How To Perform an Oil Change

If you believe that your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles then it's time to reboot your thinking and join the 21st century. The advances made in engine oil chemistry over the past 20 years now allow a vehicle to go between 5,000 and 15,000 miles between changes depending on the make and model. A quick reference to your owner's manual will tell you the recommended miles between changes as well as the grade of oil to use.

So why do millions of Americans still change their oil every 3,000 miles? You can thank the quick lube industry and some car dealers who continue to use window stickers and email reminders touting the 3,000 mile mark. As a result Americans use almost twice as much motor oil each year than necessary. This means we pay for twice as many oil changes and dump 50% more toxic waste (used motor oil) than we need to.

So check your manual for the correct interval and get ready to save $30 to $40 by doing the time honored DIY project of a home oil change.

• 5 to 6 quarts of oil
• A replacement oil filter
• Oil filter wrench
• Socket set
• Funnel
• Oil drain pan
• Latex gloves
• Jack and jack stands or ramps
• Shop rag
• Grubby clothes

Check your owner's manual for the amount and type of oil that you'll need for the change. If you are buying the oil at an automotive supply store ask them if they will dispose your used oil. If they don't offer that service they are sure to know the location of the nearest municipal hazardous waste disposal site.

If this is your first attempt and you need to buy some tools here are a few tips. Get a drain pan that has a spout and a removable top. This will make disposing of the used oil a less messy operation. You'll need an oil filter wrench and you'll have the option of a traditional "band" wrench or the newer filter wrench that engages the serrations on the end of the oil filter. Either will work but the newer type may give you more room to work with once you are under the car. Don't worry about a funnel. You can take an empty water bottle and cut off the bottom. Voila…instant funnel.

1. Wait until the engine is cool but not stone cold before you attempt to change the oil.
2. Pop the hood and remove the oil filler cap. This eliminates the "finger over the straw" effect and allows the oil to flow out the drain plug.
3. You'll need to use a floor jack and stands or drive up ramps to give you the clearance under the car. DO NOT use the jack that came with the car.
4. Get under the car and locate the filter and drain plug. Place the drain pan so it can catch the oil from both. If the pan is too small to cover both areas then focus on catching the oil from the drain plug.
5. Use a socket wrench or box end to loosen the drain plug. Use your fingers to unscrew and remove it. The oil is going to come out under pressure so be prepared to get some trickling down your arm.
6. While the oil is draining you can change the filter (assuming your pan is big enough to catch the runoff). Use the filter wrench to start the process but finish it with your hand to prevent the filter from falling into the drain pan creating a very ugly splash. Pour the oil from the filter into the pan.
7. Use a rag to clean up as much oil as you can from the filter mount. Make sure the old filter's O ring is not stuck to the mount.
8. Use your hand to mount the new filter and stop screwing it in when you feel the filter's O-ring engage with the mount. At this point you want to give the filter a three quarter turn but no more.
9. Use a rag to clean the oil plug and then reinstall. The plug should be screwed on tight but not over tightened.
10. Insert your funnel into the oil filler and start the process of adding oil. Once it's filled, replace the oil filler cap and turn on the engine for about 30 seconds to circulate the oil. Check under the car for any leaks.
11. Remove the drain pan, tools and rags from under the car.
12. Remove the jack stands and get back on solid ground.

Congratulations! You have just completed an oil change. Now write the mileage for your next oil change on a piece of paper and keep it in your owner's manual.

- End of Procedure -

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