How to Change Car Oil at Home?

[LeGemma]

Steps for manually changing the oil: 1. Run the engine until it reaches the required operating temperature. Then, use a jack to lift the vehicle, engage the handbrake, and secure the front wheels with wooden wedges. 2. Place a container for the old oil under the oil pan, locate the oil drain plug, and slowly loosen it. Be careful not to come into contact with the hot oil and allow the oil to drain completely. After the old oil has drained, inspect the drain plug and reinstall it. Avoid over-tightening the plug to prevent damage to the oil pan. 3. Move the oil container under the oil filter, put on gloves, and use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter. Gently unscrew it. 4. Refer to the user manual to select the appropriate oil filter for your vehicle. 5. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new filter. You can also pour some new oil into the filter to reduce dry friction during the next engine start. With gloves on, gently screw in the new filter and tighten it according to the instructions in the user manual. 6. The final step is to pour the new oil into the oil pan. Refer to the user manual for guidance. Using a funnel can effectively prevent spilling oil on the engine exterior. After adding the new oil, check for leaks under the engine. If there are no leaks, gently lower the vehicle, check the oil dipstick, and start the engine. The indicator light on the dashboard should turn off immediately. Finally, turn off the engine and recheck the oil level. Dispose of the used oil and filter safely.

[McRebecca]

I've changed the engine oil myself several times, and I think it's manageable at home as long as you're careful. First, prepare the tools: new oil, a new filter, a wrench, an oil pan, a jack, and safety stands. Safety first—park the car on level ground, and after the engine cools, use the jack to lift the front and secure it with stands. Don’t skip this step to avoid accidents. Then, use the wrench to loosen the drain plug at the oil pan, letting the old oil flow into the pan. Be careful not to splash it on your clothes—it’s hard to wash out. Next, replace the filter using a specialized wrench to remove the old one. Apply a bit of new oil on the new filter’s gasket to prevent leaks, and tighten it properly without overdoing it. Add the new oil slowly using a measuring cup or funnel, ensuring not to overfill—check the dipstick to keep it at the midpoint. Finally, start the engine for a few minutes and check for leaks around the drain plug and filter. Remember to store the used oil in a sealed container and take it to an auto parts store for recycling—it’s eco-friendly. Regular oil changes also protect the engine and save on repair costs.

[VanAriel]

I was a bit nervous when I first started learning to change the oil myself, but later found it quite simple. Getting the right type of oil and filter is crucial, so I checked the owner's manual to confirm compatibility. After gathering the necessary tools, I parked the car on level ground and waited for the engine to cool down before starting. I carefully lifted the front of the car with a jack and made sure to secure it firmly with safety stands. Unscrewing the drain plug, the old oil flowed steadily into the drain pan—I made sure to catch it all. Changing the filter requires a bit of care; the old filter tends to leak oil when unscrewed, so I wore gloves to avoid making a mess. Before installing the new filter, I applied a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber gasket to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. Then, I added the new oil, using a funnel to control the flow and stopping when the level was between the dipstick's upper and lower marks. After starting the engine and letting it idle for a few minutes, I checked underneath for any leaks. Don’t forget to collect the used oil in a container and take it to a designated recycling point—never dump it improperly to avoid environmental harm.

[LeJohnny]

Changing oil at home is really not troublesome. I usually drive a lot and have gotten used to doing it myself. First, pick out the new oil and filter, then gather all the necessary tools before getting started. Park the car on level ground and wait until the engine is cool before lifting it, using a jack to support it securely—make sure it's firmly fixed. Loosen the drain plug to let the old oil flow into a pan. Change the filter quickly to avoid getting oil all over your hands. When installing the new filter, apply a bit of oil to improve the seal. Pour in the new oil slowly, keeping an eye on the level to avoid overfilling—just check with the dipstick to ensure it's in the middle range. Start the engine to check for leaks, and you're done. Collect the old oil and take it for recycling—it's convenient and eco-friendly. Follow the maintenance schedule in the manual for oil change intervals to keep the engine protected.