Step-by-Step Instructions and Pictures for How to Do An Oil Change

By Bob Lacivita and David Radtke
This step-by-step guide shows you everything you need to know to do your own oil change at home. Read an overview for how to do an oil change.
From The Family Handyman
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Oil Change Tip
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Pour the used oil back into oil bottles (a rather messy job) or into an old container. Then take the bottles to a recycling center or set them out with your trash (only if your trash collector accepts used oil). To find a recycling center near you, go to earth 911.com and enter "oil" and your zip code in the search bars. Each recycling center lists whether they accept oil and filters, or only oil. Some states require oil filters to be drained before disposal in the trash, while others prohibit tossing them in the trash completely. To find your state's oil filter disposal rules, go to http://filtercouncil.org/index.php?page=recycle and enter your state in the drop-down menu.
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Jack stands alone are too DANGEROUS for crawling under your vehicle. I've seen them fail when placed on asphalt on a slight slope--they slowly sank towards the front of the vehicle, and everything came crashing down. I strongly recommend buying ramps because it's much more difficult for your car to fall off them.

By Dan H, on 10/02/2009
When draining the oil, don't barehand it: wear a pair of heavy duty latex gloves (keeps your hands cleaner) or Mechanix-type gloves (anti-knuckle busters). Also, look around for other sources of possible leaks (oil pan gasket, other fluid lines, CV joint boots). A local oil change shop may not tell you anything, but I got a leaky tranfer case repaired under warranty because I looked around. Keep your receipts for any possible future warranty/wear claims.

By CitiKnight, on 02/27/2009

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