Automotive Blog

Who changes their own oil anymore? Not me but thought it was a good
idea to teach my teenage daughter how to in case she wanted to save
some money by doing it herself. To help her out I wrote out
step-by-step instructions on how to go about it, you may find that
these simple to follow steps can help you as well. Below are the exact
list of steps she followed to actually change her car’s oil.

I created a list of tools and material she would need to gather
before starting. Check your owners manual for type of oil and amount
needed. All auto parts stores will assist you in finding the right oil
and filter.

I explained that it was a good idea to run the car’s engine for a
few minutes before she drained the oil because warm oil drains faster
than cold oil.

Always park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake
and turn off the engine. It may be necessary to raise the front end in
order to get under. If so, use two stands, one on each side for a
sturdy foundation.

I told her to place the new oil under the hood so she would not
forget to add the new oil back into the engine. I’ve heard of people
forgetting.

Next to locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the engine. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location.

Place the oil drain pan under the plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench and turn counterclockwise to remove drain plug.

Remove the plug by hand and be careful of the rush of hot oil. Wearing gloves is a good idea.

Let the oil drain into the pan.

It is a good idea to replace the drain plug gasket at least every other oil change.

Reinstall the plug by hand then tighten with a wrench or socket and
be careful to not over tighten the plug. This could cause a leak and/or
make it difficult to remove the plug later.

Locate the existing oil filter. Again, check your owner’s manual for exact location.

Place the oil pan underneath the filter to catch oil.

Use an adjustable oil filter wrench to unscrew the old oil filter.

Use a rag to wipe the area where the filter mounts to the engine.

Using your finger add some new oil to the rubber seal of the new filter.

Screw the new filter into place by hand. If you’re not strong enough use the adjustable filter wrench, don’t over tighten.

Once all of the old oil is out and you have installed the new filter and tightened the drain plug it’s time to add the new oil.

Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine and remove it.

Place the funnel in the opening and pour in the new oil.

Replace the cap when you’re finished.

Run the engine for a minute, then check the dipstick. The owner’s
manual should show you a diagram of where the oil level should be. Add
more oil if necessary.

Check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for oil leaks. Tighten the plug or oil filter if you find leak.

Use rags and/or newspapers to wipe away excess oil.

Pour the used oil into a plastic container after the used oil cools. I use old plastic milk containers.

Lastly, dispose the used oil at a recycling center, an auto repair
shop or county land fill. Never pour it down the sewer or directly on
the ground.

That’s it! She was able to change her car’s oil with little help
from me and she keeps these instructions in her glove compartment for
future oil changes. By doing this herself she was able to save $20.
Good luck.

Tags: automotive oil change, how to change oil in a car, oil changeautomotive oil change, how to change oil in a car, oil change

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Getting your oil changed is something that the pros promise they can do in a jiffy, however, with every three thousand miles you drive, the price can add up quickly. You can save yourself some money by doing it yourself. An oil change is not as hard as you may think!

Prior to changing your oil, you will need to pick up some supplies at you favorite parts store. The first thing you will need is six quarts of oil. If your car manufacturer recommends a certain type, you should stick with that. Otherwise, choose a brand you know and trust. (Note- do not mix oil. If you have a quart or two of one brand already at home, make sure you purchase additional quarts of the same kind.) With every oil change, you should always change your oil filter as well. So, you will also need to pick up an oil filter for your particular car. In addition, you will need an oil pan to empty the old oil into. Your best bet is to purchase one that can seal so that you can easily take it to be recycled. And, if you don’t have one already, you could use an oil filter wrench.

After you purchase the necessary items, you are ready to start the oil change. First, elevate the vehicle off the ground using your car jack, just enough to access the underside of the engine. (Note: For added safety, make sure you are using a jack stand.) Remove the oil fill cap on the engine. Then, get underneath the engine. The oil pan covers the entire bottom of the engine, and this is what you will be draining from. Find the engine pan drain plug, which is shaped hexagonal (six sides). Place the oil pan you bought underneath. Next, use a socket wrench to loosen the drain plug. The oil will start to come out. Let this drain completely. Once drained, replace the plug and tighten.

Next, move the drain pan so it is under the oil filter. Use your oil filter wrench to rotate the filter counter-clockwise until it comes off. Once loosened, you’ll need to unscrew it from the engine with your hands. Once off, place in the oil pan- oil will drip out from the filter. Now, it’s time to put on the new filter. When you remove the new filter from the box, you’ll see a rubber gasket on the base. A good trick for easy removal in the future is to coat the gasket thoroughly with oil. When that’s done, screw the new filter onto the filter pipe tightly.

At this point, you’re done underneath, so you can let the car down. But first, get the oil pan and any tools out from under the vehicle. Next, fill the engine with five quarts of oil and put the cap back on. Then, check the oil level. You should see that it’s one quart high, and this is just because the filter is not yet full. Next, start the car and let the engine idle for about five minutes. This will allow the oil pump to pick up the new oil, and get it circulating. Also, check under the car to make sure the filter is not leaking any oil. Then, you can shut off the car and check the oil level once again. This time it should read, “full.”

You’re done! Just repeat these instructions in 3,000 miles!

Tags: automotive oil change, car oil change, how to change oil in a car, oil changeautomotive oil change, car oil change, how to change oil in a car, oil change

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