How to Change Your Oil (COMPLETE Guide)

Summary

In this detailed tutorial, Chrisfix guides beginners through the process of changing car oil. He emphasizes the benefits of using quality oil and filters over cheap alternatives and explains how to select the right oil and filter for your vehicle. The video covers the necessary tools, including a socket set, gloves, paper towels, oil, filter, oil filter wrench, oil catch pan, and funnel. Chrisfix also demonstrates how to safely jack up the car or use ramps, drain the old oil, replace the filter, and add new oil. He concludes with a tip on responsibly disposing of used oil.

Takeaways

• 🔧 **DIY Oil Change**: The video is aimed at beginners and provides a comprehensive guide to changing car oil.
• 💰 **Save Money**: By changing your own oil, you can save money compared to using inexpensive oil change shops.
• 🛠️ **Tools Needed**: Common hand tools are required, including a socket set, gloves, paper towels, oil, filter, oil filter wrench, oil catch pan, and funnel.
• 📚 **Find the Right Oil**: Check your car's owner's manual to determine the correct oil type and capacity.
• 🏪 **Buy Quality Oil**: Purchase full synthetic oil with the correct viscosity for your vehicle.
• 🚗 **Vehicle Positioning**: Use ramps or a jack and jack stands to safely elevate the car for easy access to the oil components.
• 🔩 **Drain the Oil**: Locate the oil drain plug, place a drain pan underneath, and loosen the plug using a ratchet or breaker bar.
• 💡 **Preventive Tips**: Warming up the oil can make it flow easier, but it's not necessary to do the oil change only when the car is warm.
• 🧽 **Clean Before Filling**: Clean the area around the oil fill hole before adding new oil to prevent debris from entering the engine.
• 🔄 **Dispose of Old Oil**: Collect and responsibly recycle the old oil at an auto parts store or recycling center to prevent environmental hazards.

Q & A

What is the main benefit of changing your own car oil?

Changing your own car oil allows you to use high-quality motor oil and filters, ensures the job is done right, and can save you money while providing a fun, hands-on experience with your vehicle.

What tools are necessary for an oil change according to the video?

The necessary tools include a socket set with a ratchet, gloves, paper towels, oil and filter, an oil filter wrench, an oil catch pan, and a funnel. Additionally, you'll need something to jack up the vehicle, like ramps or a jack and jack stands, and a piece of wood to block off the rear tires.

How can you find the correct oil and filter for your car?

You can find the correct oil and filter for your car by checking your owner's manual for the required viscosity and capacity. For the filter, the manual will specify the correct part number.

What is the advantage of using synthetic oil over conventional oil?

Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional oil, which means you may not need to change it as frequently. It also provides better performance under various conditions, although it is typically more expensive.

How often should you change your car's oil?

The frequency of oil changes depends on the manufacturer's recommendations found in the owner's manual. Some cars have an oil life monitor, but if no specific recommendation is available, changing the oil every 5,000 miles is a common practice.

How do you know the correct amount of oil to add to your engine?

You can find the correct amount of oil needed for your car in the owner's manual under the oil and capacities section. The manual will specify the number of quarts required.

What is the purpose of using an oil catch pan during an oil change?

An oil catch pan is used to collect and recycle the old oil drained from the vehicle, preventing it from spilling onto the ground and causing environmental harm.

Why is it important to block off the rear tires when jacking up the car?

Blocking off the rear tires ensures that the car does not roll while it is being jacked up or while you are working underneath it, providing an added layer of safety.

How do you determine if the oil filter is on tight enough after installing a new one?

The oil filter should be tightened by hand until it is snug. Over-tightening can strip the filter or cause damage. It is not recommended to use tools to tighten the filter.

What should you do with the old oil collected during the oil change?

Old oil should be responsibly disposed of by taking it to a local auto parts store, garage, or recycling center that accepts used oil for free recycling, preventing it from becoming an environmental hazard.

How do you know if you've added the correct amount of oil to your engine?

After adding oil and letting the engine sit for a few minutes, you check the oil level using the dipstick. The oil level should be between the low and high marks, with the high mark being ideal. If the oil is too low, add a little more and recheck.