Which Tools Do You Need to Change Your Oil – Oil Change Tools

You can easily change your own oil with the right equipment. Your oil change will go without a hitch if you use these seven tools.

Oil Change Tools

Car Jack

There may already be a jack in your car along with the spare tire. It cannot be used to lift the vehicle to work on the engine; it is only intended for changing a tire. For lifting the car high enough for you to reach underneath, it is preferable to have a floor jack.

The most practical and typical floor jacks are those with towing wheels and a hydraulic hand pump. A 20-inch lift is possible with this BlackhawkService Jack, which can lift 3-1/2 tons. But it is still quite heavy to move around at 85 pounds.

The Pro-Lift Hydraulic Trolley Jack is more portable and less expensive. It has an 18-pound weight and a 12-inch lifting capacity for 1-1/2 tons.

Jack Stands

You’ll need jack stands to keep your car in a safe position once you’ve raised it with the car jack. Despite the negative reputation that aluminum jack stands have for being weaker than steel, both materials work well.

Although slightly heavier, steel jack stands are more affordable than aluminum. The weight of these Pro-Lift Double Pin Jack Stands is approximately 6-1/2 lbs. each and together will hold three tons.

The Torin Big Red Lightweight Jack Stands hold three tons and weigh about ten pounds collectively, which is a lot for an aluminum set. The height of the Torin jack stands is 15-5/8-in. high, while the Pro-Lift raises to a height of 16-3/4 inches.

Oil Collection Container

Disposing of used oil is made much simpler by selecting an oil collection container that doubles as a portable jug. In this manner, transferring between containers won’t be messy.

Numerous oil changes can be performed on this FloTool 16-quart drain container before it needs to be emptied. No matter how it is stored—upright or flat—there will be no leaks.

Metal Drip Pan

It doesn’t hurt to slide a large metal drip pan underneath a sturdy collection container to shield your garage floor or driveway from oil stains.

The diameter of this 47-in. Lumax Galvanized Drip Pan x 25-in. with a 1/2-in. lip around the edge to protect a wide surface area. Compared to concrete or asphalt, this pan requires much less cleaning.

Funnel

When it’s time to add new engine oil, a steady funnel will stop spills.

You’ll need to keep one hand on this FloTool QuickFill Funnel while you pour, but it’s a good choice that won’t break the bank. You could also choose a funnel kit like this Lisle Spill-Free Funnel, which comes with adapters for all of your car fluids. When adding engine oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, the different adapters enable the funnel to stand up without the need for a hand.

Portable Shop Light

An oil plug, car jack notches, jacking plate, or even your oil filter if it’s hidden beneath other components can all be located with the aid of a flashlight, even on the brightest of days. This GearIt LED Work Light, which has 1,200 lumens, can be used hand-held, mounted with a magnet to your car, or hung from a hook. An extension cord measuring 20 feet is included.

Wrench

The drain plug must be removed using a box wrench or socket wrench. Once you’ve done that, you can probably complete the task by hand. Your car will determine the kind and size of wrench you require. Specs can be found in your owner’s manual.

For any garage, a decent set of combination wrenches with a box and a socket end is a wise purchase. Both metric and inch-based measurements are available in a 15-piece combination wrench set from Milwaukee Tool.

How to Change Oil

1. Safety First

These steps, which were carried out in this photo on a 2008 Nissan Altima, describe how to change your oil and oil filter. Similar steps are used by most vehicles, but each vehicle has its own set of steps. For more detailed information about your car, consult a repair manual. To obtain the appropriate oil, oil filter, tools, and safety equipment for your vehicle, speak with an AutoZoneer or enter your vehicle on AutoZone.com. Make sure you purchase the appropriate oil and filter for your vehicle because oil comes in various weights and types and different vehicles require different amounts of it. Your owner’s manual will also contain details on the weight, kind, and quantity of oil.

You need your car’s oil to be warm, not hot, to make the job easier. If it’s cold outside, start the car or let it run for a while to let it cool. Put wheel chocks behind the back wheels, engage the parking brake, and park your car on a level surface. Lift the vehicle’s front end and set it on jack stands. You can also drive the car up onto weight-bearing ramps like the FloTool Rhino Ramp if that’s what you’d prefer. If you need to use a ramp, it’s a good idea to have someone watch you drive up onto it so they can make sure you don’t drive too far and fall off. When servicing your vehicle, always put on gloves and safety glasses.

2. Setting Up the Job

To access the oil filler cap, raise the hood. For the drain plug, look under your car, and place a pan there.

3. Drain the Oil

To remove the plug and drain the oil, use a rachet or wrench. Take a look at the plug and plug gasket. Replace if necessary.

4. Slow to a Drip

Drain the oil until it slows to a drip

5. Clean the Drain Plug

After cleaning, install the oil drain plug, being careful not to overtighten. Leaks can be created by overtightening the plug and damaging the threads. After that, place the pan underneath the filter.

6. Remove the Filter

Oil will start to leak out and fall into the pan as soon as the filter is removed. Whether you have a spin-on type filter or a cartridge filter, you’ll want to check with an AutoZoner to get the correct removal tool if necessary

7. Check the Gasket

Verify that the gasket from the previous filter was also disposed of with it. A brand-new gasket is attached to the replacement oil filter. To ensure that the new oil filter forms a tight seal, make sure the old gasket was eliminated.

8. Lubricate the Gasket

Clean and lubricate the filter mount. If a spin-on filter has a seal, lubricate it. If a cartridge filter does, lubricate the O-ring.

9. Install the New Filter

Put the new filter in place.

10. Install New Oil

Install the correct quantity of new oil using a funnel. To make sure you put in the correct amount, check your owner’s manual. AutoZone suggests using high mileage engine oil for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles on them; do not overfill.

11. Check Oil Level

Install the dipstick after removing it to clean it, then remove it again to check the level. Once you’re done, put the dipstick back in. Inspect for leaks after replacing the engine cap. Make sure the oil filter, drain plug, and cap are all firmly in place.

Start the engine (preferably outside or in a well-ventilated area), let it run for a few minutes, then shut it off and leave it to sit.

Check the oil level once more. If necessary, top off and double-check for leaks. Oil spills should be cleaned up.

12. Set Maintenance Reminder

Put an AutoZone sticker on the windshield and reset the oil maintenance reminder. When it’s time for another oil change, these will assist in reminding you. Your owner’s manual will contain instructions for resetting the dashboard indicator. You can find the suggested change intervals in your owner’s manual or on the oil jug. On the sticker, note the anticipated time and/or mileage for the subsequent maintenance.

13. Recycle Your Oil

Always properly dispose of any used automotive fluids. Put the used motor oil in a container that can be closed and deliver it to a recycling center or an AutoZone. Call ahead to confirm that they can recycle your oil. You can even pick up fresh oil and a filter so you’ll be prepared the next time your oil needs to be changed.

Go for a short drive to make sure the car is running properly after completing your own DIY oil change and double-checking that everything is put back together. You may also want to recycle your used oil at an AutoZone. At your neighborhood AutoZone, you can purchase the necessary parts. If the task is too large for you to complete, look for assistance from one of our Preferred Shops.