Oil Change at Home: Tips and Tricks

If you've always wanted to handle your own oil change, now is the time to give it a try. Letting the professionals handle your vehicle's maintenance is always a good idea but if you are curious about the process or just want to find out if you can do it, give it a go. Here are a few suggestions for avoiding potential problems and making your experience successful

Completely Drain All Fluids First

If you are excited to get started on the oil change, it can be tempting to take out the filter before all the fluids have been drained. Unfortunately when you do this, there is a pretty good chance that you are going to have a big mess on your hands. Place something under the vehicle that is large enough to handle all of the old fluids that are being drained. Then, take out the filter. This ensures that the entire old product is removed before you start to put in the new liquid. Mixing the old and new is never a good idea.

Place the Drain Plug in Securely (Don't Over Tighten)

There is a real balance needed when it comes to putting the drain plugs back in. You need it to be secure. Otherwise, your garage is going to be a mess as the new fluids leak out. It's pretty unpleasant to notice that your vehicle is leaving a small puddle wherever you park. If the fluids run low for too long, you run the risk of engine damage.

On the other hand, you do not want to tighten the plug too much. The plug is made of steel while the pan is made of aluminum. When the plug gets too tight, you could cause damage to the pan. Not only is this inconvenient but it could also lead to costly repairs. You do not want to end up replacing the pan because your oil change at home did not go well.

Use the Manufacturer's Recommended Weight and Amount

When you choose the fluids to use for the oil change, make sure you know exactly what kind you need and how much you need. It is easy to get caught up in the variety offered on the shelves. Your eyes can easily wander to brands offering help for high mileage vehicles or bottles claiming to extend the amount of time during your maintenance appointments.

While all of these things are great, the most important thing you need to remember is the recommended weight. If you aren't sure what your vehicle needs, look at the cap that you remove to pour in new product. It should tell you the correct weight needed. If you can't find it here, check the owner's manual. While reading, check to see just how much product you need to purchase. If you buy too much you can always use it for the next oil change. If you buy too little, you are looking at a last minute run to the store.