Changing the Oil
Changing your own oil will not save you any time and you won't save much money. But you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the job was done right. Here's how to go about it.
You need a few inexpensive tools. A filter wrench, sometimes called a chain or strap wrench, is essential, as is a socket or ring wrench that fits properly on the drain plug. You'll also need a pair of ramps that you can drive up to lift the vehicle in the air. Alternatively, use a jack and some jack stands. Make sure to have a bowl to catch the old oil, some clean rags to hand to wipe up spills, and perhaps some latex gloves too. You will get dirty, and used engine oil is carcinogenic.
Next, go to an autoparts store and tell the clerk the make, model and year of your car, plus the type of engine and its mileage. He'll advise you on the most appropriate type of oil, how much you need and what filter to get. If you need to buy tools, get them at the same store.
Once back home, change into old clothes and go to work. Park the vehicle on a level surface and let the engine run for a minute or so to warm the oil. Then elevate the front to get access to the drain plug, making sure the vehicle is secure before going underneath! Open the hood and remove both the filler cap and the dipstick, then look around to locate the filter. Sometimes you'll need to be under the car to find this; a flashlight or inspection lamp will come in handy. It's possible you'll have to remove some engine covers to reach both the filter and drain plug.
Position the bowl under the drain, and use a wrench or socket to loosen the plug. After a few turns you'll be able to undo it with just your fingers.
While the oil is running out turn your attention to the filter. Place the "noose" of the strap wrench over the filter and begin to unscrew. If the filter is mounted horizontally, expect to have some oil run out. Using a screwdriver to punch into the filter is not advised, for two reasons: first, oil will pour out, so it's a messy thing to do, and second, on the slight chance that you've bought the wrong filter, you'll want to refit the old part for a second trip to the store. (Yes, I speak from personal experience!)
Now prepare the new filter for installation. Some people like to part fill it with clean oil prior to mounting so as to reduce the time needed for the engine to pump lubricant through the whole system. Whether or not you do that, it is essential to wipe a thin film of clean oil over the surface of the rubber seal at the open end of the filter. This will help installation and also reduces leaks. Then clean off the mounting face on the engine and screw on the new filter. Turn it as tight as you can by hand, but DO NOT use the strap wrench. You'll want that filter to come off again in another six months or so!
By the now the oil will have finished running from the drain hole, so wipe the plug clean and screw it back in. Usually the plug will have a plastic washer, so make sure that's in place first. Tighten up the plug, but don't overdo it; you do not want to strip the threads in the oil pan. Then move round to the topside of the engine and pour in about three quarts of clean oil.
Let it settle, then check the level on the dipstick. If it's below the "MIN" mark add a little more, bearing in mind that takes a few seconds for the oil to find its' way down to the bottom of the engine. Once the level is at "MIN" start the engine. Let it run for fifteen seconds or so then shut it off. Crawl underneath one last time to look for leaks. If you find any, tighten the offending part and repeat the test.
Assuming your engine is leak free, you can now lower the car to the ground and finish topping up the oil, checking the level on the dipstick as you do so. It is important not to overfill the engine, so take it slowly.
Now you're just left with disposing of the used oil. Pour it into the container your clean oil came in and write "Waste" down the side. Then put it out for curbside collection if that's offered in your locality, or take it to the nearest recycling center for reclamation.
Congratulations on completing an oil change!
