Oil change on a 2004

[Schwartz1986]

I'm new to the board, driving an '04 hatchback. I want to start changing my own oil, but I don't even know where the drain plug is. Someone told me it's possible to change an Aveo's oil without raising the front end. Could anyone describe how this is done? I didn't see anything in the FAQ or the how-to section, so sorry if this has been asked before. Thank you!

[exodus]

Tools/parts needed:
1 socket wrench (can't remember the size of the socket you'll need at the moment).
Drain pan/bucket to catch old oil.
1 new oil filter (your local auto parts store will help you out with this).
4qts 5w30 or 10w30 oil (I use 5w30 in the winter and 10w30 in the summer).
1 new crush washer for the drain plug (again, your local autoparts store should be able to tell you what size you need).
1 CLEAN funnel

The drain plug is on the pan connected to the underside of the engine. I believe it faces towards the rear of the car (tilted down, but I might be thinking of my jetta ).

Remove that, and drain the oil.

Next remove the filter, located just to the right of the exhaust manifold on the front of the engine. It's a cylindrical object sticking out perpendicular from the engine (you should be able to remove it by hand).

Replace the drain plug using the new crush washer.

Get your new filter and dab your finger in your new oil, run this around the gasket of the new filter. I also like to pour some new oil into the filter, so it doesn't "dry start." This can be difficult with the aveo since the filter sits horizontally.

Put the filter back on, being careful not to cross thread it. This only needs to be "hand tight," but secure.

Pour the new oil into the oil hole on top of the engine (the cap has an oil can/drip pictured on it).

Start the motor, check for leaks. You're done.

Once you're used to doing it, should take you about 15minutes tops. Sure beats sitting around waiting for firestone.

[Schwartz1986]

Hey, thanks! I still have some tools to buy, and I guess that'll include a pair of ramps and chocks to get the front end in the air. I found the drain plug and I really appreciate the detail of your response. Thanks again.

[Fighting Irish]

Someone told me it's possible to change an Aveo's oil without raising the front end.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but unless you're really really skinny, you should probably raise the front end a bit. What I used to do on my old buick was drive the front end onto some blocks of wood that were 2" thick. This gave me just enough room to slide under to get the drain plug out.

Now I have a couple ramp style things to drive up onto (cost about $30 or so), and those give me more than enough room to get under the car. Something like this would work, although these are rather expensive
http://www.partsamerica.com/productd...egoryCode=3400

As for changing the oil without even getting under the car, you can use a manual oil pump to pump it out of the dipstick I believe. I think this is how Mercedes changes the oil on their cars. I've personally never done it or seen it done, so I can't offer much more info there.

Also, my dad an I have both bought new GM cars in the past 4 months, and the original filter was a bear to get off. Since your car is used, I have no idea how tight the last place put the filter on, but you probably won't be able to take the filter off by hand. I'd recommend using this wrench if you ever get stuck, it will seriously take any filter off.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...+filter+wrench

[Fighting Irish]

Ok well you beat me to it with the whole ramp thing. Good luck!

[exodus]

I'm 6' 170lbs... I can shimmy my way under. It's a tight squeeze, but I usually don't bother to lift the car to do oil changes.

I would honestly recommend jackstands over ramps. Unless you have a partner it can be stressful to get on them. You run the chance of over gunning it and running off the edge. They also don't like to stay put if your driveway isn't perfectly flat.

[Schwartz1986]

I like the idea of 2" blocks of wood. I'm a very skinny guy, and I don't need much room under there. Since the ground is frozen here I want to lay down a moving blanket, and that takes a little bit of room as well. A couple inches would be perfect. I'll also check out that wrench.

As for ramps vs. jack stands, I agree with you that ramps are a pain in the butt. How do you personally get the front end onto stands? According to Daewoo's diagrams, there's no (recommended) way to jack the car from the front center. Rather, you're supposed to use the points behind the front wheels. What's your strategy?

Thanks again.

[sappy96]

Whats up w/ this crush washer?
The one on the car isn't reusable?

The other cars I have had have a rubber o ring on the drain plug.

[ontarian_frog]

It's reusable. Just need to change it from time to time. Some ppl change it everytime to prevent leaks. Plus its really cheap.

[exodus]

Never lifted the car from the front center... always from the sides behind the wheels. Using 2 jacks, the front crossmember could probably support the weight...

I like the idea of 2" blocks of wood. I'm a very skinny guy, and I don't need much room under there. Since the ground is frozen here I want to lay down a moving blanket, and that takes a little bit of room as well. A couple inches would be perfect. I'll also check out that wrench.

As for ramps vs. jack stands, I agree with you that ramps are a pain in the butt. How do you personally get the front end onto stands? According to Daewoo's diagrams, there's no (recommended) way to jack the car from the front center. Rather, you're supposed to use the points behind the front wheels. What's your strategy?

Thanks again.