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I really need to change the oil in my car. I usually bring it to a shop, but I'd rather do it myself to save money.

The only that keeps me from doing it is I'm not exactly sure the safest way to lift the car.

I have ramps, but I'm afraid to go over the edge.

Can I use a hydraulic lift in the center of the car to lift it and put jack stands under the side jacking points (near the front tires) as a safety backup?

Any ideas on the safest way to do this would be much appreciated.

Paul

 
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For oil changes, I use a hydraulic jack to lift the car and rest the car on two jack stands with a couple blocks of wood behind the rear tires and the ebrake set.

For work that will actually have me under the car for a more extensive period of time, I do the same thing, but also put a couple wheels under the welded seam along the edge to prevent the car from actually hitting the ground should it slip off the jack stands for some reason.

 
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Where do you lift the car? Is there a front jack point? I see an arrow pointing to a "bracket" with a hole. How high can you safely lift the car?

 
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I jack mine up using the subframe and put jack stands under the pinch welds behind the front tires, also using wooden blocks/chocks behind the rear wheels with the e-brake set.

 
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Read the owners manual, there's a picture of the recommended jacking points.

 
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I know. But, the owner's manual only shows the 4 main jack points by the tire. Under the car front is an arrow pointing to a "bracket" with a hole that isn't in the manual. Is that a lifting point?

 
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I knew I had this pic lying around my photobucket..



that's where the owners manual points to for the front jack points.. Or should be, at least.. However, if you use those to jack up with, then you gotta get creative with the jack stands. That's why I put the jack under the sub frame, then put the jack stands in those locations.

 
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Thanks. I know about those, I've used those to rotate tires and to change the bearings, etc.

Where do you put the jack "under the sub frame" ?

 
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That arrow is pointing to the subframe. That is the central jacking point for the front of the car. You can use that bracket to lift then put jack stands at the points behind the front wheels.

 
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You can use the front tow hooks as a jacking point as well.

 
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Or you could just be like me, and roll the jack under it, jack it up from where ever the jack ends up, crawl under, get it done, and then get out.

I actully use a set of old trailer ramps I welded into ramps that are two feet high. the ramps are about 12 feet long, so the whole car is on the ramps. On the front i welded a block, so the tires cant go over the front edge.

 
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I don't know about you, but I don't feel like taking the chance of jacking the car up using an aluminum oil pan as the jacking point.. Then again, thats just me.

I gotta get under my car anyways, so I'll snap pics of where I put the jack

 
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I was kidding. i dont actully do that. I use floor jacks, and jack stands on the frame, or I use the ramps I mentioned above.

 
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I sometimes use the cradle itself for my jackstands. Its just as safe as the jack points if not more safe. To jack it up from the front there is a jack point right behind the front bumper. For the rear I use the tow hook.

Use jackstands. I use the pin type because the lever ones scare the **** out of me. DONT USE CYNDERBLOCKS!! They can break at any time.

Also when you remove the tire for a job put it underneath the car. I also leave my jack in place with no tension on it incase the car does happen to fall off the jackstands. Also chocking the wheels isnt a bad idea. I have two big rubber wheel chocks I got from Harbor freight for like $30. You cant ever be too careful.

 
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Thanks. This is helpful.

One other piece of advice, what is the easiest way to get to the oil filter? I've seen a video for one model (CRV) where the person took the wheel off to get to it easier. Would that help on the 2003 civic? Which side? I don't mind taking the wheel off, I have to check the brakes anyway.

 
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Only if its necessary for the job, if it makes you feel better you can. The idea is if the wheel is already off, throw it under the car incase something happens the wheel will hit before you get crushed. Its not necessary if you have good jackstands and practice safe ways.

Taking the wheel off is not necessary for an oil change on these cars. Once you get under the car it will be to your left if you were looking straight up and on your back.

Oil filter wrenches help a great deal. Hand tighten it back on. Make sure that the old oil filter gasket comes off, and make sure that you lube the new gasket with oil.

 
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Thanks again. In the end, I did what I was afraid to do...I drove it up on the ramps. I was a lot younger the first time I did it. Now, its not so bad.

 
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Ramps are really safe, but I am like you and scared I might overshoot them at times lol.

 
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not sure who will be reading this, so here it goes:
1) make sure the jack is at the frame (hard to see with the plastic undercover with the arrow).
2) use an hydraulic jack to lift from teh center - normal scissor jacks are not stable enough for that.
the rears use the center of teh subframe that klinks the rear suspensions. Again, hydraulic

 
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I jack up the driver side of the car so that the wheel is still barely touching the ground. Put some blocks under it just in case and then crawl under the car from the front more towards the passenger side. Then you can get the oil filter easy with your left hand without being in the way of the oil pouring out.

 
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Good point, dont use the jack that comes with the car. Only for changing the tires in a desperate measure. And especially dont use it to jack the whole front up. Its only strong enough for one side.