See all Motoring AdviceThere's something deeply satisfying about learning a new skill, and though few people actually bother to do their own car maintenance, there are plenty of tasks that most could do for themselves. Changing the oil is one, though it's probably only worth considering doing this if you already have some tools, a trolley jack, axle stands and the other equipment mentioned below, as it'll take quite a few oil changes before you make back your money on saved garage labour costs.
Step 1 - be prepared
First thing to do is get all the equipment you need together before you start, especially if you have to rely on the car in question to get anywhere... Research the correct oil for your vehicle (we find the MicksGarage.com site great for this, though your local motor factor should be able to tell you too) and make sure you buy the right quantity - with a bit extra to cover spillages and top-ups down the line. Speaking of spillages, make sure you have a good way to mop these up, as used oil in particular is nasty and dirty stuff that shouldn't be left lying around. Have plenty of absorbent cloths to hand at a minimum. On that note, you really should have a decent hand cleanser too, one that is designed specifically to remove engine oil and grime.
You'll need a spanner or ratchet and socket to open the sump plug, but we suspect that most people that will even consider attempting this work will have those already. Something that is often forgotten, but well worth making to effort to get, is a new sump plug washer. They're very cheap to buy and help reduce the chances of leaks at a later stage.
If you don't have access to a car lift, then you'll need a trolley jack with the correct weight rating for your car and, for safety, a couple of axle stands. As you'll need to slide under the car on your back, make sure you wear overalls or old clothes and either use a proper sliding trolley to lie on or find a large piece of cardboard to put down under the car. You'll also need a receptacle to catch the old oil in (we'll refer to it as a bucket), preferably one that can be sealed and then brought to your local recycling centre for safe disposal. Some people like to wear disposable work gloves too.
Step 2 - get the car ready
It's best that the engine isn't very hot when changing your oil, as that increases the risk of burning yourself, but warm oil flows better, so no harm driving the car and leaving it cool for half an hour. Park it on a level, flat surface, secure the parking brake then turn off the engine and remove the keys completely from the car. It's a good idea to keep them on your person so nobody else can use them inadvertently. Open the bonnet, remove (and wipe clean) the dipstick and the oil filler cap. Then jack up the front or one side of the front - depending on suitable jacking points and access to the oil sump. Secure the car using axle stands. Get your 'bucket' and floor covering under the car, your overalls on, your tools ready and you're good to go.
Step 3 - removing old oil
Loosen the sump plug using the appropriate spanner, but just enough so you can loosen the rest of it by hand. Get the bucket ready. Ease the sump plug out of the way, but beware that the oil will gush out initially so it's a good idea to be ready for it with the bucket held in one hand close to the sump drain hole. Place the bucket on the ground and let the oil drain out until it has slowed to a drip. This could take five to ten minutes. At this stage, replace the washer on the sump plug if appropriate and refit the sump plug by hand initially, then the final squeeze using the spanner. Be careful not to over-tighten it, as sumps are often made of aluminium and it's easy to strip the threads.
Step 4 - adding the new oil
Make sure you do not start the car up until after this section is complete, as there is only residual oil in the engine and it could cause terminal damage.
Ease the car back down to the ground off the axle stands and trolley jack. Open the new oil and add about half of the expected volume needed. Wait a few moments, then wipe the dipstick clean, check the level and top up until at the maximum mark - do this in stages. Do not overfill. Replace the dipstick in the engine and tighten the oil filler cap. Start up the engine, leave it run a few minutes, then shut it down and check the oil level again, topping up if necessary.
Close the bonnet and go clean up. It's worth making a note of the mileage at this stage for your own reference.