The idea of performing maintenance, even a relatively simple task like an oil change, can seem daunting, if not impossible. However, changing your oil yourself can be more convenient and cost-effective than taking your car to your local Express Lube repair shop. The following article will show you how to change car engine oil at home correctly, safely, and cost-effectively. Maybe you enjoy servicing your car as much as we do.
Yes, in this 7-step guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to change car engine oil at home, in this case, an Acura TSX.
What to Expect: Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
Experience Level: Amateur
Related: How to Clean AC Filter in Car: Steps
What You’ll Need:
- Oil
- Oil filter
- Oil drain pan
- Easy wrench set
- Easy ratchet and socket set
- Oil filter wrench/pliers
- Nitrile gloves
- Magnetic light
- Jack and jack stand (if not using a car lift)
- Rollboard Brake cleaner
- Plastic clip removal tool (for all underbody covers or covers)
How to Change Car Engine Oil At Home
Follow these steps to learn how to change car engine oil at home:
Step 1:
Prepare for the Oil Change Before you begin any oil change, it’s worth preparing thoroughly, especially if it’s your first time doing one. Here are the steps, so to speak:
Determine Your Vehicle’s Displacement
Some models have different engine sizes depending on the trim level. If you’re not sure which one your car has, there are a few ways to find out: Check your owner’s manual. Look at the emission control information sticker under the hood. This will usually tell you the displacement in litres
Use a VIN decoder to determine your engine’s displacement.
Determine the Right Type of Oil Never just pour any old motor oil into your vehicle’s engine.
Cars are very fussy, especially when it comes to lubricants. Your engine needs the right viscosity to operate as intended. How do you get this viscosity? You can also check your user manual here. There may be a label on the oil cap stating the type of oil. A quick Google search can help, but be sure to find multiple consistent sources.
Call your dealer.
- Once you find the right viscosity (ex: 0W-20, 5W-30), determine which oil you need: Conventional: Less expensive but less refined
- Blends: Blend of conventional and synthetic oil – medium viscosity Synthetic: Most expensive, but most refined product for consistent viscosity.
Note: Some vehicles require full synthetic oil.
Use synthetic oil if the manual says synthetic.
Determine how much oil you need
The amount of oil your engine needs is pretty accurate. Too little oil can cause unnecessary friction and excess heat, leading to premature failure, while too much oil can limit the functionality of certain components and, in worst case scenario, can cause hydrolock.
How to check your vehicle’s oil capacity: Read your owner’s manual Call your dealer Do a Google search from a trusted source Once you’ve determined the right oil for your vehicle, order the oil and oil filter from an auto parts store. Next, watch a short YouTube video on how to change the oil in your car. There will probably be a few. Finally, refer to the “What you’ll need” list above and buy what you need. Now you’re ready to get started.
Step 2: Jack up the car and open it up
First, raise the car high enough so you have enough space to work underneath. Whether you use a lift, ramps or jack stands, ensure you are safe. We put our test vehicle on a lift in the Car and Driver test garage so you could see what we do. Most modern cars are fitted with plastic underbody covers to improve aerodynamics and protect key components under the engine.
To access the oil pan and oil filter on your TSX, you will need to remove the cover. Most underbody covers are secured with a combination of bolts, screws, or plastic clips and can be removed with simple hand tools. Before step 2, be sure to inspect for oil leaks. If you find any, you should have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic.
Step 3: Unplug and drain the oil.
Position an oil container – a 5-gallon bucket, oil drain pan (available at auto parts stores), oil container or other large liquid container – so that the oil can drain without spilling. Avoid walking on the floor or otherwise making a mess. Remember that there is a lot of oil: Most cars have at least 3-8 litres in their crankcases, and sometimes more.
Remove the drain plug by loosening it (counterclockwise) using the appropriate wrench. Be sure to hold the drain plug firmly when removing it; you don’t want the bolt to fly off if oil starts to flow out as you pull the bolt away from the oil pan. Let the engine idle for five minutes, or until the oil flow slows to a trickle.
Step 4: Remove the old filter.
Locate the oil filter. It’s a softball-sized cylindrical component that screws into the engine (though some engines have a housing that the filter cartridge slides into). Using your hands or an oil filter wrench (you will probably need the latter), loosen the oil filter (turn it counterclockwise) enough that oil comes out the top and drips into the container.
Wait until the oil stops flowing, then remove the filter completely. Before installing the new filter, make sure that the old oil filter gasket (the thin rubber O-ring) is not left behind. This is especially important.
If you do not remove the old gasket, the new filter will not seal properly and will leak all the new oil onto the ground, usually within a few minutes after starting, which could lead to an insufficient supply of oil to the engine and lead to catastrophe.
It is a good idea to wipe off all oil-contaminated surfaces before reinstalling the drain plug and oil filter.
Step 5: Insert the drain plug and install the filter
Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it, but do not overtighten it as this can damage the oil pan and drain plug. Tighten it slightly but do not overtighten it. The bolts have a tightening torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer and should be tightened with a torque wrench. Do not, under any circumstances, try to pry off the head of the drain plug.
On most vehicles, there is a washer behind the drain plug that should be replaced when you reinstall the bolt (check your owner’s manual to see if this washer needs to be replaced).
Next, take the new oil filter and apply a thin layer of oil (by dabbing it with your fingertip) around the rubber seal on top of the filter. This ensures a good seal when you tighten the filter.
The same rule applies when fitting the filter: Do not overtighten the screws, but turn them until they are “hand-tight” and then tighten them a little further.
Step 6: Refill the oil
After replacing the oil filter and drain plug, reinstall the underbody cover and return the car to the ground. The oil cap is marked with an oil can symbol. Use a funnel to fill the engine with the amount of oil specified by the manufacturer.
Step 7: Check the oil level and check for leaks.
Once the oil is filled, start the vehicle and let it run for 10 seconds to allow the oil to circulate normally. Finally, use the dipstick to check if the oil level is at the correct value.
Checking the oil is easy: Pull the dipstick out of the sleeve, wipe off all the oil with a paper towel, put the dipstick back in, pull the dipstick back and make sure the oil level matches the mark on the tip. The oil dipstick matches.
Finally, start the vehicle and let it idle to warm up. Congratulations! You just changed your oil and saved a ton of money. Doesn’t that feel great?
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