DIY Oil Change Mistakes to Avoid: Expert Advice

Changing your own oil sounds like one of those DIY projects that saves you money, gives you a sense of accomplishment, and makes you feel like a carsavvy pro. And honestly? It can be all of thatif you don’t mess it up like I did the first few times. Let me save you some frustration (and potentially expensive repairs) by walking you through the most common DIY oil change mistakes and how to avoid them.  

DIY Oil Change Mistakes to Avoid: Expert Advice  

Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Type of Oil  

This is probably the most common mistakeand yep, I’ve been guilty of it. Not all oil is the same. Your car’s engine has specific needs, and using the wrong type (e.g., conventional instead of synthetic, or the wrong viscosity) can mess with its performance.  

How to Avoid It:  

Check your owner’s manual for the exact type of oil your car requires. It’ll specify the viscosity (something like 5W30) and whether synthetic or conventional oil is recommended. Don’t wing it heretrust me, “close enough” doesn’t work with motor oil.  

Mistake 2: Forgetting to Replace the Oil Filter  

An oil change isn’t just about swapping out the old oil. The filter catches dirt and debris, so skipping this step is like taking a shower but putting on dirty clothes. One time, I thought I could save a few bucks by reusing the old filterbad call. My car’s performance dipped, and I ended up having to redo the oil change a month later.  

How to Avoid It:  

Always replace the oil filter when you change your oil. Most auto parts stores sell oil change kits that include the right filter for your car, or you can ask the staff to help you find the right one.  

Mistake 3: OverTightening the Drain Plug  

The oil drain plug is what keeps the oil from leaking out of your car. When you put it back after draining the old oil, it needs to be snugbut not too snug. Overtightening can strip the threads or crack the oil pan, which is a nightmare to fix. I once cranked mine down so hard that I had to call a mechanic to remove it.  

How to Avoid It:  

Use a torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to your car’s recommended specifications. The owner’s manual usually lists the proper torque setting. If you don’t have a torque wrench, tighten it until it’s snug, and then give it a slight additional turnno need to go full Hulk mode.  

Mistake 4: Adding Too Much (or Too Little) Oil  

It’s tempting to eyeball the amount of oil you’re adding, but this is one of those times where precision matters. Too little oil can cause engine wear, while too much can create excess pressure and damage seals. I once overfilled my oil, thinking, a little extra can’t hurt. Spoiler: it hurt.  

How to Avoid It:  

Your owner’s manual will tell you exactly how much oil your car needs. After adding oil, use the dipstick to check the level. Add a bit at a time if you’re unsure, but don’t overdo it.  

Mistake 5: Skipping the Oil Cap  

This one’s embarrassing, but I’m sharing it so you don’t repeat my mistake. During one of my early DIY oil changes, I forgot to put the oil cap back on. I drove off, and, well… let’s just say cleaning up the mess under the hood was not fun.  

How to Avoid It:  

Before you start the car, doublecheck that the oil cap is securely in place. This is one of those "small but critical" details that’s easy to overlook when you’re rushing.  

Mistake 6: Not Disposing of Used Oil Properly  

Once the oil change is done, you’re left with a pan full of dirty, used oil. Dumping it in the trash, down the drain, or into the backyard is not only terrible for the environmentit’s illegal in most places.  

How to Avoid It:  

Pour the used oil into a sealable container (like the one your new oil came in), and take it to an auto parts store or recycling center. Many places accept used oil for free. Bonus: it feels good to know you’re not harming the planet.  

Mistake 7: Not Checking for Leaks  

You’ve changed the oil, tightened everything, and put the tools awaygreat! But before you celebrate with a victory lap, you need to make sure there aren’t any leaks. I skipped this step once and ended up with a driveway full of oil and an engine running dry.  

How to Avoid It:  

After adding the new oil, run your car for a few minutes and then inspect underneath for drips or puddles. Check around the drain plug and filter specifically. If you see a leak, turn off the car and address the issue before driving anywhere.  

Bonus Tip: Plan for a Mess  

DIY oil changes are rarely as clean and tidy as they look in YouTube tutorials. Oil splashes, spills, and smudges happenespecially if you’re new to the process. My first attempt left me with an oil stain on the driveway that I couldn’t scrub out for weeks.  

How to Avoid It:  

Use a drip pan or cardboard under your car to catch any spills. Wear gloves, and keep a few rags or paper towels handy. Trust me, it’s better to overprepare than to deal with a mess later.  

Final Thoughts  

Doing your own oil change can save you money and give you that “I did it!” feeling, but it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not careful. By avoiding these common pitfallslike overtightening the drain plug or forgetting the oil filteryou’ll make the process smoother and avoid costly problems down the road.  

Take your time, doublecheck your work, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re unsure about something. Remember, every DIYer was a rookie onceyou’ve got this!

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