Can I Change the Engine Oil Myself?
4 Answers
You can change the engine oil yourself. The functions of engine oil: Lubrication and friction reduction: It forms an oil film between two sliding surfaces to prevent friction and ensure smooth operation of components; Auxiliary cooling: The engine generates high temperatures during operation, and when the oil reaches the operating parts, it absorbs heat and carries it away, aiding in heat dissipation; Shock absorption and buffering: When the pressure in the engine cylinder rises sharply, it suddenly increases the load on the piston, piston skirt, connecting rod, and crankshaft bearings. This load is transmitted and lubricated through the bearings, cushioning the impact load. Main components of engine oil: The main components of engine oil are base oil and additives. Base oil is a non-volatile oil extracted from plant seeds, flowers, roots, or fruits, which can lubricate the skin and is directly used for skin massage. It is also the best carrier oil for diluting essential oils.
You can definitely change the engine oil yourself. As a car owner with several years of experience, I find this task quite suitable for DIY. You'll need a jack, wrench set, new engine oil and oil filter, an old oil container, and it's best to do it in a garage or on a flat surface. First, securely lift the car with the jack—never on a slope, safety comes first. Loosen the oil pan drain bolt to drain the old oil, wait about ten minutes for it to fully drain, then replace the filter and tighten the bolt. Next, add new oil to the amount specified in the manual, start the engine to check if the oil level light functions normally. The whole process is simple and easy to learn, taking about an hour to complete, saving you a couple hundred dollars at the repair shop. Beginners should start with simpler car models, follow online tutorials for practice, and remember to properly dispose of used oil at a recycling station—environmental protection is important. I do this every time—not only does it save money, but it also helps me understand my car better. Regular minor maintenance keeps the engine running longer.
Changing oil by yourself is totally fine. I remember being super nervous on my first try, feeling all clumsy as a newbie. Spent a few bucks on a jack and wrench, paired with a new oil filter, and got to work in the garage. Spilled a bit when draining the old oil, and the filter was so tight it almost got stuck—sweating bullets from stress. But taking it slow, following video tutorials step by step, drained all the oil, replaced the parts, added fresh oil, and after starting up, checked the level—perfect! Saved over a hundred bucks, felt awesome, and built confidence. Realized the tools are just basic stuff—don’t overcomplicate it. Beginners should prep all materials, start during daylight to avoid poor lighting, stay relaxed—mistakes are fixable. Key points: use quality oil brands, dispose of waste oil responsibly, and don’t fear going slow—it’s half the fun.
Changing engine oil can be done by yourself, but caution is required. From a safety perspective, beginners need to be well-prepared. Lack of experience can lead to mistakes, such as the car slipping due to an unstable jack or being scalded by hot oil during drainage. Adding too much or too little oil can damage the engine, and a loosely tightened oil filter may leak, potentially contaminating the ground. Improper disposal of used oil can cause serious environmental problems. If you're not familiar with the process, it's advisable to visit a professional shop—saving money is minor compared to safety. I always insist on working on a flat surface for stability, with all necessary tools at hand, and taking my time to do the job properly.
