Hey Lykkers! Ever thought about changing your own oil but felt a bit intimidated? Trust me, you’re not alone. It might sound like one of those car maintenance tasks only pros can handle, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you know what to do.

So, let’s walk through a simple, no-nonsense guide to changing your car’s oil—perfect even if you’re totally new to this.

Before we get our hands dirty, why even bother changing your own oil? Well, regular oil changes are crucial for your engine’s health. Fresh oil lubricates engine parts, reduces wear, and helps your car run smoothly. Doing it yourself means you control the quality of oil and filter used, and you save on labor costs at the shop.

What You’ll Need Before Starting

Getting organized is half the battle. Here’s what you should have ready:

- The right type and amount of engine oil for your car (check your owner’s manual)

- A new oil filter compatible with your vehicle

- Oil filter wrench

- Socket wrench and the correct size socket

- An oil drain pan to catch the old oil

- A funnel for pouring new oil

- Gloves and rags for cleanliness

- A car jack and stands or ramps to safely lift your vehicle if needed

- Your owner’s manual for reference on specifics like drain plug location and oil type

Step 1: Warm Up Your Engine

Start your car and let it run for about five minutes. Warm oil flows better, which makes draining quicker and cleaner. Just don’t let the engine get too hot—you want warm, not burning.

Step 2: Safely Lift Your Car

Park on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and use your jack and stands or ramps to lift the front of the car safely. Never rely on a jack alone—always secure it with stands.

Step 3: Drain the Old Oil

Slide your drain pan underneath the oil pan. Using your socket wrench, carefully loosen and remove the drain plug. Be prepared—oil will flow out once you remove the plug. Let all the old oil drain completely. This might take several minutes.

Step 4: Remove the Old Oil Filter

Next, use your oil filter wrench to unscrew the old oil filter. Some oil will likely drip, so have your pan positioned underneath. Make sure the rubber gasket on the old filter comes off with it—sometimes it sticks to the engine, and forgetting it can cause leaks.

Step 5: Install the New Oil Filter

Before putting on the new filter, rub a small amount of fresh oil on its rubber gasket. This helps create a tight seal. Secure the new filter on by hand—no need to force it too tight.

Step 6: Replace the Drain Plug

Once the oil has drained, twist the drain plug back in securely. Don’t overtighten, but make sure it’s snug to prevent leaks.

Step 7: Add New Oil

Open your hood and remove the oil fill cap. Place the funnel in the opening and pour in the correct amount of new oil. Check your manual if you’re unsure how much to add.

Step 8: Check Oil Level and Leaks

After pouring in the oil, wait a minute before using the dipstick to check the level. If it’s still low, add oil slowly in small amounts. Next, start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. Then, inspect the area around the drain plug and oil filter to make sure there are no leaks.

Step 9: Dispose of Old Oil Responsibly

Don’t just toss your old oil in the trash or pour it down the drain—that’s harmful to the environment. Instead, store it in a sealed container and take it to a recycling center or an auto parts store that accepts used oil.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your very own DIY oil change! It’s really not as complicated as it sounds, and once you’ve done it, you’ll feel a lot more confident handling basic car maintenance. Just remember to check your owner’s manual for recommended oil types and change intervals, which usually fall between 5,000 and 8,000 miles. Got questions or want to try another DIY? I’m here to help!