Changing your own oil seems simple enough. Just drain the oil, swap out a filter, add the right amount back in and you’re done, right? But as automotive specialist Scotty Kilmer points out, a simple oil change is anything but.
So, how do you change the oil in your car the right way?
Take these tips from #savagescotty himself:
- Choose the right oil for your vehicle
- Choose the best oil filter
- Have the right tools
- Know how much oil your vehicle needs
- Dispose of the old oil properly
Kilmer offers these tips plus many more in his short but succinct YouTube video on how to properly change your car’s oil, which we’ll cover in detail throughout this article.
Know What Your Car Needs First
As Kilmer points out in the beginning, a lot has changed about engines and engine oil in recent years. Older engines use conventional oil and require oil changes every 3,000 miles. The latest engines with variable valve timing rely on synthetic oil and enjoy longer intervals between changes.
How long you can go between oil changes is up to the manufacturer. You’ll find the answer in your vehicle owner’s manual, along with the weight of oil your engine needs. According to Kilmer, most newer cars use 5w or 0w oils due to tighter tolerances between moving parts.
Having a good oil filter also counts, especially if you’re going 5,000 miles or more between oil changes. Instead of going with the cheapest oil filter you can find, spend a little more for a higher-quality oil filter.
As Kilmer illustrates at 1:52 (remember folks, don’t try this at home), the higher quality filter usually has better seals for leak prevention and a larger paper filter with more pleats to filter out unwanted particles more effectively.
On the more-expensive oil filter, the anti-drainback valve is made from more durable material. These little differences can add up as you tack on the mileage in your vehicle.
Changing Your Oil the Right Way
Now it’s time to actually change your oil. Unless you have a pair of ramps you can drive your car up on, chances are you’ll be using a jack to lift the front of the vehicle. A set of jack stands underneath wouldn’t hurt, as Kilmer mentions.
When it comes to removing the drain plug, a socket wrench or a long breaker bar will do the trick. Just have your drain pan ready before taking the plug out completely. Oh, and don’t forget to wear gloves — things could get a little messy.
Here’s another helpful tip from Scotty: Before draining the oil, run the engine for 5 minutes and let it cool down for 10 minutes. Engine oil flows easier when it’s warm, especially if outdoor temperatures are on the chilly side.
Check the drain plug to make sure it’s in good shape. Also, consider replacing the gasket or spacer on the drain plug before reusing the plug.
Once you’ve drained out all of the oil, put the drain plug back on finger-tight before using your socket wrench to tighten it for good. Make sure not to tighten the plug too much or you’ll risk stripping the threads.
Next is the oil filter. If you can’t remove the filter by hand, Kilmer mentions using an oil filter removal tool to get the job done. You can buy or rent one from your local auto parts retailer.
Another Kilmer tip: Before installing the oil filter, dip a finger into your fresh engine oil and wipe some around the seal. This not only helps the seal work better, but it’ll also make removal easier the next time around.
Once you have the oil filter on good and tight, add the correct amount of oil needed for your engine. Again, you can find this info in your vehicle owner’s manual or look it up on Google.
You can even measure the amount of oil you drained out of the engine and put the same amount back in. Whatever you do, don’t forget to check your dipstick.
So, what to do with the old oil? Fortunately, you can put it in a container (or back into those now-empty oil bottles) and bring them to your local auto parts retailer for disposal, free of charge.
Take Care of Your Car the Right Way
There’s a right way and a wrong way to take care of your car. A Vehicle History report ensures you know exactly what your car needs, along with some great tips on making your car last longer and perform like new.
