DIY Oil and Filter Change

My car was due for an oil change so I decided to change the oil and filter myself (which I do on both of the cars) on my Friday day off. Changing the oil yourself is very easy and usually takes about 20 minutes from initial set-up to final clean-up. The benefits:

• You save money - A synthetic oil change usually costs around $60 at the shop but at home, you can do it for about $20.

• Better quality - Instead of generic oil brands that the shops use, you can use your own high quality oil and filter.

• Feels good - After changing the oil and filter myself, I feel that I did something productive with my own two hands (applies to other DIY projects too).

The materials that I used were: 4.25 quarts of 5W-30 Pennzoil Platinum synthetic oil, Purolator PureOne oil filter, crush washer, oil drain pan, 9/16 bolt wrench, a funnel, and newspapers and rags for clean-up.









1. Before starting, bring the operating temperature of the car to normal first by driving it around for 5 miles or so. This will ensure smooth and complete draining of the motor oil.

2. Park the car in the garage and set the parking brake. Pop open the hood and open the crankcase.









3. Using the 9/16 bolt wrench, open the oil pan and drain the oil. (Careful, oil is very hot!) Let drain for 10 minutes or so.

4. While waiting for the oil to drain, remove the oil filter using your hands or an oil filter wrench. The filter is hot also, and has some oil in it so again, be careful.









5. In the meantime, add the crush washer to the oil pan bolt and prep the new oil filter by oiling the seals.

6. Replace the pan bolt and put in the new oil filter. Using a funnel, pour in the new oil to the crankcase. After adding 4.25 quarts, check the oil dipstick to make sure you added enough.









7. Close the hood, start the car, and check for leaks. You're done!

As for the used oil and filter, you can take them to a local collection agency, which will recycle them. You can go to places like Pep Boys and Jiffy Lube. To find a recycling center near you, click here.