First experience changing my own oil

vibenorth · Post by **vibenorth** » Mon May 12, 2003 1:40 am

I changed my own oil for the first time on the Vibe and it was a good experience. The oil filter is easy to get at (unlike most cars) and unscrews vertically which is good because when you unscrew it the oil drips straight down. My other cars have been mounted horizontally and when you unscrew them the oil dribbles onto the surfaces below.I was surprised that the oil filter was so small, it is the same as I use on my Corrola which uses only 3 litres of oil.

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Mon May 12, 2003 6:12 am

Are you using synthetic oil?

Lorin · Post by **Lorin** » Mon May 12, 2003 10:55 am

Congratulations on your first oil change! You'll never have to worry about some lunk-head stripping out your drain plug (like happened to me on my van) or the filter falling off unexpectedly like happened to one of my co-workers - it happened so fast while he was on the highway is seized his engine.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 18, 2003 6:25 am

I would REALLY like to do my own oil changes...Can anyone write up a walkthrough on how to do it?List of what I need to do it (i.e. what to put spent oil in, etc.)How do I lift the car up, etc. etc.I'd be really appreciative if someone would do it!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 18, 2003 8:52 am

Umm, well, I'm banished to the driveway, lol, but I could always take the garage if needed. It's a 2 car garage, so space is kinda tight, but to work on the car, I usually leave the back half hanging out so I have plenty of room.As for oil, I figure for the first change I'll just use Quaker State or whatever I've got lying around...no sense purchasing the good good stuff unless I know for sure what I'm doing (incase I screw up and gotta do it again).

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 18, 2003 8:56 am

Easy enough. Just wasn't gonna go full AMS or anything till I got it down to a science.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun May 18, 2003 8:59 am

Rock driveway.Very painful. What does a set of jacks and stands cost, on average?

Lorin · Post by **Lorin** » Sun May 18, 2003 10:20 am

As an alternative to jacks, you can purchase a set of ramps. The ones I have are rated at 12,000 lbs gross,which is plenty for the Vibe. You can get them at WalMart, Pep Boys, etc. They are some type of plastic material. Supplies:Jacks or RampsDrain pan ( Discount stores carry them)Wrench to remove oil plugWrench to remove oil filter (Get the right size - Toyota sells an "official" one if you are concerned about getting the right size)Roll of paper towels or rags.Funnel to help fill the oil without spilling.I make it a rule never to close the hood until I have added the new oil. That way, nobody will make the mistake of thinking the car is ready and fire the engine with it dry.Take used oil to someplace that recycles - many auto parts stores, walmarts, etc. will accept the oil. Do NOT dump it on the ground, because eventually it will reach the groundwater. Some places make you sign your name and the brand of oil you are dumping. You can make your own decision about whether or not to use your real name, but if anything environmentally unsound ever happens to the oil somewhere down the line, everyone who's name is on the list can be "asked" (forced) to poney up some dough for the cleanup. $$$$$

First experience changing my own oil

First experience changing my own oil

Re: First experience changing my own oil (vibenorth)

Re: First experience changing my own oil (vibenorth)

Re: First experience changing my own oil

Re: First experience changing my own oil (silverawd26)

Re: First experience changing my own oil (silverawd26)

Re: First experience changing my own oil (silverawd26)

Re: First experience changing my own oil (silverawd26)