Changing the oil in your vehicle is not as challenging as it may seem. It may take you longer than the stop and go oil change shops but you will have the satisfaction of performing your own routine car oil changes. Vehicles have different engines but the principles of changing the oil are the same. All you need to do is drain the old oil, replace the old oil filter and fill the crankcase with new oil. The first step is to purchase the new oil and filter. Use the owner’s manual to figure out the engine capacity for oil. Most cars are five quarts but some trucks are as much as seven quarts. Next you want to drain the old oil; this may require you to lift the vehicle so you can get under the engine. Removing the oil drain plug will empty the oil pan of used oil. Replace the drain plug once all the oil has been drained out. Now locate the oil filter and remove it by turning counter clockwise. Clean the oil filter mounting area with a paper towel. Then open a container of new oil and dip your finger in it, run your dipped finger over the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. Install the new oil filter by turning it clockwise but only make it hand tight. Next open the hood if you haven’t already and remove the oil filler cap, carefully add the required amount of new oil. Replace the filler cap and shut the hood you have just completed an oil change.
Make sure to Be Safe when Changing the Oil
Safety is always something to keep in mind when you are working on your vehicle. When using a jack to lift a vehicle off the ground always support the vehicle with jack stands. Never trust just the jack to hold the vehicle up, if the jack has a failure the vehicle could fall on you. If you are using ramps put a block of wood behind the back tires to keep the vehicle from rolling backwards.
Tools that you will Need
There are some tools you will need to have to complete an oil change. If you need to get under the vehicle you will need a jack and jack stands or a ramp and block of wood. You will need a correct size wrench to remove the oil drain plug and an oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. You will also need a container to catch and store the used oil and paper towels to keep everything clean. Using a funnel makes adding new oil easier but in some cases is not necessary if you are careful.
Other Fluids to Inspect
Since you have the hood open during the oil change take that opportunity to check the other fluids. You can check the engine coolants, windshield washer fluid, power steering and brake fluid levels easily by looking at the reservoirs. If you ever notice a fluid is low, make sure to bring it in so we can inspect the vehicle for you.