Making a point to regularly change the oil on your vehicle is an important aspect in the maintenance and upkeep. By deciding to see to your own oil change, you can easily save yourself a large amount of cash over time. Additionally, regular maintenance on a vehicle helps to ensure a longer lifespan and functionality. In this article, we will provide you with the steps you need to change your own oil.
Car tire from alegriphotos.com
Materials/Tools:
Filter Wrench
Funnel
Large Container
New Filter
Clean Rag
Step 1 – Dig through the glove box and locate the vehicle manual to aid you in the oil change. Here, you will be able to find out exactly how much oil you will need for the change. You will also be able to view which type you will need, the size of the filter and the location of the tank.
Step 2 – If you haven’t already, make sure to head down to your local auto supply shop to purchase any materials you will need. This will include a filter wrench, funnel, rag, container and the filter. If you plan on continuing your own maintenance down the road, consider the idea of stocking up on supplies to avoid trips to the store each time you’re due for a change. This can work to save you additional time and money.
Step 3 – Once you get home, make sure to allow the vehicle to cool off for a period of time. A warm car will only serve to heat up the fluids, providing you with the added risk of burns during the job. An hour or two should suffice.
Step 4 – Check the vehicle to make sure it has cooled down sufficiently. If you like, you can jack up the vehicle to make it easier to locate areas underneath. Next, locate the drain plug. This will look like a big bolt or but located at the bottom of the oil pan.
Step 4 – Place the drain pan underneath the oil pan to ensure that the oil has somewhere to go.
Step 5 – Loosen the drain plug with the aid of a wrench and slowly unscrew it by hand, allowing the contents of the tank to drain into the container below. Make sure to keep a couple of older rags or t-shirts handy to clean your hands. It should take between 2 and 5 minutes for the tank to completely drain.
Thanks to Robert Couse-Baker on flickr.
Step 6 – Once the tank has been drained completely, replace the plug.
Step 7 – Next, you will need to replace the filter during this oil change. Use the filter wrench to grasp the current filter and twist counterclockwise. Slowing remove the filter, making sure not to spill any fluid that remains inside.
Step 8 – Empty anything left inside the filter into the draining pan and set the pan aside for the time being.
Step 9 – Open up the new batch of oil and dip your finger inside. Run a little bit around the edge of the filter and fill it up 2/3 of the way of the before screwing it on with the filter wrench.
Step 10 – Add the new oil to the tank, checking the level as you go.
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