These days an oil change will cost you around $50, so why not learn to do it yourself? It only takes about 10-minutes (give it longer if it's your first time) and it might just give you Internet geniuses your get-tough image back.
Follow these six steps from
WIRED magazine:
- LIFT the car. Never trust a jack -- drop $30 on a set of stands or ramps instead. Position a catch tub under the oil pan and unscrew the drain plug.
- REMOVE the oil filter. You should be able to loosen it by hand, but if you're too much of a wuss, you can buy a $5 oil filter wrench at any auto parts store.
- SMEAR some clean oil onto the new filter's rubber seal and screw in into place. Hand-tighten it only -- if you strip the threads it'll cost a mint in repairs.
- REINSTALL the drain plug and pour in the new stuff. Your manual knows what kind to use and how much.
- RUN your car for 30 seconds to circulate the oil. Then check the dipstick to gauge the level. Remember: Overfilling is just as bad as underfilling.
- RECYCLE! Most auto parts chains or repair shops should take the old sludge off your hands and not charge you a dime.
Still not sure what to do? For a more detailed approach, check out
these instructions from the people over at
About.
Source
The One Thing That'll Make Sunny Weather Even Better
Condiment: Five Faves: Apt2b.com's Mat Herman
Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)
It makes the job easier if the car is a little warm when you do it. Obviously not too hot to work on, but warm oil will drain faster and more throughly.
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