Can I Change the Engine Oil and Filter Myself?
2 Answers
It is possible to change the engine oil and filter by yourself, but it is not recommended. Improper tightening of the oil filter can easily cause thread stripping, and incorrect oil quantity control may lead to overfilling or underfilling, both of which can affect the normal operation of the engine. Here are the steps to change the engine oil and filter: 1. Drain the oil: There is an oil drain plug underneath the vehicle. Simply unscrew the drain plug to allow the oil to flow out. Observe the color of the oil—normal oil should be translucent. If it appears black, it should be replaced promptly. 2. Locate the old oil filter, loosen and remove it using an oil filter wrench, then allow the remaining oil in the compartment to drain completely. Once all the oil has drained, replace the oil filter. Use a filter wrench to install the new filter and tighten it securely. Then, tighten the drain plug. Pour new oil into the oil filler port, selecting the appropriate oil for your vehicle. Choose the correct capacity based on the engine displacement. After pouring the oil, pull out the dipstick to check if the oil level is sufficient. Avoid overfilling; the correct amount is best.
Indeed, you can change the engine oil and oil filter by yourself. I'm someone who enjoys hands-on work, often spending weekends tinkering in the garage. As for tools, you just need a ramp or jack, wrenches, a new oil filter, new engine oil, and an oil drain pan. The steps are simple: first, lift the car safely, loosen the oil pan drain plug to drain the old oil, replace the oil filter and tighten it, then pour in new oil up to the marked level. Safety is key—make sure the car doesn’t slip and the ground is level. I do this often, saving around a hundred bucks in service fees each time. It feels rewarding, like being a small-time mechanic, and I pick up basic maintenance knowledge along the way. Plus, disposing of the used oil at a recycling point is more eco-friendly. Overall, DIY is satisfying—as long as you have the right tools and enough time, there’s no problem at all.
