Posted on 10/31/2025
Changing your own oil can save money and help you learn more about your vehicle. It is also easy to make small mistakes that cause leaks, noise, or even engine damage later. If you like to spin the filter yourself, a quick review of the most common pitfalls will help you avoid a messy do over and keep your engine protected. 1. Using the Wrong Oil Viscosity or Spec Viscosity and specification are not guesses. Modern engines need the exact grade and spec listed on the oil cap or in the owner manual. Using thicker oil than recommended can slow flow on cold starts. Using the wrong spec can affect variable valve timing, turbo lubrication, and emissions controls. When in doubt, match both the viscosity and the manufacturer spec code. 2. Overfilling or Underfilling the Crankcase Too much oil can whip air into the fluid and create foam, which reduces lubrication. Too little oil starves the pump on hard stops and tight turns. After filling, let the engine i ... read more