Changing Your Oil

This training presentation will provide an outline for doing a DIY oil change on your vehicle. Be sure to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for specific information regarding your vehicle.

A basic oil change will consist of replacing your oil and replacing the oil filter. Some basic tools and materials will be required for this job.

1. Ramps or Jacks to raise vehicle

2. Oil (Refer to vehicle manual for type and quantity)

3. Filter (Refer to vehicle manual)

4. Wrenches

5. Screwdriver

6. Towels for clean-up

7. Oil Catch Pan

In order to access the underside of the car, it is likely you will need to raise the car off the ground. The simplest way is to use ramps, like the picture above. Driving your vehicle up onto the ramps will provide you enough room under the car to do the job.

It is likely that your vehicle will have a splash shield underneath your engine to protect from road debris. There will be a few screws securing this plastic shield to the underside of your car. In order to access the engine oil pan and filter, you will need to remove these screws using your screwdriver, and remove the splash shield altogether. The picture above is a common layout for splash shield screws.

After the splash shield has been removed, you can access the oil pan on the bottom of the engine. This is the part of the engine that houses the oil. There will be a drain near the lowest point of the engine. If you cannot locate this drain plug, please refer to your owner's manual. Once the drain has been located, position the oil catch pan directly beneath the drain. With the proper size wrench, remove the oil drain plug. CAUTION: The oil may still be hot if the car has been driven recently. The old oil will drain into the oil catch pan. Once the draining is complete, replace the drain plug.

Locate the oil filter housing. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual if you are unable to find it. Position the oil catch pan beneath the housing. Remove the oil filter housing with a oil filter wrench. Remove and replace the paper filter cartridge and included oil seal. Be sure to pre-lubricate the oil seal with engine oil on the contact area. Re-install the oil filter housing,

Locate the oil filler cap under the hood of the car. Remove the cap. Using a funnel, pour the new oil into your engine. Be sure not to over-fill or under-fill from the amount prescribed in the owner's manual for your engine. Replace the filler cap.

At this time, you can replace your splash shield. Once it is re-installed, start your car and lower it from the ramps. You have completed your oil change! The only thing remaining is to clean up your mess and dispose of the used oil.