Complete Guide: How to Change Your Car's Oil

TLDRLearn how to change your car's oil in this comprehensive guide for beginners. Save money and ensure a quality oil change by doing it yourself. Get step-by-step instructions, including tools needed and tips for a smooth process.

Key insights

💡Changing your car's oil yourself can save you money and ensure a higher quality job.

🔧You'll need common hand tools, gloves, paper towels, oil, filter, oil filter wrench, oil catch pan, funnel, and a breaker bar or pipe for extra leverage.

🚗Different cars may have oil filters located in different places, so consult your owner's manual to locate the oil drain plug and oil filter.

Changing your oil at recommended intervals or when your oil life monitor indicates is crucial for engine health and longevity.

⚠️Make sure to properly dispose of the used oil and filter to protect the environment. You can recycle them at most auto parts stores.

Q&A

Is it necessary to change my car's oil myself?

While it's not necessary, changing your car's oil yourself can save you money and give you more control over the quality of the oil change.

What tools do I need to change my car's oil?

You'll need common hand tools, gloves, paper towels, oil, filter, oil filter wrench, oil catch pan, funnel, and a breaker bar or pipe for extra leverage.

How often should I change my car's oil?

Refer to your owner's manual or oil life monitor for the recommended interval. Generally, it's around every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 3 to 6 months.

Where can I dispose of used oil and filters?

Most auto parts stores and some service stations have recycling programs for used oil and filters. Check with your local recycling facilities for proper disposal methods.

Can I switch between synthetic and conventional oil?

Yes, you can switch between synthetic and conventional oil as long as the viscosity and other specifications match your car's requirements.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction: Learn how to change your car's oil in this comprehensive guide for beginners.

01:53Watch the tools needed to change your oil and ensure you have everything before starting.

04:09Different methods for lifting your vehicle and accessing the oil drain plug.

07:57Locate the oil drain pan, drain the old oil, and replace the drain plug.

09:47Different tools to remove a stubborn oil filter if it won't come off by hand.

12:56Pre-oil the new oil filter and install it, ensuring a proper seal.

15:29Fill the engine with new oil, checking the oil level and adding the correct amount.

17:21Lower the vehicle and check the oil level again to ensure it's at the proper level.