Many car owners save money by changing their own oil and handling basic maintenance for their car. Here are some tips for a DIY oil change. Make sure to dispose of all the components according to local laws and regulations. Used motor oil shouldn’t be left to drain on the ground. The used oil filter may be able to be recycled instead of ending up in a landfill. If you do throw the oil filter away, it should be completely drained of the used oil before placing it in the trash. Invest in a drain container to make it easier to recycle the used motor oil.
DIY Oil Change Steps with an Oil Drain Pan
When changing your own oil, you’ll want to use your owner’s manual to know exactly where everything is located. Here are the general steps:
Park your car on level ground. Block the wheels. Set the parking brake.
Remove the drain plug from the engine’s oil pan and allow the oil to drain into a suitable container, such as a transmission oil drain pan.
Remove and replace the oil filter. Replace the drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan. Make sure it’s tight.
Add new engine oil. Your owner’s manual will tell you how much oil is required.
Keep the parking brake set. Make sure your car is in a well-ventilated area. Start the car and let the engine run a few minutes.
Turn off the car. Check the oil level again. Look for leaks at the oil filter and at the drain plug.
Make a note of the mileage and grade of motor oil that you added so that you’ll know when to change the filter again.
Proper Oil Disposal
Used motor oil can be re-refined into many different projects. According to the EPA, if all the used motor oil was properly disposed of to be recycled, the United States would save thousands of barrels of oil each year. An oil drain pan is designed to be durable and versatile. It can hold the used oil safely without spills or mess until you can take it to a recycling center.
Cleaning & Maintenance Tips
Before you begin the project, check to make sure you have all the tools and equipment you need. You don’t want to stop to get parts or accessories. Once you’ve drained the oil, use a funnel to pour it into a secure container to take it to the recycling center. Although many household containers are suitable, do not use any container that once held other chemicals, like a bleach bottle, or a container that once held food. Any container you do use should have a secure lid. The ideal container is the original motor oil containers of new oil that you placed in the car. Label the container clearly and keep out of reach of children.
Shop for everything you need to change your oil. Most local AutoZone stores accept used motor oil for recycling. When you drop it off, pick up new oil to keep on hand for the next change.
