I have been changing my own oil for as long as I’ve been driving. Today, I am partnering with Mobil 1 at Walmart for this sponsored post to share my favorite DIY Oil Change Hack and some tips to change the oil easily.
Yes, there were times when I bit the bullet and paid someone to change my car’s oil, but when I learned how easy it is to change my own oil only once a year with Mobil 1™ Annual Protection, I never looked back.
Here are five steps (one is my favorite hack) to easily change your oil:
Before you start, have all your tools and pick the right oil.
I went to Walmart and bought two Mobil 1™ Annual Protection motor oil 5-quart jugs AND one Mobil 1™ Extended Performance oil filter–they work better together. I traded up to synthetic oil when I got my first car because it’s better than conventional motor oils. I’ve also always used Mobil 1™. I never wanted to take a chance on anything else, since Mobil 1™ has never let me down.
I actually just bought more today because if your purchase Mobil 1™ Annual Protection motor oil 5-quart jug online at Walmart.com or in-store at your local Walmart, now through 9/8/17, you can receive a $10 Walmart eGift Card with purchase.
Step 1- Prepare and drain the Oil.
First, warm up the car. I try to go for a ride or run an errand, so I’ll be removing oil from a warm (not hot) engine. Next, make sure you jack the car under the designated place under the frame. Make sure you use a jack stand along with your jack for safety.
Next, locate your oil plug. You will loosen the oil plug with your wrench.
Once the oil plug begins to loosen, move your drain pan under the oil plug. After the drain pan is back in place under the oil plug, finish removing the oil plug and drain the oil.
When the oil is done draining, put the oil plug back in. You will also need to do this for the oil filter (remove the old filter and drain the oil from the filter. Replace the old filter with the Mobil 1™ Extended Performance oil filter (it will last up to 20,000 miles)
Step 2- Check the manual
I always check the manual before adding the oil. For my truck, I need 7.7 quarts of Mobil 1™ Annual Protection motor oil. I always buy two bottles and mark one of the bottles to the amount of oil that is needed.
Step 3- Remove the engine cap and add the oil
(Tip: it will tell you what kind of oil you should be using on the cap).
After you remove the cap, add the vehicle’s recommended amount of oil. Be sure that you always use the same oil, an oil that you trust. I like Mobil 1 because it puts Mobil 1™ Annual Protection motor oil through a very rigorous testing process to be sure that it meets their high standards for the performance of motor oil. They even included a 120,000-mile proof of performance test on three popular vehicles.
Tip: I use a funnel to make it easier and make the process cleaner.
Be sure to replace the oil cap.
Step 4- Start the engine.
I always turn the vehicle on to make sure the engine is circulating and there are no leaks. Then I turn it off and check the dipstick to make sure that the correct amount of oil is in.
Step 5- (My hack). My father-in-law gave me this tip: Use a piece of masking tape or painters tape and write out the date that you changed your oil & the mile that it needs to be changed again.
For example, I changed the oil on July 18, 2017 and it needs to be changed in 20,000 miles, because Mobil 1™ Annual Protection motor oil & Mobil 1™ Extended Performance oil filter(s) will last for 20,000 miles. Using M1 AP with M1 EP oil filters offers consumers proven protection for up to 1 full year (1 year or 20K miles, whichever comes first), so I just know that on July 17, 2018 I will change the oil if I haven’t driven 20,000 miles by then. Don’t forget, your car has a system that automatically reminds you to change your oil. This is set by the vehicle manufacturer and isn’t affected by the oil that you put in your engine, so when you use Annual Protection, it won’t match the miles you drive. Also, if your car is covered by a warranty, you may need to follow its recommended oil change interval.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mobil 1 at Walmart.
Elsie says
Great tips. Here’s a lesson that I learned. Invest in a QUALITY drain pan. The first time i changed my own oil I used a cheap pan with no lid. It was a huge pain to move and i was an even bigger pain to dispose of the old oil.
Mickey Mansfield says
I totally agree! Nothing like scrubbing the driveway to get rid of oil stains 🙂