first time changing car oil in two decades, question

You got good answers on the oil filter.

But I suspect there were two things you unscrewed: the filter, and the oil drain plug. That plug or bolt also needs to be installed correctly, and some of them have a crush washer, that may or may not need replacement.

And there's a third bolt that often comes out, but obviously you were smart enough not to do this, so you should be okay. But it's not uncommon for a first timer to mistake the transmission plug for the oil drain. No harm done as long as you realize it and put it back in without leaks, and top off the transmission fluid as needed. I have a friend who drains some transmission fluid and some coolant every time he changes oil. He doesn't totally replace either fluid, but he figures over a few oil changes he gets it pretty clean, and he's been driving high mileage cars longer than anybody I know.

I made sure to find and watch a video on my car first. I also use ramps and wanted to be certain there would be no issues with the oil pan screw being at the correct place at the start (back of pan instead of front, for example).

Since visiting my mechanic won't be done now unless there's no other choice, I have to also consider the coolant and transmission fluid changes as well, or maybe just drain some of them and top off like your friend does.

On Fri, 28 Aug 2020 10:26:35 +1000, Joshua Snow posted for all of us to digest...

That is a possibility.

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That means having a clean container in which to catch all the brand new oil just put in the crankcase...or a refill of what loses in the process.

Not the optimal thing to have to do when can just back off the present a little.

It all depends... On my Toyota you can remove the filter and just lose the contents of the filter. If that's the case on the OP's engine, filling the filter with fresh oil should be good enough. I do that during a normal oil change out of habit.

That is true of virtually every engine built with an oil filter

You got a lot of good answers here.

Bottom line, hand tighten plus 1/4 turn. That's all.

Since you really torqued the thing on, it will be a real hassle to change it. You may have to have it done at a shop.,

Some said to back it off a little now. You could, but just watch for leaks. Some said to replace now while you can still get it off. Your choice.

Been there when I was young. I learned fast not to second guess instructions.

I'm a little weird; when I go shopping for a car I