Are you tired of spending much money on oil changes at the mechanics? Do you want to learn how to do a DIY oil change and save some cash in the process? Performing an oil change is a great way to learn DIY and a valuable skill while saving money on car maintenance.
A DIY is an excellent way to accomplish the oil change both of these goals. Not only can you save money, but you can also learn valuable skills and take control of your vehicle's maintenance.
However, to perform a DIY like a pro, you need the right tools in your garage. Having the proper tools can make the process easier, cleaner, and more efficient.
In this blog, we'll discuss the tools you need in your garage to perform a DIY oil change successfully. By the end of this article, you'll be ready to tackle your next oil change with confidence and ease.
Oil Filter Wrench
An oil filter wrench is essential for performing an oil change on your vehicle. It is specifically designed to help you remove the oil filter with ease. The oil filter is a critical component of the engine's lubrication system and needs to be replaced periodically to maintain optimal engine performance.
The oil filter wrench comes in different sizes to fit the different types of oil filters. Make sure to choose the correct size for your vehicle to avoid damaging the filter or the engine block. The wrench is circular and usually has a textured surface or teeth to grip the filter securely. This allows you to turn the filter counterclockwise to loosen it and remove it from the engine.
Without an oil filter wrench, removing the oil filter can be challenging, especially if it is tightly secured. Attempting to remove the filter with pliers or other tools can cause damage to the filter or the engine, leading to expensive repairs. Using an oil filter wrench ensures that you can safely and efficiently remove the filter, allowing you to complete your oil change quickly and with minimal hassle.
An oil filter wrench is an essential tool that you need to have in your garage if you plan on performing a DIY oil change. It helps you easily remove the oil filter, ensuring you can replace it efficiently and safely, maintaining optimal engine performance.
Oil Drain Pan
When completing a DIY oil change, you absolutely must have an oil drain pan. It is a pan that, as its name suggests, is made to capture and hold used oil as it drains out of an engine. The oil drain pan is necessary because it stops old oil from dripping onto the ground or the floor, which can be messy and bad for the environment.
Oil drain pans can be formed of various materials, including metal or plastic, and they come in various sizes and forms. It is simpler to pour spent oil into a container for disposal when a drain pan has built-in funnels or spouts. Different drain pans with removable lids make transporting the used oil to a recycling facility easy.
When choosing an oil drain pan, make sure to select one that is the right size for your vehicle's oil capacity. Also, ensure the pan is sturdy and has a secure grip so it does not tip over or spill the used oil. It's also a good idea to look for an oil drain pan with a mesh strainer to catch any debris that may have accumulated in the old oil.
An oil drain pan is an essential tool you must have when performing a DIY oil change. It catches the old oil as it drains out of the engine, preventing it from spilling all over the floor or the ground. When choosing an oil drain pan, make sure to select one that is the right size and has a sturdy grip so that you can dispose of the used oil safely and efficiently.
Funnel
When completing a DIY oil change, you need to have a funnel, which is a straightforward yet crucial item. It adds fresh oil to the engine without letting any spill into the compartment. When refueling the oil, a funnel is especially handy because it allows you to precisely direct and manage the oil flow into the engine.
Although funnels exist in various sizes and designs, they all function the same way. You can pour oil into the funnel through the wide top hole, and the oil is then directed into the engine by the little bottom spout. Some funnels have a built-in screen or filter to remove impurities or particles from the new product.
When choosing a funnel, make sure to select one that is the right size for your vehicle's oil filler opening. It's also a good idea to look for a funnel made of durable material, such as plastic or metal, to ensure that it lasts for a long time. Additionally, some funnels are designed to collapse or fold down for easy storage, which is convenient if you have limited space in your garage.
A funnel is a simple but essential tool you must have when performing a DIY oil change. It helps you pour new oil into the engine without spilling it all over the bay. When selecting a funnel, make sure to choose the right size for your vehicle, look for a durable material, and consider collapsible options for easy storage.
Oil Filter Pliers
When performing a do-it-yourself oil change, oil filter pliers are a type of instrument used to remove the oil filter from the engine. They are made to hold and rotate the filter, which makes it simpler to remove. Oil filter pliers do not rely on a circular shape and teeth to grip the filter as oil filter wrenches do. Instead, they contain movable jaws that may be sized to the filter.
Although oil filter pliers come in various sizes and forms, they all function similarly. The oil filter is placed in the pliers' jaws, and the handles are squeezed to grasp the filter firmly. With this grip, you may loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise.
It's crucial to select oil filter pliers that are the correct size for the oil filter on your car. It could be challenging to remove the filter if the pliers are too small because they won't be able to grab it firmly enough. The engine block or filter could be harmed if the pliers are too large, necessitating costly repairs.
When completing a do-it-yourself oil change, oil filter pliers are an important piece of equipment. To simplify removing the oil filter from the engine, they are made to grab and turn it. Choose a pair of oil filter pliers that are the proper size for your vehicle's oil filter to ensure that they function well and do not result in any problems.
Gloves
When completing an oil change on your own, gloves are a necessary piece of equipment. They assist in shielding your hands from contact with spent engine oil, which can damage your skin. Heavy metals and carcinogens are only two examples of the dangerous elements that can be found in used motor oil. These substances can irritate the skin and negatively affect one's health.
You can keep your hands clean and avoid oil stains on your skin or clothing by wearing gloves when changing your oil. Selecting gloves composed of a strong material that can tolerate exposure to engine oil, such as nitrile or latex gloves, is imperative. While still enabling you to create a barrier that shields your skin from damaging substances, these materials maintain a good grip on tools and oil filters.
Choosing the right size is important when selecting gloves for an oil change. Gloves that are too big or small can make it difficult to grip tools or handle the oil filter properly, leading to accidents or spills. You should also ensure that the gloves fit snugly around your wrists to prevent oil from seeping in.
Having multiple gloves on hand is always a good idea if one pair gets damaged or torn during the oil change process. It's also important to dispose of used gloves properly, as they can be considered hazardous waste and should not be thrown in the regular trash.
Gloves are an essential tool to have when performing a DIY oil change. They provide protection from harmful chemicals and keep your hands clean during the oil change process. Choose gloves made from durable materials, ensure they fit properly, and dispose of them properly after use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DIY oil changes can save you time and money, and a successful and safe oil change requires the proper instruments. The oil filter wrench, oil drain pan, funnel, oil filter pliers, gloves, and other items covered in this article are all required for a quick and easy oil replacement procedure. You may confidently do an oil change at home while adhering to the necessary safety precautions, enabling you to save money and learn a new skill.
