Avoid Lube Center Scams With This Mechanic’s Step by Step DIY Oil and Filter Change Demo

Earlier, we learned about how that some commercial chain car service centers not only swindle their customers, but also damage their customers’ cars during one of their advertised 10-minute oil and filter change services.

Today, we are going to learn that in many cases, car owners can still do some simple maintenance work on their vehicles---even if they have never even done so much as change or temporarily fix a flat tire. Which, by the way if you don’t know how, we will cover exactly this issue in a future article.

Car maintenance is becoming a lost art. Part of the blame goes toward just how well engines are designed with some advertised as never needing an oil change for the life of a car! I have some problems with that; but then again, that is another article for another time.

Another part of the problem is that in some cases it is very difficult to access the oil filter and oil pan drain plug on more modern cars. Which is true, but still not impossible for someone with the right tools, a little attitude, and some good instruction before tackling their own DIY oil and filter change.

That said, if you are not convinced that you can actually do some simple car maintenance and save a considerable amount of money and headache from an all-too-common scam operation, here is an excellent demonstration of how an oil and filter change is done by a popular YouTube showcased mechanic who is a delight to watch and listen to as he explains car maintenance and repair.

At the very least, you will learn what it is that the tech in a lube center should be doing if he is doing his job correctly toward servicing your car for an oil and filter change.

2018 Toyota Corolla Engine Oil and Filter Change

An Addendum to the Video

It bears mentioning that only a service garage typically has a car lift. For most of us, it is using jack stands and a creeper to get access to the underside of our vehicles where the oil drain plug and filter are located. Be sure to learn about how to use a set of jack stands safely before attempting this; and of course, as always wear protective glasses or goggles whenever working on a car.

And finally, be sure to do a search on your vehicle beforehand to find out if there are any special considerations or difficulties with getting access to your oil drain plug and filter---or ask that old guy across the street for some help (it’s what many of us like to do), some guidance, and maybe even a tool loan. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what car owners can still do when someone shows them how.

For more about car maintenance and repair, be sure to follow this website for future articles about how to care for your car and save money.

COMING UP NEXT: How to negotiate your new car purchase price.

Timothy Boyer is Torque News Tesla and EV reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily Tesla and electric vehicle news.