How to Do an Oil Change

A step-by-step guide to changing your car's oil. For our demonstration, we're using a 2011 Nissan Versa SL. Your car may vary. Thanks, Tommy Pratt.

Lifehacker: Tips and downloads for getting things done.

[aaronrussell]

As someone who has done this professionally for almost a decade there were a couple of things I had to nit-pick about this video.
It's worth getting a new Oil Plug gasket every time you change your oil, something that wasn't even mentioned during the video, and with the Nissan model engine he was working on, they usually have crush gaskets that need to be changed *Every* oil change or you'll risk getting leaks. 
Secondly he put too much torque on the drain plug. People have the misconception that the plug needs to be tightened down as hard as possible which isn't the case. Once the plug is as tight as can be gotten by your fingers (Once no threads can be seen) less than an eighth of a turn is required in order for you to never have to worry about your plug having a problem. The threads in a pan while almost always steel are sometimes simply a coil of metal that has been inset into aluminium, and with minimal effort you could pull that thread out and completely be unable to hold your plug into the pan anymore. (I've had to fix this problem by backyard mechanics far too many times to count)
Lastly, anytime you put oil on the gasket on an oil filter NEVER EVER use the oil you've drained out of your car. Use the clean oil that you're going to be putting into engine. The old oil can have sediment deposits which will rot away the rubber and cause leaks along the oil filter over time. 

All in all however this showed the basics of how to get things done and I'm happy to have the simplest thing you can do to keep your car in good working order up for people to see.

[juanguy]

Don't forget to check the blinker fluid :-)

[DeeJayRoyalT]

Oh one other thing. Sometimes filters can get a little hard to remove or an awkward location that makes if tough to get a hand grip on it. In that case it's worth spending anywhere from $10-$15 on a Oil Filter wrench. I prefer the one with the adjustable metal strap that slides over the filter and creates a firm grip when you turn it. It can be a real life saver.

[doodskie]

why didn't you open the engine oil cap before draining out the oil? 

[VaultBoi]

Lifehackers video! does this mean that you guys are gonna be making more videos again?

[thurm]

While taking off the old oil filter, Double check and then check again that the gasket from the old filter comes off. Also feel to make sure it is clear of any gaskets before you put the new filter on. The term for this is called "Double Gasket" and if this occurs the pressure from the engine will force the filter off of the engine. Resulting in hundreds and maybe thousands of dollars in damage.

Once you make this added feature a habit then you have nothing to worry about. . I change my oil that way I can spend the extra savings in a better quality oil.

[DonnaBrooks]

I posted a comment on your channel and also sent you a PM that is off-topic to this vid, but I wanted to make sure you actually SEE my messages so I'm posting this notification here.  I wish you guys were making more videos, and I have a suggestion for one that I sent you in said messages.

[avoidcontact]

Great video, but I'd add a few steps.  I always change my filter when I'm changing my oil.  As the oil is dripping into the pan, I unscrew the oil filter to get allow the oil to exit from the filter.  Have paper towels or rags on hand because removing the filter can sometimes be a little messy.  I put on the new filter before screwing in the plug under the car.

[MattTheComputerGeek]

show have talked about, oil types/ the the viscositie that is needed based on the car you have.

[tinvo]

so to find out how much oil I must put in I can use two separate oil catch containers one for the old oil and one for the new oil and match the height?

[mattocrg]

new gasket for the drain plug. filter is to be turned 3/4 rotation after its flush. use new oil not old oil on the filter gasket. drain plug was probably overtight. remove cap first to prevent vacuum lock on any oil in block and remove dipstick before filling to vent.

[zhbvenkhoReload]

how can i turbo charge my versa and tune it and shit and make it a sleeper

[VeenuSB]

Should double check the drain plug's copper seal, if it has one.

[pos]

You can use a screwdriver to punch a hole in the old filter and let it drain before you remove it.

[marcaveli]

Make sure to use a bear skin rug when putting the old oil in the container

[DeeJayRoyalT]

You should also have warned people to be careful not to OVER TIGHTEN the oil pan plug when they screw it back in. You don't need a lot of torque...just tighten firmly. If you over tighten it you could strip the threads on the plug...or even worse..strip the threads on the oil pan. If that happens it could cost hundreds of dollars (yes HUNDREDS) to purchase and install a new oil pan. Good video though.

[dylanakent]

Once every 3 months, find the nearest full service oil/lube and car wash place, pay the cashier approx. $35, get your oil changed, fluids topped off, tires filled and car washed while you sit in their air-conditioned lobby, read a magazine and have a cool drink or a cup of coffee.  Approx. 30 minutes later, you're on your way without any sweat and clean clothes.   That works out to $11.66 cents a month - what a deal.

[NickWebsUS]

It's so easy. That's why I get annoyed when people I know tell me they're paying to get it done.

[kelph]

Perfect timing, I need to change my oil, now I can

[tb]

Good info, but the fact I can go anywhere in America and get this done for less than $20, and I can remember when it cost $60 means I will never do this. I think everyone should do it once when they buy their car, but aside from that, there is too much that can go wrong to save yourself $15 bucks.