Hey everyone! I'm gearing up for my first DIY oil change on my 2016 Honda Fit, which has around 80,000 miles on it. My driveway is slightly uphill, and I plan on parking facing uphill for added safety. I'm considering using plastic ramps and chocking the rear wheels with the parking brake engaged since I've heard that using jack stands on a slope can be risky. Does this sound like a good plan? Also, I'm curious about the ramp heights; I see options from 3.1 inches to 5.5 inches—any recommendations for a small car like mine? While I'm at it, I'd love your advice on the following: what type of motor oil is best for longevity (Honda recommends 0W-20 full synthetic), is it worth it to get a Wix or Mobil 1 oil filter over the standard Honda ones, and do I actually need a torque wrench for the drain bolt, spec'd at 29 ft-lb? I really want to make sure this goes smoothly and safely, so any input from those of you who've done this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
2 Answers
Honestly, if you can avoid the slope, do it! It's way safer to change your oil on a flat surface. If that's not an option, just make sure you engage your parking brake and use quality chocks on the back wheels. I’d say try to find a friend’s garage or a flat parking lot if you can. And when it comes to ramp heights, I'd go for the ones that give you a little extra clearance, like in the 5.5-inch range, just to make sure you have room to work under the car. Better safe than sorry! Good luck!
I’ve done my oil changes with my Honda Fit on a slight incline before, and honestly, it can work as long as you're super careful. Go up on your ramps slowly, and definitely chock the rear wheels. I’d recommend at least a 5-inch ramp height—more clearance is better! For oil, Honda’s synthetic is great, but Mobil 1 is a solid alternative. And yes, a torque wrench is a good idea, but if you don't have one, just make sure to hand-tighten the drain plug carefully—29 ft-lbs is not too much, so get a feel for it and you'll be fine.