Things You'll Need:
- Ramps to lift your car or jack and jack stands. Oil filter, oil filter wrench, slip join pliers if filter is stuck, a pan to collect used oil, enough oil for your vehicle. Consult the manual or the ma
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Step 1
Make sure you have the correct type of oil for your car in the correct quantity. It will be tough to get it once you have started, if you have only 1 car. Also, make sure you have all the tools and materials, the new oil filter, etc., on hand.
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Step 2
Push the ramps against the front wheels of the car and make sure they are straight and in line with the wheel. Start the car and put it in a lower gear, something like D2 instead of D if it is an automatic transmission. You should feel when the car is correctly in position on the ramps. Stop the motor and apply the emergency brake. Remove the key from the car and put it in your pocket.
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Step 3
Wait about 5-10 minutes, if the engine is hot. Do not wait too long as we want to remove the sludge with the spent oil. Unscrew the drain plug. I do this while wearing a latex exam glove as some oil is bound to get on your hands. Carefully place the drain pan under the stream of oil as you remove the plug. If you are doing this in your driveway, use an old blanket or comforter to cover the space under the engine to protect the drive. Open the hood and remove the filler cap on the top of the motor.
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Step 4
Remove the oil filter. If it is stuck, you may have to use a wrench or a slip joint plier. let everything drain for 30 minutes or so. This is usually not done at the auto service stations. After that, install a new filer, read the directions to tighten by hand and to apply a film of oil on the rubber gasket. That will make the removal easy, next time you change the oil. Install the drain plug, with a new gasket if needed. Add the required amount of oil and close the filler plug. Once a mechanic forgot to do so and my car had oil splattered all over the inside of the hood.
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Step 5
If all went well, remove the drain pan and transfer the oil in a suitable container for recycling. many auto parts stores accept spent oil for recycling at no charge. Drive the car in reverse off the ramps and clean up and collect the tools, etc.
