How to Change Engine Oil by Yourself as a Car Owner?
3 Answers
Steps for car owners to change engine oil by themselves: 1. Run the engine to bring it to operating temperature, then use a jack to lift the vehicle, engage the handbrake, and secure the front wheels with wooden wedges; 2. Place an old container under the oil pan, locate the oil drain plug, slowly unscrew the drain plug, being careful not to come into contact with the hot oil, and allow the oil to drain for a while; 3. Move the oil container under the oil filter, use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter, and unscrew it by hand. If the filter is still hot, remember to wear gloves; 4. Apply new oil to the gasket of the new filter. If the filter is installed vertically, you can pour some new oil into the filter to reduce dry friction during the next engine start. Screw the filter in by hand and tighten it according to the instructions.
Changing your car's oil yourself is actually quite simple! First, determine what type of oil and new oil filter your car needs—check the manual or search online for the model. Gather your tools: an oil drain pan, wrench, jack, jack stands, along with new oil and filter. Find a level spot, lift the car with the jack, and secure it with jack stands—never rely on just the jack, as that’s extremely dangerous. Slide under the car, locate the oil pan drain plug, and use the wrench to loosen it, letting the old oil flow into the pan (gloves help with heat and mess). Next, remove the old oil filter—it might take some force to twist off, and some sticky old oil may leak out, but just take your time. Before installing the new filter, apply a bit of fresh oil to the seal and tighten it. After reinstalling the drain plug, add new oil up to the fill line and wipe off any spills. Start the engine for a few minutes and check for leaks around the oil pan and filter. I do this yearly, saving hundreds in labor costs, but always wear safety goggles and gloves. Properly disposing of the old oil is crucial—take it to a recycling center, never dump it (many auto shops accept it for free).
Changing your car's oil yourself is super cost-effective! First, gather the essentials: new engine oil, the right oil filter, a wrench, an oil drain pan, a jack, and other basic tools—no need for expensive ones. When performing the task, ensure the car is parked on level ground—safety first. Use the jack to lift the car and secure it with stands—don't cut corners. Crawl under, loosen the oil pan drain plug to let the old oil flow into the pan, then remove the old filter and install the new one. Apply a thin layer of new oil to the new filter's gasket to prevent leaks. Tighten the drain plug back, then add the new oil, being careful not to overfill. Start the engine and check for leaks—if none, you're all set! I've saved over a thousand bucks DIYing for two years—great for frequent drivers. Remember, never pour old oil down the drain—it's highly polluting. Take it to a recycling center for easy, eco-friendly disposal. Tools can be bought online for just a few bucks. Doing it yourself saves money and builds skills—it's simple and quick to learn.
