How to Change Your Car Oil at Home | A Step-by-Step Guide

Not changing the car oil can lead to engine failure and eventual car breakdowns. Therefore, regularly changing your car’s oil is essential for maintaining the health and longevity of your engine. While many car owners opt to take their vehicles to a mechanic for an oil change, it’s entirely possible to perform this task at home with a bit of knowledge and the right tools. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of when, why, and how to change your car oil easily at home. It can help you save time and money while ensuring your engine runs smoothly.

Before You Begin:

Before diving into the oil change process, gathering the necessary materials and ensuring you’re equipped for the task is vital. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

New oil (check your vehicle’s manual for the suggested oil type and quantity).
An oil filter (match the filter type and number with your car’s specifications).
A wrench or socket set.
An oil drain pan.
A funnel.
Safety gloves and goggles.
A jack and jack stands (if needed for accessing the oil pan)

Step 1: Prepare your vehicle

Park your car on a level surface to begin the oil change process. Engage the parking brake to prevent any accidental movement. For added safety, place wheel chocks behind the rear tires to further secure the vehicle in place. You can easily change your car oil. However, remember safety should always be a top priority. In addition, allow your engine to cool down for a while before starting the oil change. It is to avoid the risk of burning yourself on hot engine components. However, if you get involved in an unsolicited situation, contact car services in Abu Dhabi immediately.

Step 2: Locate the oil drain plug

Refer to your car’s manual to locate the specific position of the oil drain plug. In most cases, the drain plug is situated beneath the engine. However, it may be concealed by a plastic cover or access panel. Carefully remove any necessary covers to expose the drain plug. Position an oil drain pan directly underneath the drain plug. It ensures it is placed in a way that will catch the oil as it flows out. However, if there’s any sort of leakage, call the car breakdown recovery service to avoid further.

Step 3: Drain the old oil

Using a wrench or socket set, turn the drain plug counterclockwise to loosen it. Slowly and carefully remove the plug by hand once it is sufficiently loosened. Take caution, as the oil may still be hot. Allow the old oil to drain completely into the pan. It’s essential to ensure that all the old oil has been drained. Hence, once the oil has stopped flowing, securely reattach the drain plug, tightening it clockwise with the wrench or socket set.

Step 4: Replace the oil filter

Locate the oil filter, typically found adjacent to the drain plug. Depending on the car model, you may need an oil filter wrench or be able to remove it by hand. Therefore, carefully loosen and remove the old oil filter. Before installing the new filter, applying oil to the rubber gasket on top of the filter with a thin coating of fresh oil is suggested. It helps create a proper seal. Further, hand-screw the new filter onto the engine until it is snug, and then tighten it additional three-quarters of a turn using the oil filter wrench or by hand.

Step 5: Add new oil

Under the hood of your car, locate the oil filler cap. Remove the cap and insert a funnel into the opening. Using the type and quantity of oil specified in your car’s manual is crucial. Thus, slowly pour the suggested amount of new oil into the funnel and change your car oil. However, make sure you don’t exceed the capacity. Take care not to spill any oil. Securely replace the oil filler cap once you have poured in the correct amount. Moreover, always change the oil after certain kilometers to avoid car breakdowns.

Step 6: Check the oil level

Start your engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. It helps circulate the new oil throughout the engine. Once the engine has run for a while, switch it off and wait a few minutes to let the oil settle in the pan. You can remove the dipstick to check the oil level. Now clean it with a cloth or paper towel, properly reinstall it, and then remove it once again. The dipstick usually has markers indicating the proper oil level. If necessary, add more oil gradually until it reaches the suggested level, being careful not to overfill.

Step 7: Dispose of the old oil responsibly

Properly disposing of used motor oil is crucial to protect the environment. Never dispose of used oil in the trash, poured down drains, or sewers, as it is hazardous waste. Also, check out different recycling centers and local auto parts shops nearby for oil recycling options. Many places accept used oil for recycling, ensuring it is safely and responsibly handled.

Benefits of DIY Oil Changes

There are many benefits of changing your car oil at home yourself and taking control of your vehicle’s maintenance with DIY oil changes. Furthermore, you can also save time and money in the process.

Cost Savings One of the primary reasons to change your car oil at home is that you can save money. When you visit a mechanic or dealership for an oil change, you not only pay for the oil and filter but also for the labor and additional services. On the other hand, you can purchase the required materials at a fraction of the cost by doing it yourself. Also, you can eliminate the labor charges entirely. In addition, you can find car breakdown services that offer less costly services to change your car’s oil.

Ease and Time Efficiency

Performing an oil change at home offers the convenience of setting your own schedule. You won’t have to wait for an appointment or spend time driving to a service center. Instead, you can perform the oil change at your own pace, eliminating the need to rearrange your day. In addition, with experience, you can complete the task more quickly, saving valuable time in the long run.

Quality Control

When you change your car oil at home, you can control the quality of the products you are using. You can choose the specific brand and type of oil and filter that best suits your vehicle’s requirements. It allows you to use high-quality, trusted products. Thus, it ensures protection and better performance for your engine.

Learning

Performing DIY oil changes provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about your vehicle’s mechanics. It helps you better understand your car’s operation and increases overall automotive knowledge. Moreover, this newfound knowledge can empower you to handle other basic maintenance tasks confidently. That also saves you even more money on future repairs and services. However, if something happens while learning, you should quickly call the car breakdown assistance to ensure your and your car’s safety.

Bonding with Your Vehicle

Changing your car oil at home allows you to establish a closer relationship with your vehicle. You develop a sense of ownership and responsibility by getting hands-on and actively maintaining your car. Hence, this connection can increase your attentiveness to your vehicle’s needs.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that you’ve personally performed the oil change can bring peace of mind. You have the assurance that the task was completed correctly, following manufacturer guidelines and specifications. Also, this confidence in your maintenance abilities can fade out worries about oversights or mistakes that might occur at a service center.

Conclusion – Change Your Car Oil At Home

Changing your car’s oil at home is a manageable task that can save you time and money. Follow this guide to make sure that your engine remains adequately lubricated and protected. Therefore, when you regularly change your car oil, it extends the car’s lifespan and maintains optimal performance. It keeps your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Consider your car’s manual for specific instructions and suggested oil change intervals.

However, one should only follow this process if one can handle this maintenance task. In case of no experience or confidence, it is better to take your vehicle to companies offering car breakdown services Abu Dhabi. Otherwise, a small glitch may cause huge damage to your car.