Most car manufacturers would advise you to change your oil filter and motor oil every 3,000 miles. This is at least every two to three months, depending on how often you use your car. If you follow this advice, your car will run on tip top condition and your car’s life will be extended. Oil changes can be a daunting task at times, but it is crucial that you do this task regularly.
DIY Oil Change: What You Will Need
Jack stands – Used to elevate the car for you to work underneath it Socket wrench – Important in taking out the drain plug Metal strap or oil filter wrench Oil filter – Sifts out the impurities that the oil contains. Cartridge and spin-on are the two different types of oil filtersMotor oil – Also known as the car’s lifeblood. Four to fifteen quarts of motor oil is required for diesel engines and three to eight quarts for engines running on gasolineFunnel – This helps in filling up the crankcase easierPaper towels and rags – Necessary for after clean-up
Important Reminder Before You Get Started
Before you start with the job, you need to consider one thing first. There are car owners that would start their engine and drive around their place before changing the oil. They do this because hot oil would drain faster. However, you need to be extra cautious because working with boiling hot oil can cause severe injuries such as hands and face burns! If you are a beginner, you need to avoid doing so.
Easy Steps on Changing Your Car’s Oil
First, you need to park your car on a plain flat surface. If you have enough room to be able to slide underneath the car, then do it. If not, jack up your car with the jack stands.
If you think the vehicle is secure and supported properly, you can crawl underneath it and start looking for your car’s drain plug. It is usually situated along the front area of a car. Use a drop cloth or a newspaper to absorb any spills around the area.
Also, place a pan or a bowl under the plug. Loosen the plug using the socket wrench. Turn it counter-clockwise, and then twist the plug so you can remove it with your hand. Drain half of the oil completely. After which, replace the drain plug using your socket wrench.
If you are done with all of these, then look for the oil filter. Place the oil pan or bowl underneath it. Around your oil filter, slip the filter wrench and make sure that it is properly secured. Tug it counter-clockwise. As soon as the oil filter loosens, take it out using your hand.
Make sure you rub new oil around your rubber gasket before installing a new filter. This will prevent for problems to occur in the future. Screw your new filter in the filter pipe. Tighten it.
After that is done, crawl out of your car, open the hood, and take out the cap of the filter oil. Fill it with the recommended amount of oil and replace the oil filter cap.
Changing your car’s oil can be a dirty and daunting task. If you want to save on a couple of bucks, you will find this article to be very useful. On the other hand, you can save yourself the hassle and just take it to a professional auto repair service instead. Either way, your car will thank you for it.
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