Want to save yourself a few dollars? Change your own oil. Don't know how? Keep reading!
Tools needed:
Filter wrench
Rachet
13mm socket
jack and jack stands
ramps(instead of jack/jack stands)
rag
block of wood/cinder block/brick
oil drain pan
oil filter
5 qt of your favorite oil
Even if this is your first time, the job shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes
First thing you want to do is make sure you are on level ground, if you aren't, I'd suggest using ramps. I used a jack and jack stands so my write up will reflect that. Make sure the parking brake is set and place the wood/cinder block/brick(or whatever else is handy) in front of the rear wheel to prevent the car from rolling forward. Place the jack under the vehicle and position it so it's under the engine cradle where the lower A arm bolts into it(see picture below)
Jack the car up high enough for you to fit under it, then place the jackstand under the vehicle as pictured below(repeat this process for the other side)
Once both sides are supported, get under the car and place the drain pan under the oil pan and remove the drain plug from the oil pan using a 13mm socket
Then remove the oil fill cap from the valve cover so the oil drains faster. While the oil is draining, unplug the sensor just above the oil filter and carefully set it aside and out of the way to avoid accidentally getting oil on it.
Then remove the filter using the filter wrench. Be careful because the filter will be full of oil. Place the filter in the drip pan. Let the oil drain until it's slowly dripping and then reinstall the oil pan drain plug and tighten to approx. 20ft lbs. I didn't have a torque wrench at my disposal so I just tightened it down pretty snug, being careful not to over tighten and strip it out. Wipe away any oil on the oil pan, around the drain plug, and on the engine block near where the oil filter goes.
I chose to use a K&N oil filter, which makes the job a little easier because instead of trying to maneuver a filter wrench to install/remove it, it's got a 1" nut welded on the end of it.
Before you put the filter on, make sure to pour half a quart of oil into it and apply a light coat of oil to the gasket. Then you can screw it on, I chose to do this from under the car since I was already there. You want to tighten the filter until it's snug, don't wrench it down as you can and will strip it. After tightening the filter, check for any leaks and wipe away any oil that may have dripped out during installation. Reattach the sensor.
Now grab your oil of choice and empty 4 quarts into the engine. I chose Royal Purple for it's superior lubricating properties and extended oil life.
After filling the engine with oil, reinstall the oil fill cap and lower the vehicle back to the ground. After a few minutes, the oil should be down in the pan enough for you to get an accurate reading of the oil level. Make sure it's filled to the appropriate level and you're done!
