Tips & Warning of How to Change the Oil in Your Car

Tips

• Be sure you have purchased the right filter and have all the tools you need before starting. It's a pain to have to run back to the store in the middle of the job. Especially since you won't be able to use your car.
• If you do jack up your car, be sure to put blocks behind the back tires to prevent the car from rolling backward.
• It's helpful to have a friend who has done this before around for assistance.
• It is best to replace the washer on the drain plug with each oil change. The autoparts store where you buy your oil and filter should have these for most cars.
• To avoid getting oil all over your arm when removing the drain plug bolt, apply inward force (as if you are trying to push the plug back into the hole) while removing it. When you know that bolt is fully unscrewed, quickly pull it away from the opening. If you're lucky only a few drops will get on your hand.
• Recycle your oil or store it if you have to. Dumping it on the ground is not cool and is illegal. See the following article: http://greennature.com/article213.html
• AutoZone or your local auto store will take your used oil for free, in most cases.
• Tie a rag around your wrist when you remove the oil plug. Oil might get all over your hands, but it won't go all the way down your arm, making it a messy clean up.
• Also consider using disposable latex gloves to keep your hands perfectly clean.
• When removing the oil filter, make sure that the rubber gasket ring comes off with the filter. If you don't and it sticks to the car, the new filter won't seal properly and will leak.
• When installing the new filter, dip the tip of your finger in the old oil and smear it on the gasket ring of the new filter. It doesn't matter if you use the old oil because it won't be circulating with the new oil. The ring won't stick to the car and this saves you hassle next time.
• It's a good idea to pour some oil into the filter prior to installing it. This can reduce the amount of time your car takes to regain proper oil pressure. If your filter is mounted vertically you may be able to fill it almost to the top. If it is at an angle, you may be able to get just a few tablespoons worth in just to saturate the filter media.
• Make sure you lay something under the car to catch oil runoff. As the oil comes out of the pan at an angle, it can be tricky to catch, and may land on the ground. If this includes your driveway, you will want some newspaper or a dropcloth to catch it, or you risk an oil stain on your driveway or garage.
• If you don't have a wrench to take off the oil filter hammer a screwdriver straight through the filter. This will give you some leverage to turn it. It does get a bit messy but saves you a bit of money.
• There are some oil drain valves on the market that replace your normal drain pan bolt. These can make oil changes much more convenient and can reduce the amount of mess you make.
• To avoid spilling too much oil as you remove the filter, wrap a plastic bag around the filter, which will catch any oil that escapes as you remove it.

Warnings

• Never, ever work under a car that is up on a jack. Jack the car up, then put it on a jackstand.
• Be aware of the heat of some parts of the car that you'll be working around. No one likes to get burned.
• Be sure you have the drain plug in and filter attached before adding oil and starting the car.
• This how-to is not meant for all cars, and certainly shouldn't be your only source of information. Always consult your owner's manual for manufacturer's recommendations when determining your maintenance schedule.
• Don't get the oil inlet confused with the transmission fluid inlet. You can ruin your transmission if you put oil in it.
• If you don't use the correct wrench on the drain plug bolt you run the risk of "rounding it off" (destroying the head of the bolt).
• Watch out, the oil may be very hot if you have been running the engine. Burned flesh can result.
• Do NOT over tighten the new filter, always tighten it by hand and not with a wrench.
  

Things You'll Need

• Oil (check your owner's manual for specific weight and quantity needed)
• Socket wrench (for foreign cars you will likely need a metric set)
• Oil filter (contact your local auto parts store for specific model of filter)
• Oil filter socket (if applicable)
• A way to get your car off the ground (ramps or a jack & jackstands work best)
  Something to catch the used oil in
• Oil rags or paper towel (optional)
• Some vehicles require you to remove top or bottom panels, which might require screwdrivers.
• Washer fluid (optional) Since most lube-places replace washer fluid, it's likely a good time to do the same.