Why should the boys have all of the fun? Get down and dirty, save a little cash and gain some bragging rights by learning how to change your own oil.

It’s been 3,000 miles or three months, and you’re due for an oil change. Fine…maybe it’s really been four months and you definitely NEED an oil change—before you’re in need of a new car. Rather than spending your Saturday sitting in line at your local mechanic’s shop, Moxy has outlined how you can change your own oil in twenty minutes…or less.

You will need:
Jack
Jack stands
Rubber gloves
Funnel
Drain pan
Oil
Oil Filter
Socket Wrench
Strap Wrench (optional)
Wooden blocks / bricks or something to chock the back wheels with

Tips:

—Be certain engine is cool before starting the oil change process and allow the vehicle to sit for at least 20 minutes after driving.

—Check owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific oil type and capacity.

—Wear rubber gloves and old clothes—engine oil is difficult to remove from hands and impossible to remove from your favorite T-shirt.

To begin:

Step 1:  Set emergency brake. Elevate the front of the car with a jack and secure it with jack stands at jack points. Place wheel chocks behind your back tires.

NOTE: Never work on a vehicle that is supported only by a jack.

Step 2: Open and secure the hood.

Step 3: Locate and remove oil cap.

NOTE: The location of vehicle parts varies according to make and model, consult your owner’s manual for specific positions (many manuals are also available online, if you do not have one for your vehicle).

Step 4: Crawl under car and place drain pan under oil drain.

Step 5: Loosen oil drain plug with socket wrench of the appropriate size (this is dependent on make and model of vehicle) and remove.

Step 6: Allow the used oil to drain completely. This should take approximately 5-10 minutes.

Step 7: Replace drain plug. Do not over tighten.

Step 8: Locate the oil filter and place drain pain underneath. Remove the oil filter and empty used oil into the drain pan. If you’re unable to remove oil filter by hand, try using a strap wrench.

Step 9: Take the new oil filter and coat the outer seal (the “mouth”) with a bit of the new oil and install hand tight.

Step 10:  Use a funnel to add the remaining new oil to the engine, by pouring it in the fill hole.

Step 11:  Replace the oil cap.

Step 12:  After lowering car, remove the engine dipstick to be certain the oil is filled to appropriate level, which is indicated by two distinct notches.

Step 13: Take used oil to the nearest oil recycling facility, which is usually located at auto parts stores or mechanic’s shop. Never dump oil in the street or down a drain.

Article by Dorothy Crouch for Moxy Magazine, December 2011. How-to photos taken by Dorothy Crouch.