Changing your own oil is one of the best DIY car maintenance jobs to start with. The tools are relatively inexpensive, you'll use many of them for future repairs, and after a few oil changes they'll often pay for themselves.
Here's what I'd recommend buying.
Must-have tools
1. Oil drain pan (10–20 quart capacity)
A drain pan that seals for transport makes recycling used oil much easier.
SureBilt 20-Quart Drain Pan
2. Socket wrench and metric socket set
A basic 3/8-inch drive ratchet with metric sockets will remove most drain plugs.
3. Oil filter wrench
You'll almost certainly need one at some point.
Hyper Tough Adjustable Jaw Oil Filter Wrench
4. Funnel
A long-neck automotive funnel helps avoid spills.
5. Jack stands or car ramps
If your vehicle doesn't have enough clearance, you'll need a safe way to get underneath it.
- Ramps are my recommendation for beginners because they're simpler and very stable for oil changes.
- If you use a floor jack, always support the vehicle with jack stands before getting underneath it. Never rely on the jack alone.
Nice-to-have
- Torque wrench (to tighten the drain plug to the correct specification)
- Wheel chocks
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Shop towels or rags
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Creeper (rolling mechanic's seat) if you have a smooth garage floor
Supplies you'll buy each oil change
- Correct motor oil (check your owner's manual)
- Oil filter
- Replacement drain plug washer/crush washer (if your vehicle uses one)
Optional upgrade
Many DIYers install a Fumoto or similar oil drain valve in place of the drain plug. It makes future oil changes cleaner and faster because you simply open a valve instead of removing the plug. Community feedback is generally positive, though it's an extra upfront cost.
A good starter budget
- Drain pan: $10–20
- Socket set: $25–60
- Oil filter wrench: $7–15
- Funnel: $3–8
- Gloves and rags: $15
- Car ramps: $60–100 (or floor jack + jack stands: $150–250)
A realistic total is about $125–200 if you're starting from scratch, depending on whether you choose ramps or a jack-and-stand setup.
If you tell me the year, make, model, and engine of your vehicle, I can also tell you:
- the exact oil type and capacity,
- the correct oil filter,
- the drain plug socket size,
- whether it uses a crush washer,
- and whether ramps will work well for your specific car.
