Overview:
This project will show you how to do an oil change. Are you harboring secret dreams of being a grease monkey? Not afraid to mess up that manicure with some real dirty work? If you can answer "yes" to these questions, then you can do an oil change on your car!
Materials:
about 6 quarts oil (check your owners manual for the specific amount and kind – synthetic, etc.), new oil filter, an oil pan or other container to catch old oil in, empty one gallon plastic milk containers with screw-on lids (to transport the old oil to a recycling center for disposal), one-quart Ziploc baggie (for transporting old oil filter for disposal), newspapers, rags, surgical or rubber gloves, dirty clothes and a baseball cap
Tools You'll Need:
roadside safety kit, funnel
Before You Begin:
Find a flat spot where you can work. Next, take your car for a quick drive to warm and thin the oil so it will drain more easily.
Barbara's Tips:
When placing the oil basin or bucket under the drain plug, be sure to position it so that the stream of oil hits it just right. Some drain plugs point off to the side and the oil can shoot out sideways (like from a fire hydrant). To avoid ending up with a faceful of oil, take a moment to properly position the catch basin.
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Step 1: Into the Grease Pit
Park your car on the flat spot, turn off the engine and set your parking brake. Slide under the car and locate the oil drain plug. If there isn't room under the car, you may have to raise it with a jack. Always use jack stands – NEVER get under a car held aloft only by a jack. Once you have found the drain plug, pull on your gloves and grab your socket wrench. Slowly work the nut loose with the wrench, but don't remove it yet. Spread the newspaper under the car and slide the oil pan or bucket under the drain plug. Now remove the plug and set it aside. Most of the oil should drain in about two minutes.
Step 2: Changing the Filter
Use the oil filter wrench to loosen, but not remove, the filter. Finish removing the filter by hand. Be careful it's full of hot oil. Pour the contents of the filter into the drain pan and set the used filter right side up on the newspaper. Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap to let the oil drain easier. It will take about an hour for the oil to drain completely, so take a break.
Step 3: Finishing the Job
Put your gloves back on and dip a finger into the drain pan. Coat the rubber gasket on the bottom of the new filter with oil and set it aside. Use a clean rag to wipe the round metal circle on the engine where the oil filter fits, then thread the new filter onto the post. Tighten by hand or use the socket wrench to secure according to the instructions on the filter. Use a new sealing washer and thread the drain plug back into its hole. Tighten with the socket wrench. Don't over tighten.
Step 4: Fill it Up
Use your funnel to add the new oil to your engine.Pour in the manufacturer's recommended amount of oil. Start the engine and let it run for 2 minutes. Then shut the engine off, check the oil level and top it off if required.
Step 5: The Clean-Up Crew
Use the funnel to pour the oil from the drain pan into the milk containers and seal tightly. Place the old oil filter in the Ziploc bag and seal that up too. Take the old oil to a recycling center (most national oil-change chains will accept old oil and filters).
Step 6: Start Your Engines
Start your car and let it idle for about five minutes. Check under the hood and under the engine for leaks. You're ready to roll and you did it yourself!
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