If you've often thought that you could save money on your car's oil changes by doing the job yourself, it's important to understand why it's best left to a service center instead. The truth is that there are some costly mistakes that can be made during an oil change that could ultimately lead to disaster. Here's a look at some of the things that you need to understand about taking on your car's oil change needs yourself and the problems that can arise.

Oil Filter Issues

A key part of an oil change is replacing the oil filter. When you drain the existing oil, you need to remove the filter and replace it with a brand-new one. When you install a new oil filter, you should coat the gasket on the filter with fresh, clean motor oil first. The oil helps the gasket form a seal. Whether you forget to oil the gasket or you install the wrong filter so that there's an insufficient seal, you'll find that your car leaks oil, which will ultimately damage the engine.

Drain Plug Problems

The drain plug in your oil pan is an essential component for draining your engine oil. After running the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, you pull the plug from the oil pan to drain it before you refill the engine with fresh oil. Once the existing oil drains out, you need to replace that drain plug securely. If you forget to replace the drain plug, or you don't put it back properly, your oil pan won't be sealed. This leads to an oil leak that will eventually drain your engine.

Oil Fill Issues

When you're doing an oil change, the last thing that you'd expect to forget is refilling the engine oil. However, it only takes one distraction for you to overlook that crucial step. While the engine might start without the necessary oil, it will very quickly fail because of insufficient lubrication. The engine will seize and you'll face costly repairs if it's salvageable.

These are some of the most common mistakes that people make when they choose to do their own oil changes. Understanding the mistakes can help you not only to avoid them but also to understand why it's best to leave the job to a professional. Your mechanic will ensure that the auto oil change is done correctly and your engine is protected from damage.