When it's time to change your car's oil, most people's first instinct is to call a mechanic. However, this is a routine that you need to regularly maintain in order to keep your engine running smoothly, so why not just learn how to do it yourself at home?
Changing oil is actually one of the easiest automotive tasks - and it only requires a few tools. These tools are even made accessible by Advance Auto Parts!
Advance Auto Parts is one of the leading automotive aftermarket parts provider out there. From replacement parts, performance parts, and car accessories to oils and fluids; DIY car maintenance has been made easy thanks to this one-stop online shop trusted by professional installers. So, if you want to change your own oil, rest assured that you can find all of your needs in just one place. But first, here are some of the things you need to know:
Why You Should Change Your Own Oil
Changing your own oil will help you:
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Save money
Since you won't be paying for labor, all you need to do is invest in the right materials and tools.
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Save time
Compared to driving to an auto service center, waiting for your turn, waiting throughout the process, and lining up to settle your bill; changing your oil at home is much quicker and easier.
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Learn more about car maintenance
An oil change is one of the basics in keeping your vehicle in good condition. It's pretty straightforward, and you can simply start by grabbing your car's owner's manual.
How Often Do You Need to Change Your Oil?
The estimated time for an oil change is every six months, assuming that the vehicle has run for about 3,000 miles. However, this may vary depending on your driving habits and frequency, the age of your vehicle, and the quality of the oil.
Modern lubricants have made it possible for engines to wait longer before an oil change with intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Meanwhile, some car engines require full-synthetic motor oil which allows them to go as far as 15,000 miles between services.
What You Need to Change Your Engine Oil
Aside from engine oil, here are the tools that you will be needing:
DieHard Rubber Mallet ($12.99)
The DieHard Rubber Mallet is a handy and multifunctional tool that you can use when you need to fix small dents or get something unstuck. Use this rubber mallet to loosen up the screw plug and remove it from the oil stream. This has a strong yet lightweight handle that helps absorb vibrations, while the soft ergonomic grip provides non-slip protection.
Safety Works Semi-Rimless Safety Glasses with Straight Temple and Clear Lens ($11.79)
To protect your eyes from debris that may come loose when under a vehicle while performing an oil change, you need to wear safety glasses. The Safety Works Semi-Rimless Safety Glasses with Straight Temple and Clear Lens have ratchet temples that provide a custom fit to your face and soft flexible rubber temples so they won't slip off your face. Plus, they come with free foam ear plugs for maximum protection.
Gear Wrench 5-Piece Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set - Metric ($29.99)
The most common drain plugs usually require a 13mm or a 15mm wrench-the most commonly used sizes in car maintenance. The Gear Wrench 5-Piece Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set is a 5-piece set that includes 10, 12, 13, 14, and 15-millimeter wrenches, making it a great investment if you wish to start doing car maintenance yourself.
Carquest Standard Oil Filter: Ideal for Conventional Oil, Protection up to 5,000 miles ($6.29)
The Carquest standard oil filter is built to meet the OE specifications for fit, form, and function. One of the most popular picks from Advance Auto Parts, it meets all new car warranty requirements, and has a precision bypass valve that ensures optimal oil flow plus a cellulose fiber media for reliable engine protection. It's also engineered for use with conventional oil with a nitrile ant-drain back valve for engine start-up protection, an internally lubricated nitrile seal gasket, and metal end caps and leaf spring to maintain your car's structural integrity.
Dorman - Autograde M14 Gasket Assortment ($6.99)
The gasket is the rubber seal used to secure the filter to the engine's oil filter base and prevent oil spillage. A gasket is typically made of flexible rubber but there are also other types such as copper, aluminum, nylon, and fiber. Since replacement is recommended at every oil change, the Dorma-Autograde M14 Gasket assortment includes all types of direct replacement gaskets and some universal gaskets. It has a proper fit and comes with a drain plug that ensures a tight seal and is designed and constructed to meet strict engineering quality standards.
Scott Towels Rags In A Box ($16.29)
The Scott Rags in a Box are white disposable and all-purpose towels made of cellulose fibers with a latex binder for thickness, absorbency, and strength. The cardboard container has built-in handle holes for better portability and a pop-up hole in the center for continuous access to individual wipes.
Lisle 6 Qt. Translucent 8" Pouring Spout Oil Filler ($26.49)
Marked in both quarts and liters. The Lisle 6 Qt. Translucent 8" Pouring Spout Oil Filler has a flexible 8-inch pouring spout that enables easy transfer of liquid. This 6-quart oil dispenser is made of translucent polyethylene material so you can easily read the liquid level on the container marked in both quarts and liters.
To get everything you need all in a low price, check out Advance Auto Parts' Oil Changle Bundle builder! Make your routine oil change more convenient by creating your own oil change bundle on their website. To help sort through your choices; you just need to know the right viscosity, oil type, or filter for your vehicle, as well as the frequency of your oil change. Then, Advance Auto Parts will guide you along the way.
How to Find the Right Oil for Your Vehicle
To know which oil to put in your car, check your car's owner's manual. There, you'll find the recommended oil weight, type, and other necessary information. Otherwise, you can check Advance Auto Parts and input your preferences. On their website, you can select your vehicle type, year, brand, model, and engine to search for the right oil. They offer all types of oil such as conventional motor oil, diesel motor oil, synthetic and blended oil, as well as oil treatment and additives.
How to Change Your Car's Oil
Now that you have an idea of the basics, you can begin changing your oil. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Jack up the car to unscrew the oil plug.
Step 2: Pull it out quickly away from the oil stream.
Step 3: Clean the drain plug.
Step 4: If required, install a new gasket.
Step 5: Remove the used oil filter and the rubber gasket.
Step 6: Refill the engine until the dashboard oil light goes out.
Step 7: Wait a few minutes before checking the dipstick if you need to add more.
Step 8: Recap the emptied bottle before disposing of it.
Step 9: Make sure the jug of used oil is also sealed tightly.
With Advance Auto Parts, you can DIY your car maintenance with ease. Changing your own car's oil is a great place to start. When you're ready to do more, you can always visit their website and browse through their wide selection of car accessories, replacement and performance parts, and more.
