of course, before you start filling, you should re-attach the drain plug on the bottom! While filling, be careful not to pour too quickly and cause your funnel to overrun. Oil spilled over the engine can take a LONG time to burn off, and will cause smoke and bad smells.
Ensure you add the proper amount of oil using the dipstick. It is very important to wipe the dipstick with your clean rag each time you remove it to prevent contaminants from getting into the engine.
5) Clean up! All of that old oil that drained out of your vehicle is hazardous to the environment, and needs to be disposed of properly. You can use your funnel to transfer the oil from your catch-can to the empty container(s) your new oil came in.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT toss your old oil out in the trash! You can dispose of it safely by dropping it off at any quick-lube shop and most mechanic shops. They will dispose of it properly and safely for free, and will thank you for helping out the environment!
Now that you're done, you can stand back, admire your work, and think of ways to spend that $40 - $70 you just saved by avoiding the shops and doing the work at home!
