What will I need to change my car's oil?

Question

I've seen it done many times and have helped my dad do it a few times, but that was years ago. Is it something an amateur can do alone? I've got a '95 Corolla.

Answer 1

You will need oil, and two hands to open up the hood and pour the oil in. Is this a serious question ?

Answer 2

You saw your dad do it.  It hasn't changed in procedure.  You got to have metric wrenches ,17mm  most likely, either ramps or a pit so you can get under it(not on a jack) a catchment container for the oil, and rags.      Also, you should get an oil filter wrench (the best one is the socket type which fit on the end of the filter)and an oil filter for the car and change it at the same time.(you definitely want to take off the filter without damaging the filter...sticking a screwdriver thru the "can" is just messy and very time consuming.

     Also, good idea to have bought the oil for the car so it is there. A minimum of 4 litre(better a little less than overfull)  

   Then s***w to undo.   And make snug tight (not super tight or you will strip the threads).   Put oil in and recheck your oil filter for leakage and the drain plug for leakage.  (Tighten if  necessary.)      If none exists, you are done.   Now to get rid of the old oil....recyling depot for oil.    Simple, but no body wants to do it anymore.

Answer 3

dont listen to t.dot...  thats not changing oil, thats just adding oil!!

really anyone can change oil themselves. you will need an oil pan to catch all the old oil, an oil filter and some oil. if you go to the local auto parts store and tell them the kind of car you have they will be able to help you get the right filter and oil and everything.

changing oil has to be one of the easiest things to do on a car.

Answer 4

just to add something when you replace the filter take some oil and put it on the seal of the new filter all the way around, this makes it less likely you'll end up with a leak at the filter.

Also do not put the new filter on with any tools, hand tight only or you'll never get it off again.

Answer 5

You can definitely do it alone! All you'll need is about 4-5 quarts of oil, a new filter, and a socket set. You loosen the oil plug and drain out the old oil, then you take old the old filter, put in the new one (sometimes they seize up and when that happens i just stab a hole in it with a screwdriver so I can use it for leverage) put your plug back in and put in your oil. It will take about 25 minutes. Good luck!