If you want to save money by changing your car’s oil yourself, follow these simple steps to do it right.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle
Start by opening the hood of your car and removing the oil filler cap. Then, raise your car using ramps, a jack with jack stands, or a car lift. Position a drain pan underneath the car and remove the oil pan drain plug using a wrench.
2. Drain the Oil
While the oil is draining, replace the drain plug washer. Once the oil is completely drained, reinstall the drain plug.
3. Remove the Oil Filter
Use an oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter. Apply a bead of oil to ensure that it does not bind when reinstalling the housing.
4. Lower the Vehicle and Add New Oil
Lower the vehicle and add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of new oil. Start the engine for a few seconds, check the oil level again, and top it off if needed.
5. Final Steps
Remove the funnel, reinstall the oil filter cap, and reset the oil change light on the vehicle dashboard.
How do I begin an oil change?
To begin your oil change, open the hood and remove the oil filler cap. Raise the car using ramps, a jack and jack stands, or a car lift. Move your drain pan into position and remove the oil pan drain plug using a wrench.
What should I do while the oil is draining?
While the oil is draining, replace the drain plug washer. Once the oil is completely drained, reinstall the drain plug and use the motive X tools MX 23:23 oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter.
How do I reinstall the oil filter?
Apply a bead of oil to ensure that it does not bind when reinstalling the housing.
What should I do after lowering the vehicle?
After lowering the vehicle, add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of oil. Then start the engine, let it run for a few seconds, check the oil level again, and top it off if needed. Remove the funnel, reinstall the oil filter cap, and reset the oil change light on the vehicle dashboard.