How to Change the Oil in a Car
Changing the oil is not an extremely difficult task, but it is very helpful to have someone with you who has done it before. However, this article can give you some idea of the process and what you need to change the oil yourself. Below are listed some materials needed before you get started.
First, you must find out what kind of oil your car uses. Again, this can be found in the owner’s manual or an auto parts store can advise you. Sometimes the type of oil is written on the oil cap or on the dipstick in your engine. There are many, many different types of engine oils, and it is important to make sure that you use the correct type. You will also find how much oil you need for your vehicle in the owner’s manual.
You will need an oil filter. There are many, many types, each designed for a particular vehicle. Again, this information can be found in the owner’s manual or you can be advised by an auto parts store. They have computer systems that list each vehicle by year and model and the parts required for that particular engine. Walmart also carries a manual that lists this information.
You will need a socket wrench to remove the oil plug, and you will need an oil filter wrench. The auto parts store can advise you what sizes and types will work with your vehicle. You need a drain pan to collect the old oil. You should have a piece of plastic sheeting and some rags ready as well.
After gathering all the parts and tools, you are ready to begin! The first step is to secure the car, so you don’t have a rollaway accident of any kind. Place something heavy (ideally tire chocks) behind the rear wheels. If the car is very low to the ground, you are going to need to jack up the front end. However, some vehicles have plenty of room for you to crawl underneath. And that is what you need to do next! Ideally, you should place a large piece of plastic under the front end to catch any oil spills or splashes. This can protect your driveway from stains and prevent any oil spills from damaging the environment.
When you are underneath the car, look for a plug in the bottom of the oil pan. An oil pan is found on the lowest, very bottom part of the engine. The plug is a bolt in the bottom of the oil pan. Use a socket wrench on the plug to loosen it, but be prepared, because oil will begin to drain as soon as you start to loosen it. Take the bolt completely out and let the oil drain into the drain pan. When it has finished draining, you are ready to start on the oil filter.
You will easily spot the oil filter because you just bought a new one, so you know what to look for! When you find it, place the oil filter wrench on it and remove it. Be prepared because the oil filter will also be full of oil. Pour all the oil into the drain pan once you have removed it. Check also to be sure that all the old gasket material is removed. (This is where the oil filter connected to the oil pan). You want to make sure that you have a clean surface on which to attach the new filter.
Prepare the new oil filter for installation by rubbing some new oil around the gasket. This helps to make sure you will be able to remove it the next time you do an oil change. Put the oil filter on by hand. When it touches, then turn it (by hand) one full rotation. Do not tighten it with the oil filter wrench. Put the plug back in the oil pan and tighten it with the socket wrench. Wipe all areas off with a rag to make it easier to check for leaks.
Next, climb out from under the car and fill the engine with oil. The oil service port is usually black and yellow and will say “oil.” (This is not where the dipstick is located). Make sure that you pour in the recommended number of quarts of oil. Look under the car to check for leaks. If everything is looking good, start the car and let it run a few minutes. Check under the car again to make certain that the oil filter and the plug are not leaking. Check the oil indicator in the dash to make certain that you have the correct oil pressure (the light will go off also). If there are no leaks, turn off the car and check the level of the oil. To do this, pull the dipstick, wipe it clean on a rag, and reinsert it. Remove the dipstick and check that the oil level reaches the correct marking (full). If not, make the appropriate adjustments. Don’t forget to put the cap back on the oil service port.
You are almost finished! Remove the drain pan and dispose of the used oil properly. Most auto parts stores have a place where you can bring used oil. Clean up your tools and remove the tire blocks (and of course, jacks if you used them!). This is a job that is not extremely difficult, but is very important for the life of your vehicle. And again, it is much better to attempt this for the first time with the assistance of someone with some experience!
