Your Corner Wrench: How DIY oil changes can go wrong

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Everybody makes mistakes; we’re only human after all. It doesn’t matter how complex or simple a task might be, or how experienced or unskilled the person doing it is — screw-ups happen. Home driveway maintenance chores such as engine oil and filter changes fall into the category of simple jobs, right? First, I’m always amazed at why anyone would want to do their own oil changes when most towns and all cities are loaded with no-appointment, quick-service facilities with reasonable prices. But most DIYers do it more for the sense of accomplishment rather than saving dollars.

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Assuming your home service centre is properly- and safely-equipped, including the right gear to keep the environment safe as well, there are a few common errors involved with oil changes that can lead to costly messes.

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Your Corner Wrench: How DIY oil changes can go wrong Back to video

Double-sealed oil filters

Spin-on cartridge style filters all have a flexible, rubbery seal where the filter opening meets the adapter on the engine block. Sometimes when removing the old filter, this seal will remain on the engine. If this isn’t removed and the new filter (with its new seal) is installed on top of it, you’re guaranteed to have a substantial leak. Always check the oil filter and its mounting point on the engine to make sure you don’t double-seal it. And don’t forget to run an oily finger around the new filter’s rubber seal before screwing it on, either.

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Oil drain plugs

Oil pan drain plugs are probably one of the most under-appreciated and neglected part of any vehicle. Somehow, people (from the least experienced DIY type to the most seasoned tech) seem to think these are lifetime components that never need replacing. Nothing could be further from the truth. Drain plugs come in basically two formats; one with its own sealing gasket built on and one that requires a separate gasket. If your vehicles uses the latter, splurge and spend the extra 50 cents or so and get a new gasket for every oil change; it’s the cheapest leak insurance you’ll ever buy. When the wrench end of a drain plug starts to show any wear, replace it. Nothing will frustrate you more than getting everything set up for a home driveway oil change, only to find you can’t get the drain plug out.

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Avoiding the dreaded oil splash

When changing engine oil on a particular make and model for the first time, there’s always a good possibility that your placement of the drain pan won’t be on target. Automakers are notorious for putting their oil pan drains in the most inconvenient locations with some other components directly in the path of the oil as it spills out. It’s safe to assume that for the first few seconds of drain time, a solid spray of oil will come out in a straight stream about 1-2 feet in length, before gravity takes effect. If there’s something such as an axle in the way, use a small piece of cardboard to direct the oil stream into your drain pan. This will require both hands and yes, your hands may get covered, but they’re much easier to clean than the various undercarriage components you may drench in used oil.

This last tip is also a good reminder to not pull the oil drain plug on a hot engine to avoid burning your skin. If the engine was recently at full operating temperature, let it cool for 30-60 minutes first.