I am a noob at oil changes but whenever I try to change the oil on one of my cars I always have a hell of time getting the oil drain bolt off. Any ideas or words of wisdom?

 

Always use a new crush washer if the plug uses one, and don't overtighten?

 

Breaker bar...

At least you know it isn't falling off on the road

Mike

 

Wd-40?

 

are you putting the car up on a lift or sliding under it while its on jackstands? Leverage is pretty key and its much harder to get when you are on your back

 

It should never be that tight. Most drain bolts require less than 20 lb/ft of torque.

 

Yes, use a torque wrench. The 3G TLs take 360 in/lbs (or 29 ft/lbs).

 

Some misleading advice here.... NEVER use a breaker bar to reinstall a drain plug, more and more cars are using aluminum oil pans your sure to strip the oil pan with a breaker bar. A new crush washer is by no means required every oil change, when I had my Acura I drove 42k miles and change on the factory washer and not a drop of oil dripping anywhere.

If you are using a breaker bar to break the drain plug free make sure you (i) are using the right size socket and (ii) that it is a 6 point socket. Other wise doing an oil change is about as basic of a repair one can perform, lefty loosey, righty tighty. If your still having problems go to the gym and start lifting some weights.