Changing the oil in your car or truck is one of the most important maintenance steps you can take. If you’re tired of paying someone else to do it, YouTube mechanic #ChrisFix offers a video tutorial to show you just how easy it is to do yourself.
How do you change the oil in your car or truck?
- Drain the oil
- Change the oil filter
- Fill with correct new oil
It really is that simple to change your own oil. Let’s break down the steps he set out in the video so you can be prepared to tackle this maintenance task on your own.
Chris offers this and many other car maintenance advice videos on his channel. Subscribe to ChrisFix to stay up to date on how you can care for your vehicle.
What Tools Do You Need?
Before you start, you’ll need some tools. Gather these:
- Socket set with ratchet and sockets
- Gloves
- Paper towels
- Oil
- Filter
- Oil filter wrench
- Oil pan
- Funnel
- Breaker bar
- Jacks or ramps
- Wood block
Make sure you get the right oil and filter for your car. Look in the owner’s manual under oil and capacities to find this information. Chris recommends using synthetic oil.
If your car has conventional oil, you can switch to synthetic at any time, according to Chris.
Safely Lift the Car Before You Begin
Lift the car safely to access the oil pan. Block rear tires and put it in park or first gear. Pull emergency brake.
To jack the car, use the jack to lift it, then place the jack stands on a strong piece of metal. Keep the jack itself in place once the car is resting on the stands for added safety.
Chris prefers to use ramps, and he also shows you how to use those to lift the car. It’s easier and safer.
Put the vehicle in park and slide ramps under the wheels. Drive the car up on the ramps. Block the rear tires and put it in park with the emergency brake.
Before going under the car, shake the car by hand and make sure it’s stable. If it is, you’re ready to start.
Step 1: Drain the Oil
Locate the oil drain plug. Start by finding the drain pan. This is usually black and has a bolt out the back.
Place the oil collection pan under the drain pan. Grab a ratchet and socket to loosen the bolt, turning counter-clockwise. Use a breaker bar if you can’t reach. Finish loosening by hand. Let the oil drain out.
If your bolt has a gasket, replace it before you put the gasket back on. Tighten it with the ratchet, moving clockwise. Don’t use the breaker bar this time.
Step 2: Change the Old Oil Filter
Put the oil catch pan under the filter. Try removing the filter by hand. If it won’t come off, use an oil filter wrench.
Take the new filter out of the box and put a little oil inside the filter and around the gasket. This only works on cars that have the oil filter under the engine.
Install the filter. Clean the oil filter adapter if you can, and screw the filter into place.
Step 3: Add the New Oil
Leave the car on the ramps because you don’t want to run it without oil. Find the oil cap.
Clean the oil cap with a paper towel before opening it. Take the cap off, and using the funnel, fill the engine with clean oil. Measure the oil using the measurement gauge on the side of the oil container.
Close the oil compartment.
Start the car and make sure all of the oil lights are off. This means you have enough oil. Back the car off the ramps. Check underneath for leaks. Let the car sit for about 10 minutes. Then, use the dipstick to check the oil levels.
Make Sure Maintenance Has Been Done Before Buying a Vehicle
According to Chris, oil changes are easy and important, but not all owners take care of this job. Before buying any used car, find out its maintenance history by checking the Vehicle History.
