Shopping List For Your First DIY Oil Change

You’re finally learning to change your car’s oil yourself – congrats! With a little practice, you’ll get this routine down in no time. All you have to do is hit up your neighborhood auto store to get your supplies. It’s a DIY task that can save you money and get you set for the next 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

For your very first at-home oil change, there will be some items you will need to purchase. Once you have these tools and supplies, you will be able to re-use them for future oil changes and other car work:

·         Car jack and jack stands– These lift up your vehicle and keep it securely raised.

·         Wheel chocks – Put these brakes behind the back wheels to hold your vehicle in place.

·         Creeper – This board with plate casters is made for smoothly rolling under the car.

·         Filter removal wrench – Use to remove the drain plug.

·         Oil drain pan – Use to disposing of the old oil.

·         Funnel – Use for adding new oil after the old oil is removed.

·         Safety glasses, latex gloves and rags –These can help keep you safe while you’re working.

Once you have those items you will be able to regularly change your own oil. Some people change the oil without using a creeper, but crawling underneath a vehicle can be difficult without the plate casters and wheels that make maneuvering easier.

There are a few supplies you will need to each time you do an oil change – oil, an oil filter and a replacement drain plug washer (for some cars). As you head home from the hardware store, you will be all set to go. You should save around $25-$75 for each time you do this yourself.