Saving Money Changing Your Own Oil

Frequent oil changes are the best preventive maintenance the home mechanic can give the engine, because aging oil becomes diluted and contaminated, which leads to premature wear.

1. 1.Drain pan - It should be fairly shallow in depth, but wide enough to prevent spills.

    2. Rubber gloves - When removing the drain plug and filter, you will get oil on your hands (the gloves will prevent burns) 

   3. Breaker bar or ratchet - Sometimes the oil drain plug is tight, and a long breaker bar is needed to loosen it. 

   4. Socket - To be used with the breaker bar or a ratchet (must be correct size to fit the drain plug - six - point preferred)

    5. Filter wrench - This is a metal band - type wrench, which requires clearance around the filter to be effective. 

   6. Filter wrench - This type fits on the bottom of the filter and can be turned with a ratchet or breaker bar(different - size wrenches are available for different types of filters) 

   7. Make sure you have all the necessary tools before you begin this procedure. You should also have plenty of rags or newspapers handy for mopping up any spills.

1. If this is your first oil change, get under car and familiarize yourself with the locations of the oil drain plug and the oil filter. The engine and exhaust components will be warm during the actual work, so try to anticipate any potential problems before the engine and accessories are hot.

2. Park the vehicle on a level spot, raise the hood. Start the engine and allow it to reach its normal operating temperature. Warm oil and sludge will flow out more easily. Turn off the engine when it has warmed up. Remove the filler cap from the valve cover.

3. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. WARNING: Never get beneath the vehicle when it is supported only by a jack.The jack provided with your vehicle is designed solely for raising the vehicle to remove and replace the wheels. Always use jackstands to support the vehicle when it becomes necessary to place your body underneath the vehicle.

4. Being careful not to touch the hot exhaust components , place the oil drain pan under the drain plug and remove the plug. Its a good idea to wear gloves while unscrewing the plug the final few turns to prevent contact with the hot, contaminated oil.

5. Allow the old oil to drain into the pan. It may be necessary to move the pan further under the engine once the oil slows to a trickle. Inspect the old oil for the presence of metal shavings and chips.

6. After all oil has drained, wipe off the drain plug with a clean rag. Even minute metal particles clinging to the plug will immediately contaminate new oil.

7. Clean the area around the drain plug opening , reinstall the plug and tighten it to the torque listed in your owners manual.

8.Move the drain pan under the position of the oil filter for removal.

9. Loosen the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise with the filter wrench. Use a quality filter wrench of the correct size and be careful not to collapse the canister as you apply pressure. Once the filter is loose, use your hands to unscrew it from the block. Just as the filter is detached from the block , immediately tilt the open end up to prevent the oil inside the filter from spilling out.

10. Use a clean rag to remove all oil, dirt and sludge from the area where the filter contacts the engine. Check the old filter to make sure the rubber gasket isn't stuck to the sealing surface on the engine.

11. Compare the old filter with the new one to make sure they are the same type. Smear some clean oil on the rubber gasket of the new oil filter and screw it into place. Attach the new filter to the engine, following the tightening directions on the filter canister or packaging box. Most filter manufacturers recommend against using a filter wrench due to the possibility of over-tightening and damaging the seal.

12.Remove all tools, rags, etc. from under the vehicle, being careful not to spill the oil in the drain pan, then lower vehicle.

13. Add new oil to the engine through the oil filler cap in the valve cover. Use a funnel to prevent spilling. Pour the recommended amount of new oil, found in your owners manual, into the engine. Wait a few minutes to allow the oil to drain into the pan, then check the level on the oil dipstick . If the oil level is at or near the upper mark on the dipstick, install the filler cap hand tight, start the engine and allow the new oil to circulate.

14. Allow the engine to run for about a minute then turn it off. Wait about five minutes to allow the oil to trickle down into the pan, then recheck the level on the dipstick and, if necessary, add enough oil to bring the level to the upper mark.

15. Reset the oil life indicator as explained in your owners manual. Remember oil should be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles whichever comes first.

16. During first few trips check often for leaks and proper oil level. Old oil can not be re-used and should be disposed of properly, usually your local shop will take up to a certain amount.

17. Pat your self on the back you just completed your own oil change and saved some much needed money, Congrats!