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How to Change Your Oil Yourself: A DIY Guide for Chevy Owners in Overland Park

Regular oil changes are one of the most important maintenance items for keeping your Chevrolet running smoothly. While many drivers enjoy tackling maintenance projects themselves, it's important to have the right tools, supplies, and knowledge before getting started.

If you're planning a DIY oil change, here's what you'll need and where you can find supplies around the Kansas City area.


Tools & Supplies You'll Need

Before changing your oil, gather the following:

Essential Tools

  • Socket wrench set
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Oil drain pan
  • Funnel
  • Vehicle ramps or jack stands
  • Safety gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Shop towels or rags

Parts & Fluids

  • Manufacturer-recommended motor oil
  • New oil filter
  • Drain plug gasket (if required)
  • Owner's manual for oil specifications and capacity

Where to Buy Oil Change Supplies Near Overland Park

O'Reilly Auto Parts

Find motor oil, oil filters, funnels, drain pans, and most of the tools needed for a DIY oil change.

Website: https://www.oreillyauto.com

AutoZone

Offers oil, filters, ramps, gloves, and disposal containers.

Website: https://www.autozone.com

Advance Auto Parts

Carries a wide selection of oil change supplies and maintenance products.

Website: https://shop.advanceautoparts.com

Walmart Supercenter

Often one of the most affordable places to purchase motor oil and oil filters.

Website: https://www.walmart.com

Harbor Freight Tools

Great for purchasing drain pans, socket sets, jack stands, funnels, and other tools.

Website: https://www.harborfreight.com


Step 1: Warm Up the Engine

Allow your Chevrolet to run for a few minutes before beginning.

Warm oil drains more easily and helps remove contaminants from the engine.


Step 2: Safely Raise the Vehicle

Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

Use ramps or jack stands to safely support the vehicle before working underneath.

Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.


Step 3: Drain the Old Oil

Position your drain pan beneath the oil drain plug.

  • Remove the drain plug carefully.
  • Allow the oil to drain completely.
  • Replace the drain plug gasket if necessary.
  • Reinstall and tighten the drain plug according to specifications.

Step 4: Replace the Oil Filter

Using an oil filter wrench:

  • Remove the old filter.
  • Lubricate the new filter gasket with fresh oil.
  • Install the new filter according to manufacturer recommendations.

Step 5: Add Fresh Oil

Using a funnel:

  • Add the correct amount and type of oil.
  • Reinstall the oil cap.
  • Start the engine briefly.
  • Check for leaks.
  • Verify the oil level with the dipstick.

Where Can You Dispose of Used Oil?

Many local auto parts stores accept used motor oil and filters for recycling.

Check with:

  • O'Reilly Auto Parts
  • AutoZone
  • Advance Auto Parts

Most locations offer free oil recycling services.


Why Many Chevy Owners Choose Certified Service

Changing your own oil can be rewarding, but it also requires time, tools, cleanup, and proper disposal.

At McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park, our Certified Service technicians can perform your oil change quickly while also:

  • Inspecting your vehicle
  • Checking fluid levels
  • Monitoring tire condition
  • Looking for potential maintenance concerns
  • Using genuine GM parts and approved fluids

You already have enough on your schedule—you don't need to become an oil expert too.


Schedule Your Oil Change at McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park

Skip the mess and let our experts handle it.

Schedule Service Online

Visit Our Service Department

View Current Service Specials


Let the Professionals Handle the Dirty Work

DIY oil changes can be a great weekend project, but if you'd rather spend your free time doing something else, the team at McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park is ready to help.

From routine oil changes to major maintenance, we're proud to help drivers throughout Overland Park and the Kansas City area keep their Chevrolet vehicles running their best.

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fall

Fall Festivals Around Overland Park That Are Worth the Drive | McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park

Fall Festivals Around Overland Park That Are Worth the Drive | McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park Fall is officially here in Overland Park, and that means pumpkin patches, hayrides, live music, costumes, food trucks, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the season. If you're looking for fall festivals near Overland Park, there are several events coming up this October that make the perfect excuse to load up the family, grab some snacks, and take your Chevrolet for a fall drive. Here are a few worth putting on your calendar. Hawktoberfest at Bluhawk — October 10 Looking for a free, family-friendly fall event? Hawktoberfest takes place Saturday, October 10, from 1–4 p.m. at Bluhawk in Overland Park. The event includes live music, food trucks, hayrides, inflatables, face painting, a foam party, magic, balloon artists, and even fire performances. The first 1,000 kids can also participate in a Candy Crawl. Get the details for Hawktoberfest This is a perfect outing for a family SUV like the Chevrolet Traverse or Tahoe, especially when you're bringing strollers, snacks, jackets, and everything else that somehow comes along for a fall festival. Night of the Living Farm — October 17, 23 & 24 Ready for something a little spookier? Night of the Living Farm at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead brings Halloween fun to Overland Park after dark. This family-friendly event includes scary and non-scary hayrides, a flashlight pumpkin walk, a scarecrow maze, carnival games, a marshmallow roast, and more. Upcoming dates include October 17, 23, and 24, from 5:30–9 p.m. Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead 4.8 • Children's farm • Open Website • Directions • (913) 897-2360 Visit Night of the Living Farm Bring the whole crew, pile into the Chevy, and make a night of it. Family Fall Festival — October 17 For a daytime fall activity, the Family Fall Festival at Blue Valley Sports Complex takes place October 17 from 2–5 p.m. Families can enjoy carnival games, hayrides, inflatables, pony rides, giant bubbles, face painting, fall photo opportunities, and food trucks. The first 500 registered participants will also receive a complimentary pumpkin and a special treat while supplies last. Preregistration is required. Get Family Fall Festival Details This is another event where having plenty of cargo space can come in handy—especially if you're leaving with a pumpkin or two. Pumpkin Hollow at Deanna Rose Need a classic fall experience? Pumpkin Hollow at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead runs on select dates throughout October. Guests can take a horse-drawn hayride to the pumpkin patch, navigate the spider-web maze, play games, ride pedal cars, and pick out a pumpkin to take home. Plan Your Visit to Pumpkin Hollow And don't forget to save some room in the vehicle for your pumpkin haul. A Chevrolet Equinox or Traverse is perfect for a family outing, while a Tahoe or Suburban gives you even more room for passengers and fall gear. Kansas City Renaissance Festival — Through October 18 Technically just outside Overland Park, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs is worth the drive if you're looking for a full-day fall adventure. The 2026 festival runs Saturdays and Sundays through October 18, with themed weekends, entertainment, shopping, food, costumes, and plenty to explore. Visit the Kansas City Renaissance Festival This is where a roomy SUV can really earn its keep. Bring the whole crew, your costumes, snacks, and anything else needed for a day at the festival. Make Your Chevrolet Part of the Adventure Half the fun of a fall festival can be the drive there. Whether you're heading to a pumpkin patch, a Halloween event, or a full-day festival, Chevrolet has vehicles that can fit a variety of fall plans. Chevrolet Equinox — Great for everyday fall adventures and smaller families. Chevrolet Traverse — A three-row option when you're bringing the whole crew. Chevrolet Tahoe — Plenty of room for passengers and festival gear. Chevrolet Suburban — For families who believe you can never have too much space. Chevrolet Silverado — Perfect when your fall plans involve hauling larger gear, coolers, chairs, or a serious pumpkin haul. Browse New Chevrolet Inventory at McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park Explore Chevrolet SUVs Explore Chevrolet Trucks Make the Most of Fall in Overland Park From Hawktoberfest and Pumpkin Hollow to Night of the Living Farm and the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, there are plenty of ways to enjoy fall around Overland Park and the greater Kansas City area. Before heading out, check each event's official website for the latest hours, tickets, parking information, weather updates, and event details. Then grab your favorite people, pick your destination, and hit the road. McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park 9201 Metcalf Ave. | Overland Park, KS Shop New Chevrolet Vehicles Fall is better when there's a festival on the calendar and a Chevy in the driveway. Enjoy fall!

Chevrolet Vehicles With Remote Start: Stay Comfortable All Year Long

Chevrolet Vehicles With Remote Start: Stay Comfortable All Year Long Kansas City weather can be unpredictable. One day you're scraping ice off the windshield, and the next you're looking for the closest parking spot to avoid walking through the heat. That's where remote start can make everyday driving a little more convenient. Whether you're getting ready for a cold morning in Overland Park or trying to cool down your vehicle before heading home on a hot summer afternoon, several Chevrolet vehicles offer remote-start capabilities. At McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park, you can find Chevrolet models with remote-start features throughout the lineup, depending on the specific vehicle and equipment. What Does Chevrolet Remote Start Do? Remote start allows you to start your vehicle before you get inside so the cabin can begin getting ready for your departure. On properly equipped Chevrolet vehicles, remote start can be activated with the key fob, while compatible vehicles and active service plans can also use the myChevrolet mobile app for remote commands. The app can allow you to start the vehicle and, on equipped vehicles, use climate controls to help precondition the cabin. That means you can get a head start on making your vehicle more comfortable before you even open the door. Chevrolet Equinox The Chevrolet Equinox is a great everyday SUV for drivers around Overland Park and Kansas City, and remote start is available on properly equipped models. McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park currently has 2026 Equinox models in inventory featuring remote start, including LT and RS examples. Remote start can be especially convenient when you're loading up the kids, getting ready for work, or simply don't want to climb into an extremely hot or cold cabin. Shop Chevrolet Equinox Inventory Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Need a truck instead? The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers remote-start capabilities on properly equipped models, and McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park currently has 2026 Silverado 1500 trucks listed with remote start. Whether you're heading to the jobsite on a freezing morning, loading up for a football tailgate, or getting ready for a summer road trip, remote start is one of those features you appreciate even more when you have it. Shop Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Inventory Chevrolet Blazer The 2026 Chevrolet Blazer takes the convenience one step further with remote start listed as standard equipment. Chevrolet also says the Blazer can be remotely started with the key fob or through the myChevrolet app with an active OnStar subscription. Explore Chevrolet Blazer Inventory Chevrolet Equinox EV Going electric doesn't mean giving up the convenience. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV includes remote start through the myChevrolet app on properly equipped vehicles. The app can remotely start the vehicle and precondition the cabin, and when the vehicle is plugged in, it can use available energy from the charger to help conserve battery charge. Explore Chevrolet Equinox EV Inventory Chevrolet Trailblazer The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT includes a remote vehicle starter system, giving shoppers another compact SUV option with remote-start convenience. Shop Chevrolet Trailblazer Inventory Why Remote Start Is So Useful in Kansas City Remote start isn't just a "nice to have" feature when you live in an area with changing seasons. In the winter, it can help you get a jump on warming the cabin before you leave. In the summer, it can help cool the vehicle before you start your drive. It's especially useful for: Morning commutes School drop-offs Football games and tailgates Grocery runs Road trips Busy family schedules And when the weather changes from one extreme to another, you may find yourself wondering how you ever lived without it. Remote Start Through the myChevrolet App One of the biggest conveniences is being able to interact with a compatible Chevrolet from your smartphone. The myChevrolet app can provide remote commands such as start, lock, and unlock on properly equipped vehicles when supported by the vehicle and active service plan. Learn More About the myChevrolet App Keep in mind that remote features vary by vehicle, trim, equipment, model year, and service plan, so always check the specific vehicle's window sticker or equipment list before purchasing. Find a Chevrolet With Remote Start in Overland Park Ready to make your daily commute a little more comfortable? McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park has a wide selection of new Chevrolet vehicles, including SUVs, trucks, EVs, and more. Browse New Chevrolet Inventory Explore Chevrolet SUVs Explore Chevrolet Trucks Explore Chevrolet EVs Visit McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park at 9201 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park, KS, and ask our team about Chevrolet vehicles equipped with remote start. Hot day? Cold morning? Remote start has you covered. Check it out!

fall

CHEVY COLORS THAT WERE MADE FOR FALL

CHEVY COLORS THAT WERE MADE FOR FALL Fall has pumpkins, changing leaves, football, and… some seriously good Chevrolet colors. If you're looking for a vehicle that matches the season perfectly, here are a few shades we'd put at the top of the fall color palette: 🍂 Autumn Harvest Metallic — The name says it all. This new 2027 Equinox color practically belongs in a pile of fall leaves. 🌲 Cypress Gray — Earthy, understated, and perfect for those crisp fall-road-trip vibes. 🍁 Red Hot — Because fall isn't complete without a little bold color. This one brings serious autumn-leaf energy. 🖤 Black — Halloween-approved and always in style. 🩶 Sterling Gray Metallic — A sleek neutral that looks right at home against changing fall scenery. And the best part? You can see the newest Chevrolet colors for yourself at McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park. Browse New Chevrolet Inventory Shop Chevrolet SUVs Shop Chevrolet Trucks 📍 McCarthy Chevrolet Overland Park 9201 Metcalf Ave. | Overland Park, KS So… which Chevy color are you taking into fall? 🍂 #McCarthyChevrolet #McCarthyChevyOP #Chevrolet #Chevy #Fall #OverlandPark #KansasCity #CarShopping #NewChevy #FYP