DIY How to Change Your Own Oil

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Like most families, ours works as a team when something needs done. It makes tasks a lot less daunting to break them up so that one of us starts a task, while the other finishes.

Case in point: our most recent oil change.

Now, I know how to change our car’s oil, and I’ve done it myself a few times, but this time it was the hubby’s turn.

So, I handled the prep work, before handing off the actual oil change to him.  First stop, Walmart to pick up the oil and supplies he needs.

I found everything I needed neatly tucked away in the Automotive section at Walmart.

Changing the oil in your car at the intervals indicated by the car manufacturer is absolutely essential if you are to maintain your vehicle in good working condition – improper lubrication can seriously damage the engine of your car, so oil replacement is among the most important routine maintenance procedures.

Regular oil replacement is vital for your car, yet it is not something very complicated – you can easily do it at home, which will not only save a few bucks for you, but will also give you the satisfaction that you know exactly what your car is running on.

Here is how to do it properly.

The oil and tools you need

My next step in our team project was to get everything ready for the oil change, before hubby stepped in to do the actual oil change.

To find out the exact type of the oil you need, consult the vehicle’s manual. Make sure you use a good quality oil like Quaker State, and buy exactly the type of oil you are required to use – the wrong type of oil might seriously harm your engine.

You will also need a number of tools to be able to carry out the oil replacement:

• a wrench with an extension and a torque wrench
• the filter and the oil recommended by the manufacturer
• Quaker State oil (we use 5W30) that’s recommended by the manufacturer. Tip:  buy a few quarts more than indicated to have oil for topping up later.
• a closed pan to contain the used oil
• a jack stand to elevate the car
• a tarp to protect the floor in case of oil spills

How to change your own oil

Now, I handed over the reins to my hubby to do the oil change and cleanup.

An oil change is one of those tasks that is surprisingly easy to do, once you’ve gotten the hang of it. Here’s how:

1. Run your car a few miles to make sure the engine warms up a bit – warm oil is easier to drain.
2. When the engine is no longer hot, but still sufficiently warm, lift it on the jack stand (don’t forget to place the tarp underneath the car to contain any oil spills).
3. Place the container for the Quaker State oil underneath the plug, and then loosen the plug with the help of the wrench.
4. When all the used oil is drained and safely contained, remove the oil filter and install the new one.
5. IMPORTANT: Tighten the filter by hand – don’t use a wrench, as it might damage the filter.
6. Clean the drain plug and then remove the old gasket if need be. Apply a thin film of new oil on the gasket; then tighten the plug with the help of the torque wrench (make sure you tighten it sufficiently, but don’t overdo it).
7. You are almost done – just pour the new oil into the pan and eliminate the contaminated foil from under the car. Make sure you dispose of the used oil and the filter according to local safety and environment protection regulations.

That’s it! Not that hard, is it, especially with teamwork in action!

Do you change your own oil?