How to Change Your Car’s Oil 🚗🛢️ — The DIY Guide That Saves You Money 💸 and Keeps Your Engine Happy 😊🔥

 

Want to change your car’s oil at home? This DIY oil change guide walks you through every step, saves you money, and protects your engine life.

---

Introduction: A Little Oil Goes a Long Way

Ever ignored that little blinking oil light on your dashboard?

You're not alone.

But the truth is, skipping oil changes is like refusing to hydrate your body. Eventually, it breaks down.

In this complete and heartfelt guide, we’ll walk you through how to change your car’s oil — with tools you probably already have at home.

You’ll save time. You’ll save money. And most importantly, you’ll connect with your vehicle in a way that makes you feel confident, capable, and smart.

---

Why Oil Changes Matter (Don’t Ignore This!)

Your car’s engine is like a beating heart — and motor oil is the blood.

Failing to change your oil can lead to:

• Increased engine wear

• Reduced fuel economy

• Overheating

• Complete engine failure (read: thousands in repair costs)

Changing your oil is the #1 maintenance task that keeps your engine healthy.

And you can do it in under an hour.

---

Tools You’ll Need (Check Before You Start)

Before we roll under the car, gather the following:

• New engine oil (Check your manual for type & quantity)

• Oil filter

• Wrench or socket set

• Oil drain pan

• Funnel

• Jack and jack stands

• Rubber gloves & rags

Optional but helpful:

• Oil filter wrench

• Torque wrench

• Car ramps

---

Step-by-Step Oil Change Guide

1. Warm Up the Engine

Run the car for 5–10 minutes. Warm oil drains faster and more completely.

2. Secure the Vehicle

Park on a level surface. Use the parking brake. Raise the front of the car with ramps or a jack + jack stands.

3. Locate the Drain Plug

Slide under the engine. The oil drain plug is at the bottom of the oil pan.

4. Drain the Old Oil

Place your oil pan under the plug. Unscrew the drain plug with a wrench. Let it drain completely (~5–10 minutes).

5. Replace Oil Filter

Locate and remove the old filter. Use the wrench if it’s tight. Rub a bit of new oil on the gasket of the new filter. Install hand-tight.

6. Replace Drain Plug

Once oil stops dripping, clean the plug and reinstall. Tighten firmly (don’t over-torque).

7. Add New Oil

Open the hood. Locate the oil filler cap. Insert funnel and pour in new oil slowly. Use your manual’s recommended quantity.

8. Check Levels

After adding oil, wait 2 minutes. Use dipstick to check level. Top up if needed.

9. Run and Inspect

Start the engine. Let it run for 30 seconds. Check for leaks. Recheck oil level and close the hood.

You’re done!

---

How Often Should You Change Oil?

• Conventional oil: every 5,000 km (or 3,000 miles)

• Synthetic oil: every 8,000–12,000 km

Always refer to your owner’s manual or mechanic’s advice for your driving habits.

---

Feeling Nervous? You’re Not Alone.

Many people fear damaging their car by doing DIY maintenance. But this simple routine can boost your confidence.

You’ll:

• Build practical skills

• Save over Ksh. 3,000 per change

• Feel more connected to your car

We believe motoring should be empowering, not intimidating.

---

Need Trusted Motor Oil & Filters?

We’ve partnered with global suppliers to offer the best prices on engine oil and parts.

👉 Shop Now at Our Affiliate Store: https://bit.ly/DriveLuxuryKE

Support our blog while upgrading your ride. It’s a win-win.

---

Final Thoughts: The Power of DIY Motoring

Changing your oil isn’t just maintenance. It’s an act of care. A connection. A statement that you’re the kind of person who takes responsibility for what they drive.

Join the Rev and Shift community for more guides, reviews, and real talk from Kenya’s leading motoring enthusiasts.

➡️ Subscribe. Follow. Ask questions. Your car will thank you.