Top 5 Oil Change Tips -EricTheCarGuy

[@paulmvn5431]

I bought my car from a dealership that had serviced the vehicle; They used the wrong viscosity oil (on a supercharged engine) and when I did the first oil change I found two gaskets on the filter and I noticed they had used an impact wrench to attach the drain plug. My tip is: Change the damn oil yourself!

[@sergeilutzak2479]

They probably had been short-staffed one day, and the receptionist was asked to do an oil change.

[@missingremote4388]

Buick- Chevy GMC will do a dirty mess of a job too. I use them a lot. But do most my maintenance. Oil/struts/sway bars + brake pads... 🚗 It's crazy! 🚗

[@isaacwamsley1415]

Well said

[@CycloneCyd]

Bang on friend. I'm thinking of doing a "top xx tips" video about oil changing and have already written down as number one "do it yourself". It's the only guaranteed way to know it's been done 'properly'

[@georgedoughly8682]

Those Idiots 😡 They are Very Stupid 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@williamcharles9480]

Just to add my 2 cents. I always wipe the dirt and grime off of the engine's oil filter gasket surface before installing the new filter. Make sure that you wipe the surface in an outward motion so that the grime doesn't enter the engine. I also like using a magnetic oil drain plug. This will help to keep ferrous metallic particles out of your oil and give you an indication of possible engine problems if excessive particles are found on the magnet. These magnetic drain plugs are available at auto part stores in various sizes. Thanks for the great videos, Eric. You're helping a lot of people.

[@Mr.M1STER]

My father is a mechanic and has been for the last 35 years or so and he always gives me handy little tips for working on cars. He told me whenever I pour my oil from the bottle, i.e the 5 litre bottle in this video, hold it on it's side. That way the bottle won't "glug" as much as the air can get in faster and therefore it will pour smoother. I hope this helps someone else too like it helped me.

[@LeadingEdgeHD]

I like to remove the oil filler cap before the drain plug. It helps the oil escape the pan faster when you remove the plug.

[@commodore665]

+Aaron Adams also pulling out the dipstick helps too , as another tip , you can flush some clean oil through before putting the sump plug back in , just to not so much clean out the sump but to make sure the old oil is out completely .

[@ericthecarguy]

+Aaron Adams That's not really true. Remember that the PCV system is an open hole to the atmosphere and is pretty much doing the same thing without removing the cap.

[@LeadingEdgeHD]

+EricTheCarGuy I must have something blocking that because it makes a HUGE difference.

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

+EricTheCarGuy I agree with Aaron, Usually when I remove the cap the flow becomes a lot faster..

[@hawkermustang]

+Aaron Adams It will make it breath/vent easier.

[@AmesiesCorner]

Two tips I give new trainees are to lodge the oil cap onto the hood latch so you can't forget to put it back and keep the wrench under the vehicle until it tightens the drain plug.

[@LOLKINGBABY]

+Jason Curry It's much better to break a cap then it is to let the car go with the oil cap not on. There is no way in hell it's going to dent the hood unless your slamming that shit down at mach 1.

[@LOLKINGBABY]

Jason Curry Lol, it's more for new technicians at dealerships because, (standard practice at most dealerships) all you do is oil changes and tires. They want you to be fast and when you pump out 7 cars in under 45 minutes chances are you could forget the oil cap on a car which is why it's a good habit to place the oil cap on the latch as a warning for yourself because if you let a car out without a cap on her.... God help you haha

[@rgiaco777]

+Amesie's Corner Good tips. Whenever I change my own oil, I put the oil fill cap on top of the dashboard in clear view as soon as I start emptying the oil. I don't put it back on until I know the oil is replenished and the level is safe to start the car again.

[@dewrus2153]

+Amesie's Automotive Corner Good tip. I actually put my keys on my service cart and put the filler cap by them...then there is no way I'll start the car without seeing the cap (and remembering to put it on) first.

[@BassSniper209]

Amesie's Automotive Corner good tips

[@narlycharley]

If you pour the 5 quart jugs out while it's on it's side, it comes out in one steady stream, no air gulps... Tip #10.

[@aggie7756]

Tip #11....use Valvoline's anti-glug container.

[@videomaniac108]

Some of my practices when changing the oil: 1) jack up the side of the car opposite the drain plug hole to get more of the oil on the bottom of the pan out 2) use a telescoping magnet to sweep the bottom of the oil pan to remove iron particles that have settled there 3) use a small disposable plastic bag to encase the used oil filter as you're unscrewing it, catches the dripping oil 4) make sure that the whole filter mounting base is clean and free of dirt 5) with a side-mounting filter, pour as much oil as possible in the filter without it running out when you orient it horizontally 6) before putting the oil plug in, pour enough of the new oil into the filler and wait until the draining oil starts to come clear before screwing the plug back in, flushes out some of the remaining old oil 7) pull the fuse on the electric fuel pump and crank the engine over at low rpm until the oil pressure starts to build in the oil galleries, after about 5 or 6 seconds with a prefilled filter

[@ExaltedDuck]

There's a lot of good advice here. It's all worth following. I would add some little extra tips, too: - Remove the oil cap before draining the old oil to let it flow faster. - The advantage to a warm oil change is that small metal particles that might be present in the oil will remain in suspension in the draining oil. Allowing it to cool will allow these particles to settle out of suspension, and the relatively gentle flow rate from draining won't resuspend them. That said, if it hurts to touch your oil pan, it will hurt even more when the oil runs down your arm (don't ask how I know. ) - The openings on oil containers are offset to aid in pouring, but almost everyone puts it the wrong way around. In oil ads and in this video, the spigot is on the bottom during pouring. But if you turn the can 180 degrees so the spigot is on top (or on a gallon jug, 90 degrees if it's too far to control easily) then the air can exchange without "glugging." This allows enough precision in pouring that - on most engines - you wouldn't even need a funnel. - The mating surfaces that receive the oil filter gasket and drain plug should be wiped clean before reinstalling their parts. Most of the time it won't make a difference but in some cases, especially if something is over- or under-torqued, it can prevent an annoying mess under your hood and on your driveway. (Also, wetting the gasket with a little oil is an important step, too, and while it was performed in this video, it wasn't explicitly mentioned) - After refilling, start the engine and let it run for a minute or two while you watch for leaks. After stopping it, recheck the level to verify proper fill.

[@frv6610]

what cleaning spray is used?

[@ExaltedDuck]

@frv6610 none needed. Just wipe with a paper towel or shop rag.

[@usmale47374]

It's always nice to see you offer videos that apply to everyone, Eric, especially since basic servicing pretty much determines how long the vehicle will last in most cases.

[@TheBigDanois]

Has anyone else had the pleasure of draining oil outside on a windy day? ? :-)

[@randyphillips2263]

Add in the snow and well below freezing. brrrrrrr

[@leedress2187]

if you can hold a funnel under there, let it drain through the funnel into the catch pan. just did this last week. works great.

[@narlycharley]

I found that out the hard way one day. The oil got in my face and all over my jack. Haha!

[@jakethequadrunnersnake642]

Yes I have lets just say oil dosen't taste to well

[@Damon2131]

Particularly delightful when you see those black streamy line pools that are now a pure joy to clean out of your driveway.

[@ArchimedeanEye]

should always re-check the level....

[@Rockin_Roll]

after your initial fill (drain bolt in, of course, cap on, filter on....duh) start the engine...let her run for a few min. turn off the engine...let oil settle for several min. ...then (re)check level.............

[@countryfamilyalways7280]

ArchimedeanEye and start to check for leaks then wait let drain back to pan then check

[@njsongwriter]

Why check it. He already admitted to over-filling it by 6%.

[@koehlerrk1]

Eric... when pouring oil from a jug with an offset spout like that gallon+ jug of Pennzoil, pouring from the end like you did leads to a highly variable pour, the surge and glug effect. Instead, hold the jug and pour towards what would be the front face, ie, the side with the big sticker on it. This leads to much smoother oil flow since you maintain an open path for air to get back into the jug.

[@gusgiesel]

Oil change intervals often make a good interval for inspecting/replacing the cabin air filter as well, if your vehicle is so equipped.

[@gregs_garage]

ERIC - turn that jug sideways when you pour it. It flows better with less "glug glug glug" and allows you to get way closer to the fill cap before it starts pouring out. Often you don't even need a funnel.. My dad taught me that years ago. I'm surprised to see you glug it like an amateur you are such a pro normally!

[@SavvasAlexandrou]

he does it so to show off the oil, probably advertisement.

[@atmosphericpressure3560]

Blasphemer!!!!!😂😂😂

[@beenlightened6985]

Please, what is your take on using oil treatments like STP? Are they good for the engine?

[@TBZionI]

@ Be enlightened - I use oil treatments with ZDDP but I'm also running flat tappets which create more friction at the cam/lifter interface and were originally designed for oils containing a higher level of ZDDP to overcome that increased friction. ZDDP, through increased wear resistance, will benefit any engine but is being phased out of oils due to toxicity to marine life. With any additive, don't over-do it and don't use an additive to mask a problem. Also, Seafoam placed in the crankcase 50-100 miles or 24-hours in advance of an oil change does wonders at removing sludge from the crankcase. Just follow the instructions on the can. This isn't something needed on every engine but it will help rehabilitate a neglected engine.

[@psdaengr911]

Greg's Garage Use a dedicated plastic long reach oil dispenser. www.amazon.com/Lisle-19732-Plastic-Oil-Dispenser/dp/B0002SRJCC. No glugging at all. If I have any left, it goes into a quart bottle that I keep in the car. There are less expensive garden watering cans that are similar. www.amazon.com/dp/B004HVVZE8/ref=twister_B072KK3FKB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

when i started doing my own oil change on my kia, i walked in to the kia dealership to buy a replacement drainplug washer and the guy at the workshop said "Drainplug washer?" with a strange look on his face as if hes never heard of it, even tho it clearly said in the manual to replace it. high standards yo.

[@WestHaddnin]

the moment you realize you're watching a 8 minute and 8 second Penzoil ad.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

Pennzoil platinum and ultra platinum is what I use.

[@mamaluigi2064]

Mobil 1 Extended Performance is my choice of oil

[@patm95]

He literally has it hanging from the car while draining oil! What a joke.

[@fredjones554]

Product placement is prominent

[@howardbatty254]

Great advice. Not bothered about product endorsement.

[@MysticalRubix]

Eric the car guy, proudly brought to you by pennzoil.

[@gglovato]

+MysticalRubix normally i dont like shilling and blatant product placement(by that i mean parroting the marketing bullshit), but if you zone out the shilling, the tips Eric gave are sound and apply to any oil you prefer

[@drewb242]

+MysticalRubix Its not like hes saying "GO BUY THIS OIL NOW!!!" pennzoil probably gave him some free oil so he used it, maybe even some money to use it in a video, that doesn't bother me a mans got to make a living. I know my car doesn't need expensive natural gas synthetic oil , but if somebody gave it to me for free I would sure as hell be using it. The video has useful info for people who want to change their own oil, I can deal with a little plug.

[@MysticalRubix]

Guillermo Lovato That's exactly what I pretty much ment, yes this is a good video, it just caught my eye that every frame that same bottle showed itself somewhere and that was to me a little bit off putting. Vox Nihili Refer to the paragraph above. ***** Indeed, yes that would be good if company's would just be like 'hey advertise our stuff and well give you a lifetime supply of whatever, but in reality I don't have a youtube channel so that's never ever going to happen. Like I said the video is really good in terms of the information, its just seemed to me that he made that particular bottle the point of interest in every frame of the video. Anyway, sorry if I upset you guys, poor humour in my part.

[@garrykoalman3684]

+MysticalRubix Eric should make a video of himself refusing sponsors just like in a scene in "Wayne's World".

[@MysticalRubix]

+Garry Koalman If only.

[@nickv4073]

Eric has a lift. If you don't I suggest you spread one of those cheap blue tarps under the car before you start. Follow that up by placing a flattened cardboard box on top of the tarp for you to lay on. If any oil drips or if you miss the catch pan it will fall on the tarp or the cardboard and you won't mess up your driveway with oil spots.

[@markweatherill]

So to smooth out the flow from an oil container like the one shown here, after the first few 'glugs' which can be unavoidable, turn it on its side and you can pour quicker without 'glugging'.

[@jameskoralewski1006]

I have 2 other recommendations. One, after removing the drain plug from the oil pan and after removing the oil filter, wipe both mounting surfaces clean with a rag to prevent leaving remnants of dirty oil between the bolt and oil pan and the oil filter gasket and the mounting surface. Second, use a torque wrench to tighten the oil drain bolt to published specs. The pan may be aluminum and that metal is easy to strip if overtightened.

[@mrslapside]

Thumbs up on the safety glasses. I've gotten oil in my eye. Very bad.

[@mrslapside]

***** Yup like me.

[@theyhatehimbecausehetoldth7576]

+ThePariss333 ...ed...

[@tyleradamsify]

+mrslapside actually not bad.

[@mrslapside]

Tyler Adams I hope not I was kind of scared haha

[@ardenblumer]

or when your spraying brake clean like him and it hits something and it bounces back to your eyes... that feels real good

[@zaprodk]

Good tips! - It happed to me once that the gasket was sitting behind. I'll never forget that mess. Suffice to say the engine compartment got an extra rust-proofing.

[@jason-ge5nr]

you missed two product placement shots 1, jump in to start the car and have your 5 qt jug in the passenger seat. 2. When backing out of the garage pan up to the rear view mirror and see a penzoil jug.

[@MegaDominican]

I though the same thing. Funny that he placed the jug on all but the shots lol

[@johngibson3594]

Eric you are the man helping others help themselves this is a great quality you have I am sure your parents are proud to see what you have become thank keep the vids coming!!!

[@youtubasoarus]

I'd like to offer once you are finished your oil change, *CHECK FOR LEAKS.* Specifically, around the oil filter and the drain plug. Better to be sure than to assume you did it right and then have it slowly leak out all over the place or find a big puddle in your driveway the following day. In addition, check the oil (if your car still has a dip stick -- damn you automakers who don't put a dip stick!) level to confirm you've got the engine to the fill line. I hear a lot of horror stories about those quick lube places who forget to fill the oil or over tighten/cross thread the drain plug and some poor customer ends up needing a new engine after flying down the freeway for an hour with no oil in their engine. DOH!

[@DanielRichards644]

+youtubasoarus One of those Quick Lube places had to pay for a new engine on my moms old car once, I forget what exactly they did wrong, but I'm sure the leak check would have helped.

[@bluelightfox]

+DanielRichards644 I took my truck in for regular maintenance, and the shop left the oil filter loose. It was about 2 turns from being hand tight. I found a puddle of oil on the garage floor next morning! Even if the shop doesn't have time to check for leaks, they should at least double check that everything's tight before calling it done.

[@DanielRichards644]

Michael Matthews I say remove them from the equation, I do my own oil changes now.

[@PhattyMo]

+DanielRichards644 Amen to that.

[@Tedybear315]

+Michael Matthews Happened to my father in law when I was married to the first wife. He calls me over (reformed automotive tech...or retired, take your pick) His GL is leaking like a sieve and he's adding 2 qts just to make it to work. I reach around the bumper and the filter isn't even snug! I cranked it down by hand and it never leaked again. (he also never went back to the same jiffypopquicklubescrewplace again)

[@tomg7008]

thanks eric I am 54yrs old worked at big car dealers and never been told to put oil in the filter makes sense big time thanks again and yes I just subscribed

[@101Volts]

A few tips: Don't change your oil with the car on jack stands on *hot asphalt*, the stands might sink into the asphalt. Not kidding. If you're making sure to not spill oil, you can use a 2x4 pan under your oil catch pan. You could also use a biodegradable motor oil (yes, they exist) just in case you do spill it. Also, I prefer to put in (speaking of 4.5, 5, 7 and 8 quart oil pans here) a least half a quart less than the manual specifies, maybe even a whole quart. Reason is that I don't like overfilling oil and it's good that I underfilled by half a quart on my last oil change, otherwise I'd have overfilled it. Also yes, I agree on the replacement of the oil drain plug gasket since I've had leaky drain plugs before and that includes the more expensive oils that cost $10 per quart when bought by the gallon. Just replace the gasket, heh.

[@johnnyk2711]

Î

[@AmandaHugenkiss2915]

Always always always warm up the engine before draining the oil and start it immediately after you are done with the job. I once did a cold-engine oil change and when I started it, I could feel the innards grinding. I've also found it's much easier to change the filter first if you have the spin on type. Much easier dealing with an empty and light catch pan. I also write the date and mileage on the filter.

[@JetlinerX]

Honestly, you missed one of the best tips. A tip that I fucked up a couple days ago when I recently changed my oil. DONT MISS THE FUCKING DRAIN PAN. Especially if you live in an apartment complex, because then you get to (like me) carry a 15lb bag of speedy dry from your local auto store, all the way back to your parking lot to fix your mistake.

[@LOLKINGBABY]

+JetlinerX you should carry cat litter in the back of your car bro, it's literally exactly the same thing and up here in canada, doubles as traction for when you get stuck in the snow haha

[@JetlinerX]

***** Yeah, we use cat litter at the track sometimes too. I am just too scared to spill it in my trunk...

[@PhattyMo]

+JetlinerX Order some JaxxZorb (check Eric's video on it),it costs more than 'kitty litter',etc.,but works really well. Your landlord will be happier -mine is.

[@LOLKINGBABY]

***** Yea definitely haha

[@888johnmac]

+JetlinerX... good one.. I think everyone who does their own oil changes has been there, done that

[@danr4197]

Pennzoil is the BEST, it's all I use! Exactly the stuff he put in the engine in the video.

[@tomashton7208]

Snythetic oil can run at a higher temp before coking up, which is good if your running a turbo

[@aldo9923]

My engine loves coking up, gives it an extra boost

[@oldretireddude]

A tip that I was given years ago, and works like a charm, is to apply vacuum to the engine's oil filler location. this allows the oil drain plug to be removed with no oil spillage until the vacuum in removed. makes my f250 7.3 oil changes much less messy. also on bottom mounted oil filters, poke a hole the bottom of an oil filter and let it drain before removal to keep oil from running down the sides as the gasket seal is broken (vacuum helps while punching hole also).

[@johnbalderas1989]

yup the old vacuum trick alot of mechanics don't know about it..

[@tyson9063]

I was taught in college to make sure the oil is up to temp before changing it. While the oil is hot the additive package of the oil suspends all the bad stuff that you want to come out when changing oil.

[@rayzt3c425]

if the oil is hot, then the engine is probably hot. They tell you not to put cold water on a hot engine in college right?

[@missingremote4388]

Good advice 👍 get all the floating crud out.

[@CrowT]

Thats what they teach in college now days? I feel like having hot burning ass oil on my fuckin hands goes against any shred of common sense one may have so I just let the car cool off.🤷‍♂️

[@mannypuerta5086]

When hot, there is still oil slowly running into the pan. When cold the majority of the oil above the pan has run/dripped into the pan. The cold oil in the pan will still completely drain. I sometimes let the oil drain overnight and finish the process the next day. Cold or hot...I really don’t think it matters. What matters is regular oil changes and using a quality filter. My dad knew what he was talking about when I was a pre-teen. Looking back to 60 years of success with things mechanical, he’s still right.

[@jokersnighrmare19]

I'd like to add a few tips of my own. I used to work at one of those chain quick-lube places and it's where I learned a few times by inadvertent mistakes. 1) Ensure you have all the things you need before you start the job. Having worked on a few odd-ball cars before I know that what's supposed to be standard is not always the case. ie. Really old vehicles that are not common, anything with an engine swap, or possibly the reverse, a drivetrain swap. The last point came up because we had a customer come in that had a late 90s GM vehicle with 4wd added. Normally the orientation of the oil filter is different between 2wd and 4wd. When driving the vehicle the u-joint from the front differential flexed and nicked the bottom of the oil filter. Lesson learned, use the shorter filter. 2) Make sure you can remove the oil fill cap and dipstick before you start. You don't want to be scrambling around looking for a replacement if you end up breaking them during the process. 3) Ensure you select the right drain plug. An individual I work with inadvertently ended up changing their transmission fluid while trying to change their oil at the same time. 4) Always abide by the owners manual for capacity. I know there's at least one generation of motor out there, remaining nameless, that because of it's short dipstick called for an extra quart not noted on the owners manual. As you mentioned in a previous video the oil pressure is caused by the places it needs to squish through, not the oil pump. Excess oil=excess pressure=premature wear.

[@thomasengel1459]

Did anyone catch what kind of oil he is using? I missed it .

[@erickl3329]

Castrol. The magnetic one

[@chefwest77]

pensoil platinum

[@thomasengel1459]

+chefwest77 I was being sarcastic.

[@bobmoynes1785]

no shit

[@xinic5]

Mobil 1

[@rapsured]

I have been using the Pennzoil pure platinum for the past year and it has worked out very well on my three vehicles which are all high mileage. From those that have sent in oil samples for analysis the Pennzoil pure platinum is one of the lowest wear oils on the market with Mobil1 right behind.

[@shalnks]

how about checking the level using the dipstick.....

[@panthers559]

John Williams how bout stfu , common sense

[@gaphoogys]

that's not a tip dumbass, it's common sense

[@bill605able]

A stick can be a gauge, early Volkswagen's had a gas tank measuring stick.

[@101Volts]

​@@panthers559 The last time I changed oil in my Mercury I overfilled it despite putting about a quart less in than the book said. You can't say adding oil's the same for each engine, something like 20% of old oil stays inside when you drain it. So yeah, guess I'm a "Dumbass." Ever seen Idiocracy?

[@OGbqze]

@@gaphoogys you're supposed to know this from birth? A newborn baby is supposed to know how to check oil with a dipstick?

[@robertrogish1038]

Eric, back in the 70's my Father stressed your step # 3 religiously. I love your videos too !

[@zx8401ztv]

Hmm i would have thought step one would be to buy the oil and filter first, as that bottle of oil on your shelf in the garage isnt the new one you thought your bought earlier in the year, you gave that one to your dad, then forgot lol. Step-2 make a cup of coffee and stand around with your mates talking about replacing the oil. Step-3 decide its too late in the day to do it, and give up to the end of the week :-D

[@ToniaLeethesalmonmousse]

Eric you are the very best mechanic that has ever lived. Your on another level. I work so hard on my car and you inspire me to do it.

[@Megan-hf4fr]

I'm surprised he didn't say " my daddy always told me to use Pennzoil". Don't let advertisement ruin you. Your videos are awesome. Don't go that way.

[@VBeeto]

+Ms. Kisses that's funny. I noticed how that Pennzoil bottle was strategically placed so we could see it in most sections of this video. My favorite was the one at 1:07 where it's hanging down from the lift lol

[@bigbore400]

+LISTS and LOLZ i felt that Eric was just repeating what was explained to him by the sales people from penzoil and then he said "so lets try it" . He was clearly just using and not promoting the oil.

[@justinp8946]

Pennzoil has inpvoved a lot over te over since shell bought them out

[@justinp8946]

+Stinky Farts they have great cleaning agents now and the full synthetic oil, is awesome, that's what I use

[@RTukka]

"He was clearly just using and not promoting the oil." He was promoting the oil -- check the video description. This is why there are FTC guidelines governing such disclosures, which state that making the disclosure in a video description is insufficient. From ftc.gov: "[I]t’s easy for consumers to miss disclosures in the video description. Many people might watch the video without even seeing the description page, and those who do might not read the disclosure. The disclosure has the most chance of being effective if it is made clearly and prominently in the video itself. That’s not to say that you couldn’t have disclosures in both the video and the description."

[@98gcproject13]

Great tips for the oil change. I plan on doing one here real soon on my 98 Grand Caravan. One other place that I have seen Oil Viscosity is also stamped onto the original dipstick, some vehicles do and some don't have it but it is another place to look for it. Keep up the good work and Stay Dirty!

[@tnitron9750]

Great oil! Ultra is even better if you can find it. Engine runs smooth as silk for only a couple of dollars more.

[@cpnstbn1266]

Definitely check for the old gasket. Once I finished the oil change, started the car and went to wash my hands. By the time I came back the brand new oil was all over the driveway, what a mess. I put the new oil filter on with the old gasket still stuck on. Also check the dipstick. Dont just assume the level is good

[@vegasfordguy]

What kind of a vehicle have you seen that still has a quart of oil in the oil pan after draining it? I've never seen more than a few ounces at best.

[@lawrenceradosta4462]

Hyundai genesis

[@sergeilutzak2479]

If you change the oil while parked on the side of cliff, there may be some left in.

[@wojomojo]

@@Ericjgaria You may be OCD if... :-)

[@OGbqze]

How do you know how much is left? You honestly can't tell unless you pull the pan and track every drop that's left throughout the engine including in the head and all over everything.

[@Sci-Mon1]

Og Bqze you can tell how much is left by dumping it into the 5quart jug that the new oil came in and seeing the level marks

[@jtjones4727]

I remember when I was about 18 or 19 years old, or back in about 1997 or so. Anyhow my friend was still living with his grandfather, who was a retired engineer in his mid 60's. They had this old beat up Pontiac 6000, and he had it jacked up with the crappy emergency jack that came with the car, and he was just laying under this thing with the front right tire off. Wasn't using any kind of jack stand, nothing. Didn't even bother putting the tire under the rocker panel. Anyhow he was working on this car doing something when I got there that day. I got there and went in, and about 30 mins later me and my friend come back outside to leave. And we hear him yell out, "Hey come here please." Just as calmly as possible. We walk over there and find him pinned under the car, the crappy jack had tipped straight back and fell. The cars rocker panel on the side, had landed right on the side of the fallen over jack, it held the car up just enough I think so it didn't crush his chest. Of course when I saw him pinned I ran and found another jack and quickly got him out, but it was crazy as hell. I took him to the ER, well I insisted really. He was fine but he got super lucky. Lucky we were there. Lucky the car landed on the jack the way it did, if it had came down anymore he probably wouldn't have survived. But I learned early on not to get under a car that isn't properly supported.

[@StephenTack]

Hmm. "There's probably going to be about a quart left in the pan" ... "this takes 4.7 quarts, I'm putting 5 quarts in, that little bit of a difference, I don't think is going to make too much of a difference." But that adds up to being upwards of 1.3 quarts over-full. Tsk tsk tsk, ETCG you should know better. Tip number 4.5 should be, "Check oil level, start engine, stop engine, let sit, check oil level." If I wanted my engine overfilled with oil I would just take it to Iffy Lube, or Wal-Mert.

[@shagnat]

+Stephen Tack I was thinking the same thing. I highly doubt most cars leave a quart of oil in the pan if drained properly. I've never had that issue. Always use what the manufacturer says and have NEVER over filled. So, I call BS on that quart in the oil pan.

[@StephenTack]

Yeah, my experience is that 4.3 quarts completely fills a engine that requires 4.7 quarts. So, not much left in, but still worth checking, not use dumpling the jug in and hoping it's not over full.

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

+Stephen Tack If my car takes X quarts, I'll put in X-1 quarts, check level, and add more as-needed to get it above the min mark. Go for a drive, then check it after it's cooled down and do a final top-off. That way it never gets overfilled. I'm surprised Eric would dump the whole jug in like that.

[@LOLKINGBABY]

+Stephen Tack When they give the spec for an oil change it's always less than it actually takes. You have 3 numbers when you refer to oil in an engine. You have the dry capacity, the wet capacity with no filter, and the wet capacity with filter. The numbers you are given are the 2 wet capacities, manufacturers usually wont tell you the dry capacity as it would just confuse most people.

[@StephenTack]

***** interesting...so the discrepancy I always see between stated capacity and actual oil required to fill is what? Just really not getting it all drained?

[@njsongwriter]

I disagree on adding an extra third of a quart above capacity. In fact the owner's manual for our 2009 RAV4 says it is also 4.7 quart capacity. I put in 4 quarts + 14 fl.oz. and it was right at the full mark on the dip-stick. I'm glad I didn't assume that 5 quarts would be okay when less than 4.5 filled it.

[@coolm58]

I have something to add. I always add grease to my serviceable fittings at the time of oil changes.

[@thestig8768]

Tires pressures and lights as well when waiting for oil to settle to check level

[@patrickcannell2258]

I grease spark plugs as well. Next time easy to remove.

[@danat1189]

1 tip: torque the drain plug to spec or you could strip out the oil pan especially on aluminum oil pans

[@Tool0GT92]

Walmart super tech full synthetic @ 5k miles intervals

[@njsongwriter]

That's what I do.

[@Krankie_V]

That's a great video, Eric. Many people overlook the idea of filling the filter, or oiling the gasket. I feel it's much better to fill the filter if you can. The only thing I'd add to this video is to make sure to check for leaks after starting the engine for the first time after changing oil.

[@arielatom03]

#6: check for leaks #7: start the engine and make sure the oil light goes off.

[@JITLmeHARD]

When youre pouring those types of jugs you can tip them on their sides for a smoother pour :D

[@tardeliesmagic]

Eric,when changing the oil as you say it takes 4.7 and you have a 5L bottle pour in some of that into the sump (when it's already drained&sump plug off) as that will wash/rinse any old oil sitting on the bottom of the sump....and watch what comes out.Top tip folks.You'll have abit of a cleaner engine and any gunk etc will flow out.

[@cesarghost1203]

Scotty Kilmer: *heavy breathing*

[@kobrien4121]

cesar nunez Rev up you're engine, its time for the Scotty Kilmer channel

[@bill605able]

his intro is a little long

[@ChadFreeman757]

he's a wreckless driver

[@Dastardly_X]

Dork

[@CycloneCyd]

surely Scotty's top tip is to have a half bottle of JD first 😂🍻👍🍻

[@johnny1556]

Thanks Eric for giving us the info that we all need safety is always first I just changed my oil over the weekend haven't done it in years used to do it all the time to save money now by watching videos like this Everything Has Come Back to the proper way of doing it keep up the good work it's always great watching your videos lot of helpful points and tips.

[@thegreatjellydoughnu]

Nice tips Eric i also like how you were subtle with the product placement. :)

[@mannie70au]

Love the vids Eric. I'm a builder but watching my mechanic I noticed he tapped the two oil filters together to oil up the rubber seal. I thought it was a great tip. Keep up the great work. I love watching your videos. Mannie from sydney Australia.

[@threadthathasnoend1212]

remember to leave the filler cap off when draining

[@edwincorreajr]

I will start filling the new filter from now on, thank you for this tip.

[@DKrueger1994]

The one tip I recommend doing if you're changing oil: ALWAYS CLEAN AROUND THE OIL FILL CAP OR THE DIPSTICK AREA BEFORE REMOVING THEM You do not want dirt or other contaminants to contaminate the clean oil if you're changing oil

[@dwendt44]

Tip #1 take oil filter off first. Avoids a 'splash' of hot oil in 'at home' changes. I fill filter as well. Fill quickly to top, then wait a moment for oil to be absorbed by media; on horizontal filter mounts, angle filter at 45° and turn filter around a time or two. This will allow more oil to be absorbed by filter. Then install quickly so as not to spill oil. Once threads start to 'catch' little if any oil should leak out. I also pour 5 qt jugs from the side, allowing better control, less 'splash' or 'glug' as air enters bottle. My 2¢

[@anti0918]

Tip #6: warm up the engine before draining the oil, so that not only will it drain faster, but *more* of it will drain out rather than stick in the engine.

[@archieman123]

He said that in the video

[@anti0918]

Archie Southwell He said it wasn't necessary, but didn't mention that more oil would drain out if it's warm rather than cold.

[@Panzer1981vtr1000sp1]

+anti0918 It wont ;-) If the engine sit for a longer period of time, all the oil in the head and on other parts inside has time to run down into the oil pan. It may drain faster out the pan but thats it. So it makes no difference ;-)

[@dinobot_maximize]

+anti0918 it was hot while it ran so the oil already drained in the pan and has less on the rest of the engine. i let mine drain for 10 minutes.

[@john202022]

+Modor An I agree with you. Running means everything is oiled and needs to settle. I just do mine 1st thing in the morning after the car sat all night.

[@TimJoseph08031990]

I got my 2007 Odyssey for an oil change at Firestone, where they sell the Pennzoil Platinum Synthetic 5W-20 Oil with the yellow Pennzoil oil filter, although not the best oil filter to use for synthetic oil, for $60. I also applied for the $20 Concert Cash. Initial impressions are that it does get up to highway speed faster and runs smoother.

[@morphixnet]

No info on checking the level after filling up? Should you run the engine for a moment, wait and top up?

[@justinp8946]

my truck takes 4.5 quarts and I add 4.2 quarts and its just a hair above the max hole.

[@chrissilva5659]

great video man no one ever does oil right. they always over tighten the oil filters too.great video

[@ddd228]

+Chris Silva Not so fast!Some oil filters just get tight on their own.Depends if the oil filter mount is aluminum or cast iron. Don't forget to wipe a little oil on the filter gasket B-4 screwing it on. Yeah,I have had a few nearly impossible ones to remove!!!!!!

[@chopedandsectioned]

I write down my oil capacity and size of drain plug on the top of my grille under the hood

[@scott1lori282]

I do that too. I've got 4 vehicles to maintain.

[@Loyal_Honda_Fan]

You're a master mechanic man, really appreciate and like your videos!

[@murmaider2]

uhm....real synthetic does not use a mineral base oil. Thats the whole point lol. If this was derived from natural gas, then its just conventional oil. They can call it a synth blend if they want. But calling it "synthetic" is misleading. The whole "ball bearing molecule" thing is only true when the base oil is completely artificial.

[@ericthecarguy]

+herpherpbrocolli You might want to watch this and see what the people that make synthetic oil have to say about that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fInUnIKQdtCLkNk

[@brandy1011]

+herpherpbrocolli Natural gas is mainly methane (conatins one carbon atom), which can be used to synthesize base oils (many carbon atoms). You can also derive the building blocks for the synthesis from crude oil, it does not make that big of a difference, really... If a crude oil distillate is used as a base oil though, it really is not synthetic, but semisynthetic at best (dependent on the additives).

[@RUM123]

Unless you live in Europe chances are your synthetic is not "real" *gasp*. Most "synthetics"are hydrocracked petroleum based Group III oils with a percentage of Group IV or Group V (real synthetic) mixed in. Does it matter? Not really. Is it deceptive? Kinda. Point is, as long as you use the correct oil specified by your manufacturer you're cool. Otherwise unless you have a gas chromatograph you're buying on blind faith.

[@murmaider2]

JKLM's Dirty South Diagnostics theres a handful out there that are true ester and polyalphaolefin base oil. I hate that these days companies like Pennzoil can get away with putting "full synthetic" on their dino junk oil. And they need to seriously stop high jacking every single car show on youtube with their marketing. I rather pour antifreeze into my crankcase than their shit oil.

[@drink15]

+herpherpbrocolli en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

[@NobodyAskedForThis]

27ftlbs. I like to lay a rag over the subframe to reduce the mess when removing the oil filter. Easier cleanup. Looks like you've got a little bit of an oil leak. I see a lot of oil pump housings leak on those V6's. I lay a rag over the hood latch and place the oil cap on top along with the dipstick, all before draining the oil. This helps to serve as a reminder so I don't forget I add oil. Hey, shit happens.

[@MiamiZombie2012]

What about also lubing the chassis, if applicable.

[@lolatmyage]

Isnt lubing the chassis a 1900-1980 thing

[@MiamiZombie2012]

+lolatmyage No wtf? You really think ball joints, stabilizer links, and other moving parts that can be greased, shouldn't be greased? Just because they're sealed and say they last a lifetime, doesn't mean they do. All parts fail. But you can extend the lifetime of your joints by keeping them periodically greased. Sure new cars may not have the zerk fittings, but, you can add them. Unless you like wasting money on new parts. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

[@lolatmyage]

MiamiZombie2012 The question is, is adding fittings and messing around with grease worthwhile? Is the time you put in worth the supposed extra reliability? Afaik the rubber gaskets and covers go out and let water wash the grease out, until then the wear on the mechanical parts is minimal.

[@MiamiZombie2012]

+lolatmyage Considering I've worked on plenty of ball joints, I've yet to see one completely devoid of grease. If it didn't have grease, there'd be nothing to lubricate and keep the metal parts cool and continuously moving. Metal on metal contact will prematurely wear out the ball joints, etc. So to me, yes, it's absolutely worth it. To each their own. I take pride in my car, so the small amount of messing around will always be worth it.

[@xXAlexSantamariaXx]

0 fittings lubed

[@drewhall3958]

You should try Pennzoil Ultra Platinum it's a amazing and there more advantages over just the platinum

[@MarcosCruz-xe7vv]

Does the oil jug have to be in almost every shot in the video?

[@milosmilos2236]

Good to see somebody talking about the enviornment, you have no idea how toxic the oil is, especially to water.

[@michaeldoe4805]

That Jug is following you everywhere Eric, giving you the evil eye ;-)

[@RNMcustom]

+Michael Doe Funny, had to watch again to see all the different areas he had the product placement.

[@kryptik0]

I learned the hard way about the filter gaskets. Forgot to remove it and made a big puddle on my driveway, which took me weeks to clean up. Not to mention had to ask my neighbor for a ride to the store to get another jug of oil. Two gaskets on the pan is an exceedingly risky business.

[@spoonyspoonicus4648]

You forgot to say o make sure the filler cap come undone before draining the oil so you can actually get new oil in. I know it does not happen often but they can get stuck and be a nightmare to get out and if you just drained the oil out you can not use your car to go get a tool to get it off if you need to.

[@MickPsyphon]

Thank you for posting. I've often given the same advice to people who have asked me about oil changes.

[@MRTuning704]

Fill the oil filter!!!! Dry starting a motor is worse then bad oil

[@thomasanderson5181]

A few tips you missed. 1. Remove oil cap before draining to make it drain faster. 2. You didn't wipe the oil off the mating surface with a rag where the oil filter gasket touches the block. 3. you didnt start it up and check for leaks. 4. you didnt check the oil level prior to draining and after filling. Checking the level before draining gives you an idea how much your engine is burning so you can inform your customer. Alot of the times ill add the specified oil quantity and it will still be low. Thats why you check the level after you fill also. 5. Its a good idea to spray degreaser because removing the filter and drain plug can cause oil to drip on exhaust pipes or other parts. I can go on for days but im getting hungry. Good video though.

[@cerobsan]

1:07 Swapping oil with style hahaha!

[@prawler646]

One of my best tips are to replace the gaskets at the oil filter (if you got any, I'm very used to Mercedes oil filters). The gaskets are ment to keep the different oil routes sealed, and if the seals are old or damaged, it means that the oil pressure can be lowerd. In the best way you will hear weird sounds like a small tick from a valve. ALWAYS replace them.

[@jorowi]

Tip #6 do not drink used oil even if it looks and smells like the coffee at a "Quickie Oil Change" place.

[@jameskoralewski1006]

Another tip. Never buy synthetic oil in single cans or bottles. Always buy the bulk size containers in 4 or 5 quart sizes. It is much cheaper in the bulk sizes.

[@AlainHubert]

You forgot to start the motor to have the oil circulate throughout the engine, and you forgot to check the level on the gauge to make sure it isn't overfilled or underfilled.

[@Dabulewicz]

AlainHubert gauge? you mean the dip stick right? cuz the oil pressure gauge doesn't tell you the oil level

[@101Volts]

@@Dabulewicz No, some new cars literally don't have oil dipsticks; they only have oil level gauges. I'm starting to miss my 84 Caprice again.

[@Killerean]

Tip 4.5: Tip the oil canister sideways when filling your engine so air can enter the canister more easily. This way you'll have better time pouring oil in to the engine. It's good against oil just jumping out of the canister like crazy, It will also allow you to get to more comfortable position for work.

[@didaloca]

Wait, so you don't flush your used oil down the toilet!?

[@wildbill23c]

+Daniel Astbury No, pour it on the ground and throw a match on it.

[@omarmata4206]

rofl

[@Rick-S-6063]

I've found that those metal drain plug gaskets with the rubber inner sealing rings work really well. So far not a one has leaked and they're easy to remove from the drain plug. No pliers required!

[@whiteknucklefishingtv6514]

If you overfill the oil even just a little it can cause foaming and air pockets, bad idea unless you want to ruin an engine.

[@KayserEin]

+J Eddie always wondered what the downside was to adding more of the precious fluid to my engines. He added just over a cup more than spec'd, would you think that's a big deal? #asking

[@whiteknucklefishingtv6514]

probably not just a cup, no. The problem is when the oil starts to bubble or foam the oil pump can suck air and starve the top of the engine of oil for a short period. If this happens over and over it will destroy your valve/cam system. This is why the put "Do Not Overfill" in big letters on the oil cap on most engines.

[@FCFordLord]

Usually there is an overfill mark. Subaru EJ engines allow a bit over half a quart above full, where there is a notch in the dipstick as a 'max fill' line.

[@johnh9200]

That was the one thing that bothered me about the Video, if it says xx, add xx not xxx.

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Another helpful and insightful video from the man who has gleaned much experience throughout his career. Cheers Ezza (Eric)

[@noszl1204]

Car takes 4.7 quarts. Puts 5 quarts in after saying when draining one quart stays in the pan. So car has 6 quarts and requires 4.7... Great job blowing seals and fucking up the motor!

[@MilesGlidershy]

+NOS ZL1 Well, you should also consider that the factory fill compensates for the total sump capacity, and the service manual's listing of sump capacity should have already subtracted whatever amount does not come out during an oil change. Furthermore, I doubt a full quart stays in anyway, more likely to be half a quart.

[@2076649]

Hey ETCG, wanna say that i aprecciated all your videos, its a big thing you are doing, helped a lot of peple, besides that, its a verry cool and useful wrench desing you used to remove the drain plug, and tha metod to remove the oil from the drainer using air pressure is a fantastic idea, in the Ford car dealer that i work here in Brazil, we use an air pressure drived pump to suck the oil from the drainer, but the pump breakes too often and its 500 dolars for a new each time, i will suggest this metod to improve our workshop, the Brazil crysis is getting worst every day...our mannager said that it can't buy a silngle spark plug soket to the workshop, anywhay Thanks ETCG, you are the best!

[@kenskip1]

Eric you did a video about motor oils a while ago.This video is not one of your better ones. I suspect the oil manufacture made a donation to aid your cause. If you really want to do a video to help your viewers do one about OIL FILTERS.

[@MrRantek24]

+kenskip1 Exactly! I cannot get an oil filter company to tell me how many miles their oil filter is good for.

[@kenskip1]

+MrRantek24 He will never do it. He could but it would hurt his business. What Oil Filter is the best? Fram, Purolator,Wix, CarQuest,Napa,.He will never do an analysis on filters.I wish he would but it will never happen.Personally I use Wix. They make filters for Napa, Car Quest

[@MrRantek24]

kenskip1 I emailed WIX and asked them how many miles is their filter good for? They replied and said, their filters are good for as many miles as your owners manuals say to change your oil. I go 12,000 miles on an oil change.@6,000 miles, I change out the oil filter and top off the oil. I want an oil filter that will go the 12,000 miles.

[@kenskip1]

+MrRantek24 Sounds to me like they are covering their ass and passing the buck to you.If you use a full synthetic oil then this is within reach.I would say the style of driving, mileage on the vehicle could be contributing factors. Personally I used a full synthetic in my wife's 2003 Ford van and change the oil every 10K miles.I use Orielly oil in it. Has 175,500 and the engine is as quiet as a new one.

[@jmowreader9555]

MrRantek24: It's very hard to say an oil filter is good for X number of miles. How you drive has a lot to do with it: a person who lives in Montana and spends 75 percent of his time going 80mph on the freeway is going to throw a lot less crud in the oil pan than someone who lives in Chicago and spends 25 percent of his driving time idling.

[@trentblanton3648]

Torque specs on the drain plug usually can be anywhere from 15-33 ft lbs. I always just torque mine to 25 ft lbs.

[@averyalexander2303]

At 1:30, there is a bottle of Pennzoil hanging behind him. Unscribing.

[@Madatij]

If the car uses an oil filter cartridge (just a filter element that goes inside the engine) make sure that there are no pieces of the old cartridge left before you install a new one. You can crush the new cartridge if there is something in there.

[@gglovato]

so.... changing to metric video and the next video you publish "quarts" -_- /facepalm

[@dozza202]

what's a quart? lol I could look it up but cbf

[@gglovato]

+mike hunt yeah probably some fairy totally arbitrary unit that could very well have been defined as "how much urine filled a [5 inch tall by 1 palm wide jar] from [insert some historical dude] after he drank a pint of [some historic] ale" or something of the sort :D

[@symawd]

+mike hunt 0.946 liters

[@jckf]

+Guillermo Lovato I'm guessing quarter of a gallon.

[@eldom20]

1 US quart = 0.946 L

[@TechSurreal]

Many times unscrewing the drain plug is easier than the oil filter. if you're a guy like me with not a lot of special tools then first try to unscrew the oil filter a little bit before the drain bolt just to make sure you can open it up completely after drainage.

[@TheEgg185]

I leave my oil in the parking lot of my local Target. Its their problem now. :)

[@muffinscars6187]

TheEgg185 lmao

[@94fleetwood49]

+corey babcock - That's stupid, oil just flows back to the water treament plant and back into your home.

[@albertoespinoza3626]

Hopefully you are kidding, its really harmful for the environment and for you. I recommend you to take it to Autozone, they don't charge for keeping it.