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Introduction
Let’s face it: Car ownership is expensive.
Car payments, insurance, registration, and maintenance add up.
Here’s how I save a lot of money changing my own car oil.
Car maintenance anxiety
Like the majority of people, growing up, I never really learned how to work on my own cars.
I always viewed it as something professionals needed to do.
Starter or alternator needs replacing? Take it to the auto mechanic.
Brakes squealing? Better have a professional check it out.
Of course, theoretically, I knew one could change engine oil in one’s own car but what tools does one need?
How do I know which type of oil to buy and how much?
What about getting underneath the car?
Isn’t that dangerous?
And then what are you supposed to do with the used engine oil?
What a headache!
This is exactly what I used to think, until I learned and perfected routine engine oil changes.
How to change your own engine oil
Generally speaking, anyone can change the oil on one’s car.
You don’t have to be a mechanic, and once you learn what tools are needed and how to do it, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is!
Tools needed:
- Set of car ramps (Harbor Freight Tools)
- Tire blocks
- Long, ½” breaker-bar and 14 mm socket
- ⅜” socket wrench and 14 mm socket
- Plastic oil catch pan
- Mechanic’s, rubber, or work gloves
- Basic oil funnel
- Oil filter wrench
- Drain plug washer (optional or buy at your local auto store or Amazon)
- Shop towels or basic paper towels
Additional items:
- Engine oil (check owners manual or Google your car’s year, make and model)
- Oil filter (same)
Steps:
- Place your car ramps in front of your tires, and drive onto them up to the limit.
- Secure both back tires by placing tire blocks directly behind them.
- Pop your hood, place cardboard and drip pan underneath the oil reservoir.
- Using a breaker bar, open the oil drain plug by turning counterclockwise and let the old oil drain into the catch pan.
- After several minutes of allowing the oil to drain completely, wipe any excess oil on the reservoir and first hand tighten the drain plug back on and tighten a bit more by using the ⅜” socket wrench and 14 mm socket for a snug fit.
- Using the oil filter wrench, crack it open turning counter-clockwise, remove, and allow excess oil to drain into the catch pan.
- Replace the oil filter with a new one, turning it snugly in place.
- At the engine and using a funnel, open the oil cap and pour in the required amount of engine (usually around 5 quarts).
- Place and secure the oil cap back on the engine block by turning clockwise.
- Close the hood, remove the tire blocks, start the engine, and slowly back out.
- Re-check the oil engine dipstick to make sure the oil is at an adequate level. Add oil if needed.
* Pour your spent engine oil into an empty plastic container with cap and recycle at your nearest auto store or hazardous waste recycling center.
**Perform oil changes every six months or every 5,000 miles.
***Purchase your engine oil at Costco or Walmart and your oil filter at either Walmart or Amazon.
Conclusion
That’s it!
Yes, changing our own car engine oil can be a little time consuming and get your hands bit dirty, but doing it yourself can save $30-$70 each time!
No longer will you need to make an appointment and waste your morning at your car dealer or auto mechanic.
Doing it yourself saves you time and money and gives you the satisfaction of working on your own car!
If I can do it, you can do it!
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