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re: How do I raise my car enough to change my own oil? Tried going up on a curb
Posted on 9/19/25 at 8:59 am to Obtuse1
Posted on 9/19/25 at 8:59 am to Obtuse1
quote:
OK but I would suggest doing a used oil analysis
I use Blackstone Labs for this. I'm sure there isn't necessarily a whole lot I would do about what I find out, but for some reason I thoroughly enjoy sending off the oil and getting the report back with their analysis and comments.
It adds $40 to the process, which if you are doing purely to save money kinda defeats the purpose, but I'm doing it more from a know the car, anticipate issues (I suppose) point of view. Also, so I can learn about all the other stuff that goes in motor oil and why those mfgr specs are different. And I like tinkering with stuff.
0
Posted on 9/19/25 at 9:03 am to Chad504boy
Nearest one is an hour away. I live in a rural area.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 9:04 am to Woolfpack
Good point.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 9:21 am to Woolfpack
quote:
And check to be sure the old Oring comes off with the old filter. The old one can sometimes get stuck on the engine.
Good tip.
I worked at a 10 min oil change place in college. Did hundreds of changes a week. This happened rarely, but it does happen and will be problem for you if it does.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 10:02 am to VolsOut4Harambe
quote:
2) you absolutely must torque the drain plug to the manufacturer’s specs… too loose, you risk a leak, too tight, you’ll strip the aluminum.
I have never in my life put a torque wrench on a drain plug for one of my vehicles.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 12:15 pm to CroikeyMate69
How old are you? Smh
Use some ramps bro. Buy em most anywhere
Use some ramps bro. Buy em most anywhere
Posted on 9/19/25 at 12:17 pm to BDPops85
Me neither. But I’ve seen the results of Jiffy Lube not tightening one right.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 1:11 pm to CroikeyMate69
Alternatively get a Fluid Evacuator.
First time I saw someone use one, Mercedes shop, I went out and bought one. No need to get under the car if your filter is accessible from the top. All of mine are. Less messy too.
First time I saw someone use one, Mercedes shop, I went out and bought one. No need to get under the car if your filter is accessible from the top. All of mine are. Less messy too.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 1:26 pm to CroikeyMate69
Ask your husband.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 1:43 pm to BDPops85
quote:
quote:
2) you absolutely must torque the drain plug to the manufacturer’s specs… too loose, you risk a leak, too tight, you’ll strip the aluminum.
I have never in my life put a torque wrench on a drain plug for one of my vehicles.
They are easy to strip, for sure. I've tapped a few after a dealership or wal-mart visit. However, put a new gasket on the plug and put a bit of muscle into it. You'll feel the gasket compress a bit...you've done your job.
This post was edited on 9/19/25 at 1:44 pm
Posted on 9/19/25 at 1:54 pm to CroikeyMate69
There's a jack in your trunk
Posted on 9/19/25 at 1:57 pm to ELLSSUU
quote:
Alternatively get a Fluid Evacuator.
I just came back after watch some videos because I was skeptical. I may have to acquire one of these. 3 cars and me doing my own changes would definitely save some money.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 2:21 pm to SaintEB
The hand pump version works well. It's what I have.
If I had to buy one again the pneumatic version is the way I'd go.
Bonus: changing the oil on the lawn mower is extra-stupid-easy now.
If I had to buy one again the pneumatic version is the way I'd go.
Bonus: changing the oil on the lawn mower is extra-stupid-easy now.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 2:40 pm to CroikeyMate69
Easy way to change oil:
Get in your car and drive to a 10 minute oil change place. If you have to ask strangers on the internet how to make the car higher so you can change it yourself, you have no business changing your own oil.
Get in your car and drive to a 10 minute oil change place. If you have to ask strangers on the internet how to make the car higher so you can change it yourself, you have no business changing your own oil.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 3:15 pm to CroikeyMate69
I had only one car in the last 25 years that was too low for me to at least squeeze under to get to the plug and we lived on a steep drive that I didn’t feel comfortable using ramps/jack/stands on. I bought a cheap pump made for the task.
Probably not worth it at that point but I was determined to continue my self-help oil-change streak.
Probably not worth it at that point but I was determined to continue my self-help oil-change streak.
Posted on 9/19/25 at 3:28 pm to ELLSSUU
Only issue I see with sucking it out of the dipstick tube is the drain plugs are usually magnetic and will capture any ferrous metal flakes and shavings that aren’t picked up by the pump and captured by the filter. Inspecting that drain plug should be part of the oil and filter change task.
This post was edited on 9/19/25 at 4:00 pm
Posted on 9/19/25 at 4:11 pm to FieldEngineer
quote:
Get ramps.
If you decide to use a jack, get jackstands and be careful. You get get hurt or killed or damage your car if you do it wrong.
I have ramps and I still use jackstands as secondary safety.
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