An oil and filter change is often recommended as a quick and easy kind of vehicle maintenance that anyone can do. But is a DIY oil change really a good idea?

While it’s a simple task for a qualified auto mechanic, an oil change can have some very costly dangers if it goes wrong. Here are the five main risks to be aware of.

1) Using the Wrong Oil

Modern engine oil is made to advanced specifications, and it’s important to choose the right one for both your vehicle and your local climate conditions. While brand-new engines are more tolerant and can handle both synthetic and conventional oils, aging models aren’t quite so forgiving. At best, using the wrong oil will reduce driving efficiency and comfort, while at worst, it can do lasting damage to the engine and other essential mechanical parts.

2) Incorrectly Fitting the Oil Filter

A fresh filter should be added during every oil change to prevent the new lubricant from being contaminated immediately. The filter needs to be the right design for your vehicle, and it needs to be fitted carefully. A filter that isn’t properly sealed will allow the oil to degrade more quickly, while at the other extreme, fitting the filter too tightly can strip the connection’s thread, usually requiring an expensive repair.

3) Oil Gasket Mistakes

Oil filters include a rubber gasket that’s essential for creating a tight seal. When removing an old filter, it’s easy for the gasket to be left behind, particularly if the oil change is overdue and a lot of grime has built up. If this happens, and you double up the gaskets when fitting a new filter, they’ll likely leak and cause a loss of oil pressure.

Gasket problems can also occur if they’re fitted slightly off-centre, or if you forget to fit one at all. In both cases, engine damage is a genuine risk.

4) Oil Pan Bolt Damage

Draining the old oil means loosening and removing the oil pan bolt, and while this is usually easy enough, replacing it can cause problems. It’s all too common for a beginner to tighten the bolt too far, which has two risks. First, it makes future oil changes more difficult, with a higher chance of damage next time the bolt needs to be loosened.

Second, and more seriously, over-tightening can damage the bolt threads and make it fit less securely. While it might contain the oil at first, as you drive, the vibrations can cause the bolt to steadily loosen, eventually risking a sudden oil leak that could be catastrophic if it happens while driving at speed.

5) The Wrong Amount of Oil

Lastly, you must add the right amount of fresh oil to complete the change correctly. If you add too little, there might not be enough pressure to deliver the lubricant to where it’s needed, speeding up wear and tear. On the other hand, adding too much can increase the pressure to a level where gaskets and seals fail and start to leak.

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An experienced mechanic will not only change the oil and filter correctly but can also spot any other signs of trouble lurking under the hood. If you’d prefer to place your vehicle in the care of professionals rather than risk DIY maintenance, please book a service appointment by clicking on the button below.