Changing your car’s oil is an important part of basic care and can help your car last longer and drive better. Many people choose to have their oil changed at a service center, but you can save money and learn more about your car by doing it yourself. Here are seven simple steps that will show you how to change your oil at home.
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Make sure you have everything you need before you start:
The right type and amount of oil: Consult your owner’s manual to find out what type and amount of oil your car needs.
Something new about the oil filter: Again, your owner’s manual or a quick look online can help you figure out which filter you need.
Wrenches or a socket set: To remove the drain plug you will need a wrench or socket set.
An oil filter wrench: To remove the old oil filter you will need an oil filter wrench.
Oil pan: contains old oil.
Funnel: Pour new oil into the engine without spilling.
Rags and gloves: Wear rags and gloves to keep things clean and hands safe.
Step 2: Allow the engine to warm up
Let the engine run for a while to allow the oil to warm up. When the oil is warm, it drains faster and better. But be careful not to let the engine get too hot, otherwise you may burn yourself when draining the oil.
Step 3: Lift the Car
Once complete, use jack stands to secure the front of the car in place. Never work under a car with only jack stands installed. Make sure the car is stable on the stand before continuing.
Step 4: Pour out the old oil
The oil drain plug is located at the bottom of the oil pan under the car. Place the drain pan just below the plug and use a wrench or socket to remove the plug. Allow the old oil to flow completely into the pot. These kinds of things can take a while. After all the oil has drained, replace and tighten the drain plug.
Step 5: Reinstall the oil filter
Place the oil pan under the oil filter. To remove the old filter, use the oil filter wrench and turn it counterclockwise. Before installing the new filter, apply a little new oil to the plastic seal. This ensures that the seal stays in place and makes it easy to remove the filter when it is time to replace it. Hand-tighten the new filter until it is in place, but do not over-tighten it.
Step 6: Add New Oil
With the hood open, locate the fuel tank cap on top of the engine. Remove the cap and insert the funnel through the hole. Pour the correct amount of new oil into the funnel as indicated in the vehicle owner’s manual. When you are done, replace the fuel cap.
Step 7: Check the oil level and clean
Park your car on the side of the road and let it drive for a while. This allows new oil to flow through the engine. Leave the engine off for a few minutes to allow the oil to settle. Then use the dipstick to check the oil level. To check the level, remove the tester, clean it, reinsert it, and pull it out again. Add more oil if necessary.
Finally, clean up any spilled oil with a cloth, discard the old oil, and filter properly. You can recycle old oil at many places that sell auto parts or recycle metal.
Conclusion
You can change your car’s oil at home, which will not only save you money but also help you learn more about how your car works and what your maintenance needs are. This DIY project encourages you to be proactive in maintaining your car so it stays in good condition. Mastering this skill will help you solve small problems quickly before they get worse and cost you a lot of money. Additionally, the process teaches the value of responsible automotive practices, especially how to properly dispose of used oil and filters to protect the environment. All in all, changing the oil at home is a fun activity that will help you learn more about your cars, making them last longer and operate more reliably.
FAQs
1. Should I change my engine oil often?
How often you change your oil depends on the type of oil you use, the make and model of your car, and how you drive. In most cases, you should change conventional motor oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles and synthetic motor oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Be sure to check your car’s owner’s manual for exact instructions.
2. What kind of car oil should I use?
Your car’s specifications can usually be found in your owner’s manual, which will tell you which oil to use. There are different types of motor oil, such as conventional, synthetic, and high mileage motor oil, and each oil is made for a specific type of engine and set of conditions.
3. Is it possible to switch from conventional oil to synthetic oil?
You can usually switch from conventional oil to synthetic oil. Synthetic oils perform better and protect the engine better when temperatures are very high or the engine is under heavy load. But if you’re not sure, it’s best to check your owner’s manual or consult an experienced mechanic.
4. How to deal with the old oil after replacement?
You must properly dispose of used motor oil at a recycling center, auto parts store, or other place where used motor oil is used. Oil is bad for the earth, so never pour it into the sewer or onto the ground.
5. Do I need to buy a new oil filter every time I change the oil?
In general, the oil filter should be updated every time the oil is changed. An oil filter is important to keep your oil clean and flowing smoothly. It is recommended to use new filters regularly.
6. What is needed to change the oil?
To remove the drain plug you will need a wrench or socket set. You will also need an oil filter wrench, a jack and jack stands to lift the car, an oil pan, and a funnel to pour in the new oil.
