If you’re looking to take better care of your car, learning how to change your oil is a great place to start. In this beginner’s guide to oil changes, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to successfully change your oil at home. Not only will this guide help you keep your engine in great shape, but it will also save you time and money by avoiding unnecessary trips to the mechanic.
Why Oil Changes Are Essential
As highlighted in this beginner’s guide on how to change the oil in my car, oil plays a vital role in keeping your engine’s moving parts properly lubricated and preventing overheating. Without regular oil changes, your engine can wear down faster, leading to costly repairs. In this guide, you’ll learn why it’s crucial to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, based on your car’s specific requirements.
Pro Tip: Always follow your car manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule to ensure maximum engine longevity.
Product Recommendation: For longer-lasting performance and superior engine protection, consider using Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil.
What You’ll Need for an Oil Change
In this beginner’s guide to oil changes, we’ve put together a simple list of what you’ll need before getting started:
- Fresh oil (check your manual for type and amount)
- Oil filter
- Oil filter wrench
- Socket wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Gloves
- Jack and jack stands or ramps
Pro Tip: Keep a few rags handy for spills and tool cleanup during your oil change.
Product Recommendation: The FRAM Extra Guard Oil Filter is perfect for filtering out debris and protecting your engine.
Step 1: Warm Up Your Engine
A key step in our beginner’s guide to oil changes is warming up your engine. Let your car run for about 5-10 minutes before starting. Warm oil drains much faster than cold oil, making the process easier.
Pro Tip: Don’t let the engine get too hot—you want it warm enough to make the oil flow but not so hot that it’s dangerous to work near.
Product Recommendation: Mechanix Wear Gloves are ideal for protecting your hands from heat and oil during the process.
Step 2: Safely Lift Your Vehicle
In this beginner’s guide to oil changes, safety is a top priority. Use a jack and jack stands or ramps to safely lift your vehicle if it’s too low to the ground for easy access.
Pro Tip: Always use wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent any unwanted movement while you’re working under the car.
Product Recommendation: RhinoGear RhinoRamps are durable and provide a secure way to elevate your car.
Step 3: Locate and Remove the Drain Plug
As you continue through this beginner’s guide to oil changes, you’ll need to find the oil drain plug under the engine. Once you locate it, place the oil pan directly underneath and loosen the plug using a socket wrench. Let the oil drain completely into the pan.
Pro Tip: Let the oil drain for a few minutes to ensure that all the old oil is out.
Product Recommendation: The Craftsman Socket Wrench Set is a reliable tool for loosening the drain plug.
Step 4: Remove the Oil Filter
In this beginner’s guide to oil changes, we also emphasize the importance of removing the oil filter carefully. Using your oil filter wrench, unscrew the old filter and dispose of it. Be ready for some oil to spill from the filter when you remove it.
Pro Tip: Always have a rag nearby to wipe up any extra oil when removing the filter.
Product Recommendation: Lisle Oil Filter Wrench is a great tool for easily removing filters.
Step 5: Install the New Oil Filter
One critical step in this beginner’s guide to oil changes is installing your new oil filter correctly. Before screwing it in, rub a little fresh oil around the rubber gasket to ensure a good seal. Hand-tighten the filter until it’s snug.
Pro Tip: Don’t over-tighten the oil filter—hand-tight is sufficient to prevent leaks.
Product Recommendation: The FRAM PH3614 Extra Guard Oil Filter offers excellent filtration and is easy to install.
Step 6: Replace the Drain Plug
The next step in our beginner’s guide to oil changes is to replace the drain plug after the oil has completely drained. Tighten the plug with your socket wrench, ensuring it’s secure but not overly tightened.
Pro Tip: Use a torque wrench to tighten the plug to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications.
Product Recommendation: The TEKTON Torque Wrench ensures you get the right amount of torque on the drain plug.
Step 7: Add the New Oil
In this beginner’s guide to oil changes, now it’s time to add the fresh oil. Open the oil cap under the hood, insert a funnel, and slowly pour in the recommended amount of new oil.
Pro Tip: Check your car’s manual for the correct amount of oil to add and avoid overfilling.
Product Recommendation: Castrol GTX Full Synthetic Motor Oil is an excellent choice for long-lasting engine protection.
Step 8: Check the Oil Level
After adding the oil, a key part of this beginner’s guide to oil changes is checking the oil level with the dipstick. Start your car and let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off and check the oil level again. Add more oil if needed.
Pro Tip: Always check the oil level after letting the car sit for a few minutes to get an accurate reading.
Product Recommendation: GooDeal Funnel Set is ideal for a clean and mess-free oil fill.
Step 9: Clean Up and Dispose of Old Oil
Disposing of the old oil properly is a critical part of this beginner’s guide to oil changes. Never pour it down the drain or throw it in the trash. Take it to an auto parts store or recycling center.
Pro Tip: Pour the old oil back into the container that the new oil came in for easy disposal.
Product Recommendation: Hopkins FloTool Oil Drain Pan is perfect for collecting and transporting used oil.
Step 10: Reset the Oil Change Light
The final step in this beginner’s guide to oil changes is resetting your car’s oil change light if your vehicle has one. This is usually done by holding down the reset button or following your car’s manual.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure how to reset the light, look up the specific steps for your car model online.
Conclusion
Changing your oil at home is not only easy but also a great way to save money and keep your engine running smoothly. By following this beginner’s guide to oil changes, you’ll be able to confidently tackle this essential maintenance task. Whether you’re a first-timer or just need a refresher, this guide has everything you need to get the job done right.
With the help of this beginner’s guide to oil changes, you’re well on your way to becoming a pro at taking care of your car!
