An oil change might seem like one of the simpler car maintenance tasks. Many drivers feel confident enough to handle it themselves, especially with a few tools and a free afternoon. However, despite its apparent simplicity, changing your car’s oil on your own can come with risks that lead to unnecessary repairs—or worse, serious engine damage.
If you’re considering doing your next oil change at home, be aware of the most common mistakes that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Using the Wrong Oil for Your Engine
Every car engine is designed to run with a specific type of oil. The wrong oil can disrupt performance, cause sludge to build up, or even reduce fuel efficiency. Some people mistakenly assume that any oil will do as long as it’s fresh, but this is far from true.
Oil type isn’t just about viscosity, such as 5W30 or 10W40. There’s also a difference between synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral oils. Some vehicles, especially newer or imported models, require full synthetic oil to perform properly. Others might need a special blend suitable for high-mileage engines. Always refer to your car’s owner manual, and don’t guess.
Underfilling or Overfilling the Oil
Oil levels matter. Too little oil can cause your engine to overheat and seize up, while too much can lead to foaming or pressure problems that affect engine seals and gaskets.
Most vehicles in Knoxville TN take between 4 and 6 litres of oil, but this varies by make and model. Always measure carefully and check the level after the engine has been off for a few minutes so the oil has time to settle.
Neglecting to Replace the Oil Filter
Some DIYers believe the oil filter can be reused for a couple of oil changes. This is a myth. An old filter holds dirty oil and debris, which defeats the purpose of replacing the oil in the first place.
Each time you do an oil change, a fresh oil filter should be installed. Filters are relatively inexpensive and essential to maintaining clean circulation inside your engine.
Forgetting to Replace the Drain Plug Washer
Auto maintenance in Knoxville TN
The small washer or gasket that seals your drain plug might not look important, but it plays a vital role in preventing oil leaks. These washers are often made to be used once, especially if they’re aluminium or copper. Reusing an old washer, or forgetting to install one at all, can result in leaks that slowly drain your engine oil without you noticing until the warning light comes on.
Overtightening the Drain Plug
It might seem like a good idea to tighten the drain plug as much as possible to avoid leaks, but this often backfires. Over-tightening can strip the threads in your oil pan or crack the plug altogether. If that happens, you’ll have a much bigger repair on your hands than a simple oil change in Knoxville TN.
Hand-tight, followed by a quarter turn with a spanner (or whatever the manual specifies), is usually enough. A torque wrench can help ensure accuracy without overdoing it.
Leaving the Oil Filler Cap Off
It happens more often than you’d think. Someone finishes the job, gets distracted, and forgets to replace the oil filler cap. Once the engine runs, oil can splatter around the engine bay, creating a mess and potentially leading to a loss of pressure and lubrication.
Always double-check that the cap is securely in place before closing the bonnet.
Using the Wrong Tools
From the wrong-sized spanner to a poor-quality filter wrench, using improper tools can lead to stripped bolts, damaged components, or even injury. A filter wrench that slips could easily cause a nasty cut, and a plug rounded off with an ill-fitting spanner can turn a quick job into a nightmare.
If you’re not confident with your tools—or if you don’t have the right ones to begin with—it’s safer to leave it to the professionals in Knoxville TN.
Thinking DIY Saves Time and Money
The appeal of a DIY oil change often comes down to saving a few pounds and feeling productive. But if something goes wrong, the cost of repairs far outweighs the small savings. Even small mistakes—like using the wrong oil or forgetting a washer—can lead to engine damage or a messy clean-up.
In many cases, it takes less time and causes far less hassle to let someone experienced handle it. You won’t have to dispose of the old oil, worry about parts, or troubleshoot a leak later in the week.
Miller Brothers Auto Repair and Collision Center provides professional oil change services that are quick, affordable, and done right the first time, giving you peace of mind and more time for things that matter.
Call Miller Brothers Auto Repair and Collision Center now to schedule your oil change with a trusted mechanic who puts your car’s health first.
Miller Brothers Auto Repair and Collision Center
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/
Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County
Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville
