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.

Growing Your Moving Business

Owning a small business is a lot of work. But as you experience success, it eventually becomes time to expand your business to meet the demands of your customers. This looks different, depending on what industry you work in. It could mean taking on larger liability with moving more rooms. It could mean getting better equipment, like furniture dollies with heavy duty Albion casters, to move big items faster and with ease.

Here are some steps you can take to expand your moving business:

1.       Graduate from a small truck to a large moving van to assist with multi-room homes and complete moves with fewer trips.

2.       Expand your list of employees to have more bodies to carry items, take on more jobs and increase hours of availability.

3.       Double check your licenses, insurance and permits for your region. If you’re taking on more work without proper licensing, you are putting yourself at risk for fines and possibly needing to put your business on hold.

4.       Make sure you have long-lasting, quality equipment. You want moving equipment that is safe and in good condition. For transporting wooden furniture, Albion casters can be used to hold extreme weight. 

5.       Increase your insurance liability. If you’re transporting more bedrooms and filling a larger truck, you may have to change your insurance plan to account for the greater liability.

6.       Take your advertising online. When you have positive reviews and the right equipment, put time into your marketing efforts. Getting information about your business in front of potential customers will be essential for long-term growth.