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

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.