In addition to oil, you'll need an oil filter, an
oil-filter removal wrench
, a wrench to remove the drain plug, a funnel, a drain pan and some gloves. You may also need to raise the car to gain access, in which case you'll need a floor jack and safety stands, or a pair of purpose-made steel ramps.
Can I do my own oil change?
- Step 1: Jack It Up, Open It Up. …
- Step 2: Unplug It, Drain It. …
- Step 3: Off With the Old Filter. …
- Step 4: Drain Plug in, Filter On. …
- Step 5: Fill It Back Up with Oil. …
- Step 6: Check the Oil Level, Check for Leaks.
What do you unscrew to do an oil change?
Drain and replace the
oil filter
.
Crawl under, and find the engine oil screw near the front. Where you plug in the socket, use the wrench to loosen the plug in a counterclockwise direction. Once relaxed, you can use your hand and remove the plug. The hot oil will begin to pour out.
Can you do an oil change with a wrench?
If you are new to changing your oil though, use a
torque wrench
and the proper factory torque specs. It's easy to over-tighten a bolt and strip the threads if you don't have practice. You might also need ramps or a floor jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks if you have to go under the vehicle.
Is changing your own oil worth it?
If you enjoy doing minor work on your car, then it can
be worth it
to save that money. … If you have an auto repair shop or a mechanic that you trust that does oil changes for $20, I would suggest having a professional do it. Not only can they check the oil, but they can also look for any other problems as well.
Is changing oil easy?
It's a simple process that requires few tools, and it's a sure way to save some money while you avoid the hassle of sitting in a dull waiting room somewhere reading outdated magazines. More than anything, the basic oil change is a great way to connect with your vehicle and take some control over its maintenance.
Does car need level for oil change?
It is best to have the car as level as possible when draining the engine oil. But
it does not have to be completely level
. It is OK to jsck it up in the front, or drive it up ramps to gain access to drain the oil. But the more level it is, the more oil you will get out.
What happens if you don't change your oil?
When oil has not been changed for a long time,
it will begin to gel or solidify in an engine, eventually turning into sludge
. When this happens, the oil will not be able to reach all parts of the engine, leading to oil starvation in the crankshafts, bearings, camshafts, and other valve train components.
Can I change oil without changing oil filter?
Technically,
you don't have to change the oil filter every time you change the oil
, but it's still a good idea. The oil filter can remove the larger pollutants from the oil in the engine, and replace the oil at the same time to ensure the smooth operation of all parts.
Do you really need an oil filter wrench?
Every reputable oil filter is designed to seal for tens of thousands of miles with no more than a good hand-tightening.
You don't need a wrench unless you have
one of those deeply recessed filters with no space around it for your hands. … Then use the wrench to tighten a half-turn more.
Is hand tight enough for oil filter?
Always only hand tight, never a problem
. Ditto, hand tighten only and never a single drip or problem. Put a coating of oil on the gasket, spin the filter on until it the gasket touches the metal, then 3/4 turn by hand. Never had a leak.
Do you put oil in the oil filter before putting it on?
An age-old question is whether or not you should pre-fill your new oil filter before installing it in your vehicle. … Instead of pre-filling the filter, we recommend
first applying a little motor oil to the gasket and then replacing the filter
. The motor oil will prevent the gasket from sticking or causing an oil leak.
What is the cheapest type of oil change?
Conventional oil is cheapest
, and in the middle are synthetic blends: mixtures intended to provide some benefits of synthetic oil at a lower price. Most chains offer coupons, discounts for online appointments or other deals to lower prices.
How often should I change my oil?
It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of
5,000 to 7,500 miles
. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!
What is a basic oil change?
A conventional
oil change
service uses “conventional”
oil
derived from petroleum. For decades, a conventional
oil change
was the only
oil change
option. Today, conventional
oil change
services are still recommended for most vehicles, especially brand new cars with less than 5,000 miles.
