Oil changes – those pesky check-ups that come around more often than you probably think they should.
Oil changes are so routine it isn’t difficult to find a great auto shop to schedule an appointment with. But perhaps you’re one of those people that likes to get this sort of thing done yourself.
The overall price of an oil change in the shop and a DIY change is roughly the same. But there can be a certain satisfaction in doing it yourself.
Important points to remember:
- Always let the engine completely cool before changing the oil.
- Be sure the car is parked on level ground.
- Secure the car on jack stands for safety.
What you’ll need:
- Something to catch spills – cardboard, plywood, a huge sheet of plastic or a bunch of newspaper if nothing else.
- A wrench and/or ratchet that will fit your
- A recycling container to catch the old oil in
- A new oil filter
- New oil
- Clean rags
- A large funnel
The oil change process:
- Find and unscrew the oil plug, drain the old oil into the recycling container. Then clean and replace the plug. (DO NOT DRAIN HOT OIL.)
- Remove the old oil filter using a wrench. Be careful when removing, it may still be full of oil.
- Take the new oil filter and lubricate the rubber gasket with some new oil and fill it about 2/3 full with new oil.
- Trying not to spill, screw on the new oil filter with your hand (not a wrench). Don’t over-tighten the filter or it may leak.
- After determining how much oil your engine holds, use the funnel to pour new oil in.
- Screw on the cap and warm up the engine. Wait a few minutes and check the oil levels.
Congratulations, you have now successfully changed your own oil!
If this seems like too much to handle, schedule your next oil change in South Utah County.