Do-It-Yourself Oil Change: Save Money and Empower Yourself

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Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining your car's health. They remove dirty oil that can damage your engine and replace it with fresh oil that keeps everything running smoothly. While you can take your car to a mechanic for this service, changing your own oil can be a rewarding and cost-saving experience.

Before you get started, gather your supplies: Consult your car's owner's manual to find the correct type and amount of oil for your vehicle.

Tools and Supplies:

Oil (see owners manual)
New oil filter
Drain pan
Box-end wrench or socket wrench to fit your drain plug
Rags
Safety Glasses (optional but highly recommended)
Nitrile or Latex gloves (optional but highly recommended)

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Let the engine cool slightly if it's been running (warm oil is easier to drain, but hot oil can burn you).

Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick and filler cap. You'll need these later.

Prep for draining the oil:

Find a safe and secure way to raise the front of your car. Ramps are a good option, but jack stands can be used with proper caution (consult your owner's manual for jacking points and safety instructions). Place your drain pan under the oil pan, which is the large, flat pan underneath the engine.

Draining the oil:

Loosen the drain plug with your wrench. Be careful, the oil will drain quickly once loose! Let it drain completely into the pan.

While the oil drains:

Lets replace the oil filter. You'll likely need an oil filter wrench to loosen the old one. Be sure to remove any old gasket material from the mounting surface. Apply a thin layer of oil around the gasket of the new filter. Twist on the new filter by hand, snug it up firmly, but don't over-tighten it.

Once the oil has drained completely:

Inspect the drain plug to ensure its clean and there is no damage to the threads. Replace the drain plug and tighten it securely with your wrench. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended torque specification.

Now it's time to add new oil!
Locate your Oil cap on top of your Engine. Using your funnel add the oil to your engine, referring to your owner's manual for the exact amount. Remember to go slow and do not add too much. Once you have hit the recommended amount its time to verify.

Verifying your oil level
Locate your dipstick, pull it out and wipe it off. Then reinsert it all the way and pull it out again. Look at the bottom of the dipstick for markings that indicate "Full" and "Low". If it is at the "Full" line you are good and can move on to the next step. If it is under then add more oil. Keep in mind to fill a little at a time and check often utilizing the dipstick.

Double-check for leaks
Start your car and let it run for a few minutes. Look under the car for any leaks around the drain plug or oil filter.

Clean up!
Dispose of the used oil and filter responsibly. Many auto parts stores will accept these for recycling.

Congrats!
You've just changed your car's oil. This may seem like a complex task, but with a little preparation and these steps as a guide, you can tackle this preventative maintenance yourself and keep your car running smoothly for miles to come.

Additional tips:

If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, there's no shame in taking your car to a mechanic. Always consult your owner's manual for specific instructions for your car. Consider taking pictures or videos during the process to help you remember the steps for next time. By changing your own oil, you're not only saving money but also gaining valuable knowledge about your car. Happy wrenching!