Mcdent

I've done all my own oil changes for over 40 years, always from below the car. All the DIY's I'm looking at do the oil extraction pump procedure. Is anyone doing it by dropping the drain plug from the pan? I'd like to hear the steps if anyone is willing to share. I'm not against the pump method, I just haven't ever used that technique. Maybe someone can steer me to a DIY for the drain plug change?

mplsbrian

You for sure can but why would you? You have to jack the car up, and the drain plug is hidden under bolted-on underbody cowling which must be pulled off to access it. Then, from an official literature standpoint, I read somewhere that Audi considers drain plug bolts "single use." Up to you to believe that one or not, of course.

Via the extractor method, everything you need is directly underneath the engine cover: the fill cap, dipstick hole, and filter itself: only way it could be more convenient is if you didn't have an engine cover (but even that just pops off with hand force). You don't even need a wrench, except to get the filter on and off.

All considered, that is why literally nobody (including dealerships) do it the "old fashioned way" and why you will be hard pressed to find a tutorial. It's 5x more work and the saved time pays for itself on just one change with a $70 oil extractor like the schwaben unit people commonly use. You don't even need to dirty a drain pan -- you can pump directly into the sealable disposal vessel of your choice. Zero mess, don't even need gloves.

bhvrdr

It takes me less time to do it from underneath. Oil drains out in 2 minutes vs 20 minutes for manual oil extractors. Takes me 45 seconds to pull the aero tray. The oil drain plugs are not one time use. Just the crush washers. You can get a bag if 10 for a couple bucks.

luder888

I've done old school for years and I now prefer the top method. It is zero mess and no jacking required. Once the oil is in the extractor you just transport the whole thing to Autozone and they drain it for you. I also recently got a Subaru and the oil filter is also located at the top. I'll never jack my car up to do an oil change ever again.

bhvrdr

For those that dont feel like jacking up the car, I just drive up ramps. No jacking. Takes 5 seconds.

Mcdent

Yes, I have nice custom (low approach) ramps so no need to jack. Plus I like to inspect the underside occasionally.

JLoft

I’ve also been doing all my oil changes since I started helping dad at maybe twelve. Of course all of them from underneath - how many I couldn’t count. I have all the same tools you have to make it easy. If you enjoy continuing this way, you should.

I got my topside oil extractor last Christmas. I won’t be going back. So simple and cleaner. Not any longer time wise and if it’s super cold, I can go inside for a few minutes while the oil drains (well, sucks). And the oil filter is on the top anyway.

I still get the underside experience doing the oil change on the MIL’s Honda. The filter is underneath.