Should I change the oil in my car myself, or have someone do it for me?

Question

I'm tired of the cost and hassle to change the oil in my car with a mechanic. I'd rather just do it myself and know it's done right.

What pros/cons am I looking at, as I've never done this before? Any advice is much appreciated!

Also, any advice on what to do with the oil once it's out? Where can I take it just to get rid of it, for free hopefully?

Answer 1

Change the oil yourself. You'll save money and be able to choose your own oil and filter.

All you'll need:
Plastic drainpan ($10 one time, at auto parts store)
Wrench for drainplug ($5 one time, anywhere)
Rags (Free, old worn out socks)
Filter ($3 at auto parts store)
Oil ($9 at auto parts store)

To get rid of the old oil call your city's waste or trash department and ask them. They will have a facility where you can drop it off (usually for free).

Answer 2

If your going to change it yourself you will need the proper tools - a wrench for the oil drain plug and another to remove the oil filter. You'll also need a catch pan for the old oil and some rags of course because you'll make a mess. Preferably too you should have some ramps you can use to drive up and make it easier to get under the car.

Then you need to go to the store, pick out the oil you need and figure out which filter.

Changing the oil is itself not a bid deal. Once everything is set up, remove the oil drain plug and drain the oil from the engine. When that's done, replace the oil drain plug, then remove the oil filter - making sure to move the oil catch pan if necessary. Put a new filter on, tighten it by hand - not with the wrench - and make sure to lubricate the seal before you put it on. Then fill with oil to the required level.

When your done you will have to take the old oil to a disposal center or shop to get rid of it. Don't spill any in the trunk!

Or for about $20 you can take it to a shop, they will do the whole thing in about a half hour or 45 minutes, there is no mess to clean up, nothing to dispose of, no multiple trips to make. While the mechanic has your car s/he will also check all the other fluids, condition of belts and hoses, tires and tire pressures and so on.

Really, if your having trouble with your mechanic on an oil change, you need another mechanic, not to go to all that bother yourself.

Answer 3

It's easy enough. You need about 5 qts of oil and the proper oil filter. You can give your car's make, model, and engine size to the parts house (or walmart, whatever). It's also a good idea to replace your air filters at this time.
Drain the oil into a big enough pan. I use an old antifreeze bottle with a hole cut in the side. Replace the filter once the oil is drained. REPLACE THE PLUG in the oil pan. Otherwise you'll just drain the fresh oil out the bottom. Fill 3 quarts and check the dipstick. Continue filling until it's full.

Check the air filter and replace if necessary. Also check your brake and power steering fluid levels. Might as well check your battery and belts while you're at it. Wiper blades, too.

Done! Now you just have to transfer the oil into an old milk jug and take it to your parts house. In CA, they have to take it. Otherwise, maybe you can take it to your local gas station or mechanic. But they'll probably want to charge you unless you have a regular relationship with them. Best of luck!

Answer 4

The biggest problem with changing your own oil is the environmental issues associated with collecting and disposing of your used oil. You should also dispose of it properly at a disposal facility or landfill where it is collected separately. Also clean up any spills immediately.

Just 1 quart of oil can contaminate thousands of gallons of water. Never poor it down the drain or dump it in a ditch or yard.

That's the biggest challenge with changing your won oil. If it's your first time, you will probably spill alot getting the oil pan positioned correctly and getting the filter off. Plus, some facilities/landfills charge to take the old oil and used filter.

I don't go to Jiffy Lube or any fast oil change places, because I don't trust them. Find an honest local mechanic to change your oil. They can also fix minor problems. It might cost a few bucks more, but it is worth it.

Answer 5

If you are at all mechanically inclined it is a simple task, do it yourself. if you are not sure get someone to guide you through it the first time and you should be ok from there. In most areas places like autozone and advanced auto take your used oil for free, and you need to go there to buy the oil and filter anyway.

Answer 6

Ask a friend to show you.. the cons are the shops usually can spot other things .. The best advice is get several peiple to recomend a good shop. Wal mart can do a cheap oil and lube but dont do other work. fast lube shops may oversell you, take a car care course at nite school.

Answer 7

While it is one of the simplest things to do on a car, if you never did it before Murphy's Law applies. Being a messy job, you need to be careful.

My suggestion would be to find a neighbor who does his own on a regular basis, and ask him to show you how it's done...

As for disposing of the oil, take the old oil (in closed containers) to an auto parts store, most will have a disposal tank you can pour it in for free.

Ohhh, and if you never heard of Murphy's Law, you need to find your neighbor...

Answer 8

If you know how to do it yourself and what type of oil to use, you can do it yourself. You need a special container though to kee the old oil. I think that you can find it where car stuff is sold.

Answer 9

I find for the cost of the oil and filter, time and disposal, its better at a speedy lube.

Answer 10

You must not be a very good handy helper if you cant change your own oil. Ask your girl friend to show you how to change it she will show you.