Oil Change - 2003 Toyota Corolla LE

Let's get started! 

Changing oil is not a difficult job, specially on a Corolla (or majority of small sedans). Just like to share with you how I do it, hope that will help you in someway. 

I used to jack up the car using floor jack, but I found using a ramp is so much more easier. I bought this 16,000 lbs capacity Rhino Gear Ramps to do oil changes. They comes in pair. There is also 12,000 lbs capacity option, and it is cheaper, but I opted for higher capacity so I can use on other cars, even trucks. Who knows, maybe my next car will be a SUV! 

Anyhow, find a level surface, line up the ramps with your font wheels, and just drive the car up the ramp. Do it SLOWLY!!!  

My first try. As you see the wheel didn't quite line up, or the way I positioned the ramp is not quite good so 1/4 of the tire is hanging out. This is not a good example. 

Redo the drive up. This time it's much better. 

Put the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. These wheel chocks also comes in pair. 

Gear in "Park", and pull the handbrake. Now the car should be secure and is not going anywhere. Shut off the engine. 

Take a look at this! Plenty of room underneath the car to do the oil change, and many other repairs! 

I had oil change at a shop last time. They used cheap looking regular oil filter. Which is fine and gets the job done, but I want to use better parts for my car when I am doing the job. 

Socket wrench is necessary to remove the oil drain plug. Also, try to get your self one of those oil resistant latex glove. Keep your hands clean, also protect your skin. 

Unscrew the oil drain plug. This is pretty standard. Your owner's manual should clearly indicate where the plug is. You can also find tons of related videos on Youtube. 

Old oil drain plug (left) vs New (right). I said the new one looks pretty GOOD! 

Look for size M12 - 1.25 for Toyota Corolla. Check my previous post, I took a nice picture of the oil drain plug package. 

This cap-type oil filter wrench is very helpful. It makes removing used filter much easier.  

Here is the new, FRAM oil filter designed for high mileage vehicles like my corolla. Looks much better than the old cheap regular white filter. 

Put some new oil on the edge (O-ring) of the new filter to help make it a tight fit.  

Hand screw the oil filter in place is good enough. No need to make it tight as hell. 

Now start pouring in oil. 

After you poured about 3 and half bottles of oil, you can slow down and start checking the dip stick. Make sure you don't add too much oil, which can hurt the engine. 

Clean and wipe the area you worked on. 

Done! Start the engine and let it run a bit. Make sure there is no leak anywhere. 

You can stack these ramps together to save space. Love these ramps. Make the job much easier!