You’ve been avoiding getting your oil changed but now It’s time.  In the back of everyones head they’re saying “I wish I could just do it myself.”  So why don’t they?  Maybe they’re afraid they will do it wrong, or they don’t know how to do it.  If only everyone knew that changing your own oil would save you a ton of money, time and you could guarantee a great job.  Who knows how well they really do at the shops.  Try just taking a few minutes to learn on your own.  You’ll be surprise how easy it is and wished you did it all along!

Supplies you’ll need:

  • A jack and jack stand
  • Bucket for catching oil
  • Sockets and a socket wrench
  • Rags
  • New oil
  • New air filter
  1. First park your car in the grass and get your supplies ready.
  2. Now you will want to get your jack stand and place it under the car.  You will want to get under the car with the jack and find a spot for you to place it.  One of the best places is behind the front tires.
  3. Now that you’ve raised your car get out your sockets and crawl back under the car.  Find the spot under your car that looks like a pan and has a single bolt.  Once you’ve found this spot find the right socket, attach it to your wrench, wrap it with a rag and grab a bucket.
  4. Now that you’ve grabbed bucket place it under the bolt that you’ve found.  Now that you have your rag wrapped around the bolt turn it to the left.  Continue turning the bolt until it is very loose.  Before the oil comes out take your wrench off it and grab the rag in your hand to finish pulling out the bolt.
  5. Now back away and let the oil drain into your bucket.  This usually takes about 20 minutes to make sure all the old oil is out.  
  6.  Now that all the oil is out replace the bolt.  Make sure you tighten it back up how it was before with your wrench.  Then grab a clean rag and pull off the oil filter.  Once you’ve taken it out replace it with a new one. 
  7. Now put your vehicle back on the ground and take away the jack.  You will now want to open your hood and find your oil filter cap and replace it by putting 4 quarts of fresh oil back in it.
  8. Once you’ve filled it with oil, start the vehicle to make sure its running properly.  Now you will want to check the oil with the dip stick.  Make sure it has the right amount and then you’re finished!

See was that so hard?  It really is simple once you get the hang of it.  Now start doing this and save your money and time by avoiding those oil change stations that can charge up to $40!  Good luck!