DIY Oil Change Guide

If you enjoy your current vehicle and are intent on keeping it around for a while, the first maintenance task you’re likely going to need to look into is the oil change. And if you’re a hands-on kind of person who doesn’t mind a little dirt and grime from time to time, you may decide to take care of this little project on your own. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, don’t worry… once you’re through with this quick little step by step you’ll be in and out in no time.

Materials:
Adjustable oil filter
Adjustable wrench
Oil drain pan
8 quarts of new oil
1 new filter
Rags

Step 1 – Before starting the oil change procedure proper, you’ll want to turn on the vehicle and let the engine run for 5-10 minutes in order to ensure that the oil is warm. This will warm up the rest of the car so be sure to be careful when maneuvering underneath to locate the drain plug.

Step 2 – Once you’ve found the plug, grab your pan and position it directly underneath it. Remove the dipstick, allowing air to enter the pan. 

Step 3 – Grab your wrench and use it to loosen the drain plug. You’ll want to complete the removal by hand once you’ve got it going. Remove it and allow everything to drain out completely into the pain. Drainage can take a few minutes. 

Step 4 – While the oil drains, grab your filter wrench and remove the oil filter. Take care to adjust the chain on the wrench so that it fits your filter. Turn counter-clockwise until it is loose and finish the removal by hand. The filter will still be filled with oil, so position it upside down in the oil pan and give it time to drain.

Step 5 – After the draining has completed, clean the area and replace the plug. It’s an easy detail to forget, but vital to the success of your task. If you happen to forget, don’t worry, as you’ll remember a few steps from now once a pool of black fluid begins forming around your shoes.

Step 6 – Take your finger and dip it into the new oil, spreading a thin film over the rubber gasket located just around the opening of the new filter. This process lubricates the filter and ensures it sits better.

Step 7 – Replace the filter onto the engine mount in the same spot which you removed the old one from. Avoid using the filter wrench to tighten the filter as this will almost always end it a split gasket. Tighten by hand to be safe.

Step 8 – Once all of your pieces are back in their place, you can start adding the new oil through the oil port in the valve cover. Add just a little bit less than the owner’s manual specifies and then check your level with the dipstick. It can sometimes take a few minutes for everything to settle. 

Step 9 – Check out the underside for leaks and start your vehicle, leaving it idle for at least 10 minutes. Check again for leaks. 

That’s it! You've just completed an oil change.