Fellas: How do I change my oil? What do I need besides the oil, filter and a wrench?

Question

Fellas: How do I change my oil? What do I need besides the oil, filter and a wrench?

Answer 1

I do not recommend taking off an oil filter with a s***w driver. Get the right oil filter wrench.

Also make sure the old gasket to the filter comes off before you put the new filter in place.

Get a spare crush washer, or what ever type of gasket there maybe for the drain plug before you start the job. It is better to have one on hand if you loose the one that is there then to start looking for one after you loose what you had.

DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE FILTER, I do a 3/4 turn after the gasket contacts the seating surface.

Have some good hand cleaner on hand.

Answer 2

You will need the following, A wrench to remove the drain plug, a oil drain pan to collect the old oil, a filter wrench to remove the old filter, a new filter and oil and a funnel is also nice to put the new oil into the engine and a couple nice rags to clean up with. All this can purchased at Wal-mart

This is also a good time to rotate your tires, I do mine at every oil change and I usually get double life out of my tires this way.

Answer 3

You will definitely need a drain pan that you can take to a recycling center to have the used oil recycled.

Answer 4

Well you need to catch the oil, might need a s***w driver if the filter doesn't want to come off stab it in the side to turn it. Oh and some towels you might get messy, a jack and jack stands if you cant fit under your car. DO NOT USE JACKS ONLY, always use jack stands its very dangerous with out them.

Answer 5

The answer so far are good but you should also be advised that when you return the drain plug be careful not to over tighten or you will have go and buy a new plug plus possibly have to have the hole re-threaded with a tap and die. Snug so it won't loosen but do not over-tighten.

Answer 6

A pair of ramps is a huge help. You can do it with the car on the ground, or even jacked up on one side, but the ramps make everything much easier to reach.

I've done this in my driveway a million times, so here goes...

Step 1: Locate the oil drain plug. It's typically on the side of the oil pan, but very close to the bottom. Put a large plastic catch pan underneath the drain plug. (You can buy a catch pan at any parts store for about $5). Unscrew the drain plug slowly until the oil starts pouring out. It'll come out fast, so you may have to make some emergency adjustments to your catch pan. ;)  It's also a good idea to let your car cool off for a while before you do all this. Hot oil all over your hands is no fun.

Step 2: While the pan is draining, locate the old filter on the engine. Oil filters s***w on and off just like a lightbulb. It may come off easily, or you may have to wrestle with it. More oil will pour out once the filter is loose, so you'll probably have to slide your catch pan over a bit. The filter will be full of oil, so keep holding it upright, then dump it into your catch pan. Hot oil on your face isn't any fun, either. Let the oil pan and filter mount drain for a while. The more dirty oil you get out of your engine, the better.

Step 3: Wipe off the drain plug and s***w it back into the oil pan. It doesn't have to be super-tight, just tight enough to prevent a leak. Take your new filter and fill it about 3/4 of the way with fresh oil. It's also a good idea to dip your finger in some fresh oil and run it around the rubber gasket at the top of the new filter. This just keeps the gasket from drying out and leaking in the future. Carefully s***w the new filter into place, making sure not to cross-thread it. It may take a few tries, but you'll know when it's right. It should spin on very easily. Again, be sure not to over-tighten the filter.

Step 4: Congratulations, you're now done crawling around on the ground! Open the hood, and locate the oil filler cap. It's usually labeled. Begin pouring in the fresh oil. (A funnel comes in handy right about now). Keep checking the dipstick, and be sure not to overfill the engine. Most cars hold 4-5 quarts, so consult your owner's manual for specifics.

Step 5: Replace the filler cap and dipstick. Start the engine and spend a few minutes looking under the car for leaks. If nothing is leaking, you have just successfully changed your oil. :)

***You can pour your dirty used oil into an old milk jug, a windshield washer fluid bottle, or a laundry detergent bottle. Call some auto parts stores in your area and ask if they recycle used oil. Most of them will take it off your hands for free!***

Answer 7

Don't know about your state but here in NY any shop that performs oil changes is required to accept waste oil.  You can save the plastic bottles the new oil comes in to store the old oil.  Pick up a cheap dollar store funnel to pour it from the pan you drain the old oil into to the plastic bottles.  Messy, but part of the job.

Also, when replacing the filter, tighten as hard as you can, but by hand only.  Tighten the drain plug, but don't overtighten.

When you're done, always check for leaks and to make sure the level is correct.  Start the engine up after the change, run for about a minute, wipe the dipstick and add enough fresh oil to bring the level up to where it should be.  

Answer 8

Apart from something to catch your old oil in and somewhere to safely dispose of it, nothing.

Answer 9

Something to catch the oil in. Make sure you have the correct everything. It's not a big job or to hard, but it is important.