Posted on 5/30/2025
Changing your own oil used to be a rite of passage for anyone who enjoyed working on cars. But with modern vehicles becoming more complex—and time in short supply—more drivers are asking the question: should I still change my own oil, or is it better to have it done at a shop? If you’ve been considering tackling your next oil change yourself, here’s what to think about before you grab the wrench or schedule that service appointment. What It Takes to Do It Yourself At first glance, changing your own oil seems simple: drain the old oil, swap the filter, and refill with new oil. But depending on your vehicle, it may be trickier than expected. Some newer cars have underbody panels that need to be removed just to reach the oil drain plug. Others use cartridge-style filters that require special tools to remove. You’ll also need a few essentials: A reliable jack and jack stands or ramps An oil drain pan A proper-size wrench for the drain p ... read more