Changing your own oil at home can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to learn more about your vehicle and save some money. However, it can also be a messy and time-consuming task. At Wheeler AutoCare, we bring our professional oil change services directly to your home or office, ensuring a hassle-free and high-quality experience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to perform an oil change at home and show you the Wheeler AutoCare advantage.
Step 1: Preparing for the Oil Change
Materials Needed:
New oil (check your owner’s manual for the type and quantity)
New oil filter
Drain plug rubber seal or crush washer (as applicable to your vehicle). Some cartridge type filters come with a new crush washer.
Oil filter wrench. Many European or Toyota vehicles require a specific oil filter socket. Some vehicles require a 24mm, 27mm, or 32mm socket.
Socket or wrench set
Torque wrench
Wheel chocks
Rags
Oil drain pan
Funnel
Jack and jack stands (if necessary)
Protective gloves and mats
Setup:
Park Safely: Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat, level surface, out of the wind. Ensure your wheels are chocked. Do not rely on your park brake unless you use it regularly and know for certain that it is in proper working condition
Check Oil Level: Checking your oil level before you begin is a good practice. Not only does this aid in monitoring your engines health by gauging it's oil usage, but it will make re-filling your oil to the correct level easier later on.
Gather Tools: Assemble all your tools and materials within easy reach.
Protect the Area: Lay down protective mats to catch any spills and wear gloves to keep your hands clean.
Warm & stir the oil: Unless you were recently driving the vehicle, be sure to run the engine for a couple minutes to warm the oil and stir up any contaminants so that they will be suspended in the oil.
Step 2: Draining the Old Oil
Lift the Vehicle: If necessary, use a jack to lift the front of your car and secure it with jack stands. Do not use a bottle jack or scissor jack, as would be supplied with your vehicles spare tire changing equipment. There can be significant risk of damage to your vehicle, personal injury, or even death involved in jacking up a vehicle. If you are unsure of how to safely jack up a vehicle, please seek assistance from a professional.
Locate the Drain Plug: Find the oil drain plug under the car. Place the oil drain pan beneath it. For some vehicles, you will have to remove a skid plate or access panel to locate the drain plug.
Remove the Drain Plug: Use a socket or wrench to remove the drain plug and let the old oil drain completely into the pan. Be careful, as the oil may be hot. It may take 5 to 10 minutes for the oil to drain. This is a good time to inspect common wear and tear items such items as; ball joints, sway bar, struts, tie rods, cv axles, belts, air filters, brakes, fluid leaks and tires. Catching such items and repairing them early can prevent break downs and save you money in the long run.
Replace the Drain Plug: Once the oil has fully drained, clean the drain plug, replace the rubber seal or crush washer as is applicable to your vehicle, and use a torque wrench to tighten it to your manufacturer's specifications.
Step 3: Replacing the Oil Filter
Locate the Oil Filter: Most canister type filters are located near the oil pan under the engine. However many of these need to be accessed through the passenger wheel well. There are a few rare examples of canister filters being mounted on top of the engine. Many cartridge type filters are found both on top of the engine, as well as below.
Remove the Old Filter: For a canister filter, use the oil filter wrench to remove the old filter. Be prepared for some oil to spill out. For a cartridge filter, you will need the correct socket to remove a plastic oil filter housing cap. Some oil filter caps have a drain plug to remove before removing the cap. Once the cap is removed, note the orientation of the old cartridge and pull it out out. Often, the old cartridge will be secured in the cap.
Prepare the New Filter: For a canister filter, apply a small amount of new oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter. For a cartridge filter, be sure to note which groove of the cap the old rubber o-ring sits in, then remove the old o-ring and replace with the new o-ring that came with the filter. Apply a small amount of new oil to the o-ring. Press the new cartridge into place in the correct orientation.
Install the New Filter: For a canister filter, screw on the new filter by hand until the rubber seal meets the filter housing, then turn ½ turn by hand to properly tighten. Do not over tighten. For a cartridge filter, it is important to re-install the filter housing cap with a torque wrench and tighten to your manufacturers specifications. Overtightening the cap can cause damage to the filter housing and subsequent oil leaks.
Step 4: Adding the New Oil
Measure the old oil: Dump the oil drain pan into an empty oil jug or pail with graduated markings on it.
Add New Oil: Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Using a funnel, pour the new oil into the engine. Pouring in the same quantity that came out of the engine, will place the oil level back to where it was before you started. So keep in mind what the dip stick was reading before you began. As a general rule many dip sticks are approximately 1L from the add line to the full line. It is easier to add more oil later if necessary, but it is much more work to drain oil out if you over fill.
Start the Engine: Locate your oil pressure warning light, then start your engine. The oil light should extinguish within 5 seconds. Let your engine run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil.
Check for Leaks: After the engine is shut down, inspect for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.
Step 5: Final Steps
Lower the Vehicle: If you lifted the car, carefully lower it back to the ground.
Check Oil Level: Use the dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct, adding more if necessary.
Documentation: Note the date, milage, and type & quantity of oil used. Not only will this help in knowing when your next oil change is due, but if your car is on warranty this information is required to keep your warranty valid.
Clean Up: Properly dispose of the old oil and filter, clean up any spills, and wash your hands. Many oil recycling facilities will accept your used oil and filter free of charge.
The Wheeler AutoCare Advantage
While performing an oil change yourself can be educational, it can also be time-consuming and messy. Here’s how Wheeler AutoCare makes it easier:
Expertise: Our certified mechanics have years of experience, ensuring your oil change is done quickly and correctly.
Convenience: We come to your home, saving you the time and hassle of driving to a service center and waiting for your car.
Thorough Inspection: In addition to changing your oil, we perform a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle’s key components, identifying potential issues before they become major problems.
Proper Disposal: We handle the disposal of old oil and filters in an environmentally friendly manner, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Clean and Efficient: Our professionals use protective mats and equipment to ensure your driveway stays clean, and we clean up thoroughly after the service.
Changing your oil at home can be a great learning experience, but if you want to save time and ensure the job is done perfectly, consider Wheeler AutoCare. We bring professional, convenient, and thorough auto services right to your doorstep, so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Our Commitment to High Standards
At Wheeler AutoCare, we take pride in offering high-quality auto services and repairs. We are committed to doing things right and taking responsibility when necessary. If there’s ever an issue, we are here to make it right.
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About the Author
Jaeson Wheeler is the dedicated professional behind Wheeler AutoCare. Jaeson has built a reputation over years of providing top-notch mobile mechanic services. He founded Wheeler AutoCare to bring high-quality auto services directly to customers' doorsteps, making car maintenance convenient and hassle-free.
Jaeson's commitment to excellence is evident in every job he undertakes. He ensures that each service is performed to the highest standards, using the latest tools and following industry-best practices. His passion for cars and dedication to customer satisfaction have made Wheeler AutoCare a trusted name in mobile auto services.