Changing your car’s oil at home is a rewarding DIY task that can save you money and give you a deeper understanding of your vehicle. However, to ensure your DIY oil change is successful, safe, and clean, having the right tools is essential. This guide outlines the must-have tools for anyone tackling an oil change in their garage.
Essential Tools for Your DIY Oil Change
Performing a car oil change yourself requires more than just oil and a new filter. You need specific tools to safely lift your car, drain the old oil, and install the new components correctly. Investing in these tools will not only make the job easier but also ensure your safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.
Car Jack
While your car comes equipped with a spare tire jack, it’s designed for emergency tire changes, not for routine maintenance like oil changes. For a DIY oil change, a floor jack is a safer and more efficient option. Floor jacks, especially hydraulic trolley jacks, offer greater stability and can lift your car higher, providing ample space to work underneath. When choosing a car jack, ensure it has a lifting capacity exceeding your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and a sufficient maximum lifting height. A reliable car jack is the first step towards a safe DIY oil change.
Jack Stands
Once you’ve lifted your car with a jack, never rely solely on the jack to support the vehicle while you are working underneath. Jack stands are crucial safety devices designed to securely hold your car at the desired height. Always use jack stands in conjunction with a car jack. Position them on designated jacking points on your vehicle’s frame for maximum stability. Whether you choose steel or aluminum jack stands, ensure they have an adequate weight capacity rating, and always use them as a pair for balanced support during your DIY oil change.
Oil Drain Pan
An oil drain pan is a simple yet indispensable tool for catching the old oil as it drains from your engine. It prevents spills and keeps your workspace clean. Choose a drain pan with a sufficient capacity to hold all the old oil from your vehicle and features like a spout or plug for easy disposal of the used oil.
Wrench Set
You’ll need a wrench to remove the drain plug from your oil pan. The size of the drain plug wrench varies depending on your car model, so consult your car’s manual to determine the correct size. Having a set of wrenches or adjustable wrenches ensures you have the right tool for the job.
Oil Filter Wrench
The oil filter also needs to be removed and replaced during an oil change. An oil filter wrench provides the necessary grip and leverage to loosen and tighten the oil filter. There are various types of oil filter wrenches available, such as strap wrenches, socket-style wrenches, and claw wrenches, so select one that is compatible with your vehicle’s oil filter type and accessible space.
Funnel
A funnel is essential for pouring new oil into your engine without spills. It directs the oil into the fill hole, preventing messes and ensuring accurate filling. A long-necked funnel is particularly helpful for reaching fill holes in tight engine compartments.
Gloves and Rags
Finally, protect your hands and keep your work area clean with gloves and rags. Oil can be messy and harmful to your skin, so wear gloves to protect yourself. Rags are useful for wiping up spills, cleaning tools, and checking the oil dipstick.
Having these essential tools will equip you for a successful and safe DIY car oil change, saving you money and empowering you to maintain your vehicle at home.
