Changing my own Oil at Home and an Oil Change Sticker Template

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After my second car I decided I would always change my engine's oil by myself, at home. Prior to this I used to always take my cars into lube shops for oil changes. Pre-2020. This usually worked just fine however onetime a lube tech stripped out my oil pan's drainage bolt. From this time on I decided to always change my own oil.

In my case, I am able to change my own oil at my shop facility at my home. It's in a rural area and there are no local restrictions on this. I have a large drum with threaded lids that I can store the used motor oil in. The drum has handles and I am able to siphon the used motor oil out and burn it off on cardboard and leaves.

I have typically had KIA products and GM products. Currently I have a 2009 Kia RIO and a 2001 Toyota Tundra. Both of these vehicles I am able to change my own oil at home.

Typically, I just write the mileages onto a piece of paper. Cut it into a small square, then tape it to the window. I usually just go with WalMart oil that they sell in 5 qt jugs at a time. Additionally, I usually just use FRAM oil filters from wal mart.

Oil Change Template going Forward

The following template will help me and you keep track of when the oil change took place and the mileage as well as the next date of oil change and next mileage. The sticker does not need to be complicated, just a quick note that you can slap on the windshield.

One of the many reasons I purchased the Zebra ZD420 is for my oil stickers going forward. Now I can print out a 4" by 4" sticker with dates and mileage slots. Instead of having to tape it to the windshield, I can now just fill in the blanks and slap it on.

Oil Supplies

I typically just go with Wal Mart brand synthetic oil and oil filters for my vehicles. It's the cheapest and decent enough quality, in my experience.

I just go with the 5 qt. 10w-30 synthetic blend. Every engine I have serviced has ran it well. The kia RIO is at 126,000 miles and the Toyota Tundra is at 185,000 miles. Both engines are happy. In my experience if you take care of your vehicles, they will take care of you.

Why I change my own Oil

• Control over what goes into the engine.
• No labor costs. Although it does eat up about 15 minutes of time, I don't charge myself labor.
• I know I won't strip out my oil drain plug and that the job is done properly.

Tips for avoiding stripping oil drain plug

• NEVER USE impact driver.
• Use large ratchet with plenty of leverage.
• Hold socket carefully while torquing on ratchet.
• Torque on bolt very slowly.