- When it comes to car maintenance, there are some simple tasks that you can either do yourself or sometimes get done for free.
- However, other maintenance items require a professional’s touch.
- An oil change overlaps these two realms in that many car owners rely on a professional service, but the task can be done at home with a few simple tools as long as you avoid these common mistakes.
So, if you’ve decided to try changing your car’s engine oil at home, here are five top mistakes you must avoid.
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Prepare Your Oil-Changing Tools and Materials
First, you’ll need a jack and jack stands or ramps to raise your car enough to shimmy under it safely. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for instructions or browse online. While you have the manual out, read through the maintenance section and note your car’s oil capacity, type, and recommended change frequency.
When you buy the new oil and filter, pick up an oil drain pan with a lid so you can pour your old oil back into the containers. Next, you’ll need the correct size wrench to remove the drain plug.
You’ll also need an oil filter wrench. Two basic types include a strap wrench and the kind that fits the end of your car’s oil filter.
Finally, a selection of old rags, a roll of good paper towels or some “shop-specific” towels, safety glasses, and disposable rubber gloves should complete your preparation, unless you’re lying on a dirty floor or driveway. In that case, you’ll want some cardboard underneath you.
Mistake #2: Don’t Forget to Lubricate the Oil Filter Gasket
Once you’ve drained the old oil into the pan and removed the old oil filter, it’s time to put on the new oil filter. First, use a rag to clean the area on the engine where the new oil filter gasket will sit and ensure the old rubber gasket comes off with the old filter.
Then, before installing the new oil filter, take some clean engine oil on a rag or a gloved finger and spread it on the new oil filter’s rubber gasket. Lubrication will allow the rubber gasket to slide as you tighten the filter.
Mistake #3: Don’t Forget to Tighten the Oil Drain Plug
Before installing the drain plug, use a rag to remove residual oil and inspect the washer. Once satisfied, reinstall the drain plug and tighten it to your car’s specifications. Failure to properly tighten the drain plug could damage your oil pan. Experts note that overtightening will just cause you problems when it comes time to remove the filter or drain plug.
Mistake #4: Always Add the Proper Amount of Oil
Every engine requires a specific amount of oil. Once the drain plug and new oil filter are in place, pour the specified amount of new oil into the oil filler hole. More than one engine failure owes its demise to a mechanic forgetting this step.
Mistake #5: Don’t Leave the Oil Filler Cap Off
After filling the engine with the correct oil, don’t forget to replace the oil filler cap. Leaving the cap off allows oil to spew out of the filler hole into the engine compartment, covering every surface under the hood and even the front tires with grimy engine oil.
Is it Worth Changing My Car Oil Myself?
Many people who perform their car maintenance and repairs find a sense of pride in their abilities, knowing they accomplished the task correctly. Like them, you could also find it cheaper to do an oil change yourself.
Conclusion
Anyone can do a proper oil change at home with the right guide and avoid the mistakes we’ve listed above. Use them as guide, and start learning how to do some car DIYs today.
