Changing the Oil in a Vehicle

Hey, my name is John VanDover and I am here to save you some money. Do you ever think of ways to try and save money by doing things yourself? Because I sure do. I am here to help you learn how to change the oil in a vehicle. It only takes 15 to 30 minutes to do and is cheaper than driving across town and taking it to a mechanic to change.

Step 1: Gather Supplies Needed

First, go buy oil and an oil filter for the type of vehicle that the oil will be changed on. It should say what type of filter and oil in the manual. Once that material is gathered, park the vehicle somewhere where it will be convenient to jack up. Jack up the vehicle and use safety jacks as well in case the main one fails. I’ll be changing the oil in a pickup today though so I won’t need to jack it up to get under it.

Step 2: Draining the Oil

Get an oil pan, the oil filter, and a wrench or socket that will fit the oil drain plug for the vehicle. Find the oil drain plug and remove the oil drain plug by turning it counterclockwise. Let it drain out until the oil is completely gone. Screw the plug back in.

Step 3: Taking Off the Oil Filter

Then take the old oil filter off (if you can’t find it look in your manual). Using your hand remove the oil filter and allow it to drain for a few minutes until that has emptied out as well, and then throw the old filter away. Take the new oil filter and rub a little of the used oil on the rubber seal and then screw your new filter in right where the old one previously was.

Step 4: Putting the New Oil in the Vehicle

Open the hood on the vehicle and find and remove the oil cap. Put an oil funnel in where the cap was removed and put the amount of oil in that the vehicle needs (says in the manual).

Step 5: Check for Leaks

Then remove the floor jacks and gently put the vehicle back down. Start the vehicle for 5-10 and make sure there is no oil leaking. If there is oil leaking the oil filter or the oil plug may not be completely tightened on all the way. Check the oil every 2-3 weeks and change every 3000-4000 miles.