How to Change Your Car's Oil by Yourself?

[DeBennett]

Steps to change your car's oil: 1. Start the vehicle for about 1 minute to allow the oil to fully circulate, then turn off the engine. 2. Open the oil filler cap, and use tools to loosen the oil filter and oil drain plug. 3. Place an oil pan under the oil drain plug, completely loosen the plug, and drain the old oil until it stops flowing. 4. Tighten the oil drain plug and wipe off any excess oil with a cloth. Remove the old oil filter, being careful not to burn yourself—using a cloth is recommended. Apply oil to the new filter's seal and tighten it clockwise. 5. Add new oil through the oil filler port. It's advisable to consult a 4S shop beforehand for the correct amount. After adding, tighten the filler cap. 6. Restart the engine for 1-2 minutes and check for leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, turn off the engine immediately and address the issue. If there are no leaks, check the oil level with the dipstick after turning off the engine, and add oil to the standard level (slightly above the midpoint of the oil scale). The oil change is now complete.

[DeCorey]

Changing oil by myself is so convenient, I started from scratch and have done it several times. First, prepare the tools: determine the new oil type and whether it's one or two liters by checking the manual, one oil filter, a set of wrenches in different sizes, a clean pan to catch the old oil, gloves to protect hands, and safety glasses to prevent splashing. You also need ramps or a jack to lift the front of the car, ensuring it's parked on level ground with the handbrake engaged and wheel chocks in place. Warm up the engine for five to ten minutes to make the oil flow easier. Crawl under the car, locate the drain plug, and slowly unscrew it to let the old oil flow into the pan—be careful not to burn yourself. When replacing the filter, apply new oil to the seal ring to improve sealing. Tighten the plug back but don't over-tighten to avoid damaging the threads. Add new oil through the funnel in the engine bay, referring to the manual for the correct amount—don't overfill. After warming up the car, turn it off and check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is in the middle without overflow. Collect the old oil and take it to a recycling station—it's eco-friendly and saves money, giving a great sense of achievement each time you save a few hundred bucks.

[JosephLynn]

Oil Change Safety is Paramount I Pay Attention to Every Detail. Choose a flat spot to park, engage the handbrake firmly, and wedge the tires to prevent rolling. When using a jack or ramps, always place wheel chocks for extra support. Wear thick gloves to avoid burns from hot oil and inspect the engine underside, avoiding hot components like the exhaust pipe. Loosen the drain plug gently by one turn first to check for oil spray before fully opening to let it drain completely. When replacing the filter, clean the mating surface and remove the old seal to ensure no leaks. Tighten bolts to the specified torque—don’t over-tighten and risk damage. Use a funnel when adding new oil to prevent spills, measure precisely per the manual, and avoid overfilling. After starting the engine, carefully check underneath for leaks and recheck the oil level before driving. Store used oil in sealed containers and take it to a professional recycling facility to prevent environmental contamination. The entire process is methodical—protecting your car, extending engine life, saving money, and ensuring peace of mind.

[SanPresley]

Changing oil myself saves money and is eco-friendly, which I enjoy immensely. The material cost is low—buying a reputable brand of new oil plus a filter costs around fifty yuan, saving a hundred compared to shops. Basic tools: a jack for a few dozen yuan, an oil pan for ten, and old gloves will do. Quick and easy: lift the car safely, unscrew the drain plug to empty old oil, replace the filter, screw it back, pour in new oil, check the dipstick—done in one go. Collect old oil in a bucket and take it to a repair shop for recycling—don’t dump it, protect the environment. Change every 5,000 km to reduce engine wear, keeping the car running smoothly for over 100,000 km. Monthly savings plus supporting green initiatives—beginners can learn in half an hour.

[RicardoDella]

Newbies often make mistakes when changing oil themselves, and I've learned the hard way. Once, overtightening the drain plug caused thread stripping, leading to leaks and repairs. Remember: tighten the plug gently and stop when it's snug. Always replace the filter, clean the base, remove the old gasket, and apply oil for a leak-proof seal. Pouring oil by guesswork risks overfilling—smoke and engine damage follow. Check the manual; use a funnel for precise measurement to minimize risks. Failing to check for leaks means driving off only to find a puddle later—always start the engine and inspect underneath before leaving. Never dump old oil down drains—it's illegal and costly. Warm up the car for easier drainage, and use new washers to prevent leaks. These lessons help avoid mistakes for a smoother, worry-free experience.

[McMary]

Choosing the right engine oil enhances performance, and I insist on using synthetic oil. When changing it myself, I opt for full synthetic oil to protect the engine and reduce carbon buildup. I choose OEM brand filters to ensure impurities are filtered out and lubrication is maintained. During the process, I clean the oil pan drain port to prevent residue and use a funnel for precise pouring to avoid waste. I select viscosity based on the season—thicker oil in summer to prevent high-temperature degradation and thinner oil in winter for easier flow. Regular oil changes every 5,000 kilometers extend engine life, keeping it running smoothly for a decade without issues, saving money and hassle. Quality control ensures the engine runs quietly and powerfully, delivering a noticeably smoother drive. Simple maintenance keeps the car in top condition.