An oil change at home with AMSOIL can be done in no time—no mechanic required! Let’s dive into these tips by Absolute Oil & Lube in Winnipeg, MB, and master your next oil change.
Many car enthusiasts look forward to garage projects as summer rolls around in Winnipeg. An oil change is one of the most satisfying—and rewarding—DIY tasks. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to tackle your DIY oil change at home quickly and effectively, with expert tips on choosing the right AMSOIL products for your vehicle.
Before diving into the oil change, gathering the necessary tools and materials is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Once you’ve gathered everything, you’re ready to start. Here’s how, step by step, you can complete an oil change at home in 30 minutes or less.
Before you begin, it is crucial to ensure your car is parked on a flat, stable surface. Set the parking brake to avoid accidents, and ensure the engine is cool to prevent burns from hot oil.
Next, lift the car if necessary. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, you may need to use a jack and jack stands to raise it safely. Once your car is elevated, place the oil drain pan underneath the drain plug and filter.
Using the appropriate wrench, loosen the oil drain plug and let the oil drain ultimately into the pan. This can take a few minutes, so be patient. While the oil is draining, you can remove the old oil filter.
The oil filter is typically located near the oil pan, but its position varies depending on your car's make and model. You may need a unique tool to remove the filter, which can be tricky if it’s tightly sealed.
Before installing the new oil filter, lubricate the rubber seal with a small amount of new oil. This ensures that the filter seals properly and prevents any leaks. Screw on the new oil filter hand-tight, but be careful not to overtighten it. Over-tightening the filter can cause damage or make it difficult to remove the next time you change the oil. Once it’s in place, you’re ready to add the new oil.
For most vehicles, the oil fill cap is on top of the engine. Remove the cap, place your funnel in the opening, and pour the new AMSOIL motor oil. Here’s where you’ll need to choose between AMSOIL Signature Series and AMSOIL OE Series, depending on your vehicle's specifications:
AMSOIL Signature Series: This series protects against wear, even under extreme conditions. It is perfect for high-performance cars or vehicles that undergo severe driving conditions, such as towing or stop-and-go traffic.
AMSOIL OE Series: This offers excellent protection and performance for vehicles that don’t require the ultra-high performance of the Signature Series. The OE Series will quickly get the job done if your vehicle is a daily driver with moderate usage.
Check the oil level using the dipstick once the oil has circulated through the engine. If it’s too low, add more oil in small increments until you reach the correct level. Be careful not to overfill the engine, which can cause excessive pressure and leaks. After the oil change, you must dispose of the used oil and filter properly. Never pour used oil down the drain or throw it in the trash.