Changing your own engine oil. How do you do it?

Changing Engine Oil can be done by yourself if you have the right products and tools. Changing your own engine oil follows a step-by-step guide. By replacing the oil in the engine yourself, you avoid high repair costs and ensure the engine has fresh oil. Read our blog to learn when to change your engine oil, how to drain the oil from the engine, and how to add new synthetic oil.

When to Change Engine Oil?

When to change engine oil depends on how many kilometers the car has driven or how long the current engine oil has been in. Fresh engine oil keeps the engine block and its components in good condition. The timing for changing engine oil varies by car type and brand. Some cars need new oil after 10,000 km, while others might require fresh oil after 15,000, 20,000, 30,000, or even 40,000 km. Most cars will also indicate when you need to change the engine oil. The recommendation is to renew the oil in the engine every 15,000 km. If the car doesn’t reach that mileage, change the engine oil annually!

Why Change Engine Oil?

There are several reasons to change engine oil. Fundamentally, engine oil prevents the engine block and its components from wearing out quickly. Failing to change the oil on time can lead to high engine wear and other complications for the car. Consider issues like a clogged oil filter, blocked oil channels, or soot and dirt in the engine. Old oil in the engine also leads to higher fuel consumption.

Tools Needed for Changing Engine Oil Yourself

Changing engine oil yourself requires tools and other supplies. The items and tools needed for renewing oil in the engine ensure that you can do it easily yourself. The following products are essential for changing engine oil yourself.

  • Oil catch pan
  • Cleaning or wiping paper (a rag will do)
  • New engine oil
  • Gloves
  • Hand tools
  • A garage
  • A jack or lift

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Engine Oil

Have the right oil and tools? Then you’re ready to start changing the engine oil in your car yourself. We recommend performing an oil service in a closed space. This is not only easier and cleaner, but it’s also better for the environment if a drop of oil accidentally spills on the ground. Follow the step-by-step guide below for the correct way to perform an engine oil service.

  1. Make sure the engine is warm.
  2. Open the hood and loosen the oil cap.
  3. Lift the car with a jack or lift it from the front.
  4. Ensure the car is securely supported while working underneath it.
  5. Place the catch pan under the car.
  6. Carefully remove the oil drain plug located at the bottom of the engine in the oil pan.
  7. Note, the oil that flows out is hot. Use gloves for protection.
  8. Replace the oil filter.
  9. Reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing ring. Clean it with brake cleaner and a cloth.
  10. Pour the new oil into the engine through the fill opening. The amount is specified in the car’s manual.
  11. Remove the catch pan from under the car and lower it from the jack or lift.
  12. Securely tighten the oil cap and check the oil level using the dipstick or digitally via the onboard computer. Reset the service interval.
  13. Remove any spilled oil with a cloth and brake cleaner, then close the hood. DONE!