How to Change Your Motor Oil...

WS 320The purpose of this instructable is for a class. We are to learn a new technology (I chose changing oil) and teach it using some sort of media; PDF File, Slide Show, Web Site, etc. Someone suggested using this site, I have never been on here before but so far am really enjoying everything I have read.

Please note that I am in no way a mechanics expert but I did learn how to change my motor oil and I did it myself, with the help of my husband and some reading. You will find that the information that I have included is accurate and should help guide the average consumer in changing their motor oil should they choose to do it themselves.

This is my first time changing oil as well as my first time trying to teach anything on here. Your comments are greatly appreciated, if you see I missed anything or have advise for next time let me know. Thanks, and enjoy.

Step 1: Gather your supplies....

You Will Need…

Shop Rags or Old Rags
Car Jack
New Oil Filter
Car Manual
Oil Drain Pan
Oil Filter Wrenches
Appropriate amount of Oil for your vehicle


Ensure you have the correct oil filter and amount/type of oil before starting. You can refer to your vehicles manual to obtain that information. In my case for a 2000 Honda Accord I used a PH 2808 oil filter and 4 ½ quarts 10w30 oil (You can only buy oil by the quart so make sure you buy extra if needed).

Comments

[greywolf40]

Nice walkthrough, I have my own little how-to video on changing your oil here:
http://youtu.be/_HjF_51ijWk
Hope you find it useful!

[Derin]

(removed by author or community request)

[Derin]

.

[Derin]

Also, one time I went to a VW service station and those digital thingies were not there,neither were the headphone that took a place in the picture.The station was big,though.No,it was not a certified but the originals suggested that place when we had to replace a part that they did not have in stock.

[oxilite]

I don't really think it is necessarily "economically irresponsible" to pour it down the drain unless you're REALLY concerned with the money you can make by recycling it or something. Ecologically irresponsible, now thats another story =c)

[Thermionic]

Wait wait wait... you're supposed to CHANGE your oil? I should probably go to the service station...like right now.

[candle360]

amazing....sorry but my neighbor shows me more stuff. But That's pretty cool. You never really see anyone teaching you how to change your oil on your car.

[lemonie]

It would be good to reference synthetic vs mineral oils, and a point on gearbox vs engine drain plugs would also be helpful. If you've got a manual it should serve as an instrucable, but this is a pretty easy job, which one can pay a lot of money for (good post!)

[Mr.Devious]

Well wrote instructable, I just take my car to a oil change shop every 5,000-7,000km and it's under $50

[fegundez1]

As you said the average car owner doesant own a car lift.Very important ....use jack stands to back up the jack under your car.if the jack fails while you are under it..very bad,this happened to one of my old neighbors.notice old neighbor!!use the stands,also you can take used oil to the auto parts store for recycling.

[vanmetrl]

That's awful. Are you saying old because we was old, or old because he is no longer alive due to the accident? Thanks for the comment, you are the second person who has mentioned how to recycle. Maybe I should explain better how to do that.

[vanmetrl]

OK...I put a link up now to where you can recycle oil in your state. Maybe that helps a little more.

(BTW: I meant to say he was old...not we but I'm sure you figured it out)

[mrmath]

I personally use the "Buy a car with free oil changes for life" method of chaning my oil, and the "Buy a set of tires with free rotation for life" method of rotating my tires, but I have changed my oil in the past. You did a good job on this instructable. Your steps were clear and well written. I was shocked, by the way, to read about double gasketing. I probably have a triple gasket somewhere in the history of my oil changing. In NY, most repair shops, and all oil change shops, have to take used motor oil from consumers, even if they don't use their service. I think it's free, but I could be wrong on that. I'd love to know what kind of grade you get on this assignment.

[vanmetrl]

Thanks for the comment. Yea, I am going to have to look into it more as far as laws from state to state. NY is required to take up to 5 gallons if they sell oil at no charge. I am not sure about Oregon...thats where I am from. I know there are designated recycling areas but I am not sure if there are any laws for distributors like NY. Also when you live in the boons like some of us... it can be hard to find a car dealer close enough to be convienent for that free oil change every 3,000 miles...I'm with you though on having someone else do it if you can.

[trebuchet03]

What's the reason to add 1qt less than recommended? I've never heard that before and I don't see why it would be a problem.

[Tool Using Animal]

Since he's changed the filter and the filter holds about a quart, you need to prime the filter before adding the last quart so you don't over flow the reservoir.

[trebuchet03]

Don't worry about that (and that's one big filter :P) ;) There's nowhere to "overflow" it will just wind up on the crank. Windage is not a problem if you're just waiting for the filter to prime ;)

[vanmetrl]

I am a beginner but you will be pleased to know that I did ask that same question while we were changing the oil. Tool Using Animal pretty much sums it up as I understand it's reasoning. I think you have a pretty valid argument. This isn't as much of an issue as it used to be, now with modern motors. I think it is more of a technique that has been taught for years and it doesn't hurt to take the precaution. Whether it is necessary is certainly debatable. I did want to include it though. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate the input.

[trebuchet03]

Now you've got me curious :P I'm going to have to do some research and see where this came from :P

[vanmetrl]

Get back to me if you find out more on that.

[Tool Using Animal]

That blows my half arsed theory right to hell. ;-)

[vanmetrl]

Not completely :)