In order to perform an oil change, a DIYer must have the proper tools. Here are some things to think about before plunging in to perform this task for yourself.
If a DIYer wants to perform his or her own oil change,
he or she will need to have some basic mechanical tools on hand. This automotive task is one of the most important steps to taking good care of one’s car. It should be performed on schedule like clockwork. Just how often the change is required will depend on a few things:
- Make and model of the car: Some cars require that the oil is replaced every 3,000 miles while others don’t recommend it until 5,000 miles or even longer. Typically, the newer the car, the less frequent the changes. The best way to learn this detail is by looking in a vehicle’s owner’s manual.
- Mountainous roads: If a car is driven on steep inclines, it will burn more lubricants and need to have a replacement done more often. Mountainous roads contribute to heavy usage.
- Very hot or cold climate: If a driver lives in extreme temperatures, either frigid or steamy, the oil may need to be changed more often. This is because lubricants will break down more quickly under these conditions.
- Hauling heavy loads: If a vehicle tows a trailer full of construction materials, it will require more frequent servicing. If the family has taken a vacation, traveling around the countryside with a travel trailer hooked to their vehicle, they will need to change the fluids more often than when they’re home.
Some of the tools that will be required for this automotive service include:
- Gloves: Work gloves will protect the hands from drippy gunk and will allow them to get a better grip, as well. Gloves are always a good idea when working on a messy job.
- Clothing to fit the situation: Don’t do this chore while wearing your good clothing. Oil is very hard to launder out of fabric. Whatever you wear to work on your car will have to be relegated to dirty-work attire.
- Jack: An auto jack will be needed to hoist the vehicle upward in order to perform the task at hand.
- Chocks and blocks: These heavy items should be wedged behind tires while the job is in progress so the car won’t roll. This is an important safety issue. Old cinder blocks will do the trick, as well.
- Auto wrench set: The proper sized wrenches will be needed for tightening and loosing bolts.
- Tub to collect drainage: A plastic tub to collect the oily fluids as they’re drained is needed. Make sure it’s the proper size so that it can catch up to six quarts of the dirty lubricants.
- Empty milk jugs: Save those empty milk jugs after the moo juice has been consumed. They are the perfect method of transport for old lube to the recycler. Most auto parts stores will take this off of your hands for free in order to recycle it. This helps you, them and the planet. Pouring old lube into waterways or the ground are huge no-no’s! This careless act will pollute Mother Earth for years to come.
You're ready to perform your oil change when everything's assembled! Be safe and follow the rules of the procedure and you and your car will come out of it as good as new.
