How to change car oil?
Owning a car is usually a significant investment for an individual. Thus, a car owner expects optimum performance for their vehicle. Changing the oil on a car plays an integral role in ensuring that the vehicle performs its best and lasts for many miles. Normally, when a car needs an oil change, a car owner rushes to a quick lube and have it done in approximately 20 minutes.
Most car owners do not know that they can change the oil by themselves as long as they are equipped with the right information and the right tools. Although the initial investment for the necessary tools may be high, cost-saving is assured for the rest of the time. This study offers a step-by-step guide on how a car owner can change car oil.
The first step of servicing your car is finding out how much oil the car holds and what kind of oil filters fit the car engine.
The car’s manual offers all the necessary details about the engine oil capacity, the number of quartz that the car needs, and the oil weight that is best suited for the car model. Additionally, one must acquire the necessary tools such as a drain pan, ratchet, wrench, and gloves. Once all these essentials are availed, the car owner can schedule the oil changing of the car. When changing the oil, one has to ensure that the vehicle is parked on a leveled ground. It is advisable to run the engine a few minutes before starting the process.
This is simply because warm oil drains more quickly compared to cold oil. The next step involves raising the front part of the car and supporting it safely on jack stands.
Once the car is raised, place the drain pan under the drain plug, located on the bottom of the engine block.
Notably, since there are other transmissions with drain plugs, it is crucial to clearly identify the oil drain plug and distinguish it from the others. Once you have identified the oil drain plug, remove the plug using a socket and a ratchet. Allow the oil to drain until completely, and then carefully clean the areas around the drain plug opening.
Install the drain plug to the oil pan securely.
The next step involves changing the oil filters, which are located on either side of the engine, depending on the car model. Once identified, use an oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. Notably, it is advisable to immediately turn the old filter up once removed to avoid the remaining oil spillage. Clean the surfaces of the engine so that the new filter seals properly.
On the new filter, you will notice a rubber gasket on the base of the filter. Make sure to lube this gasket with some oil before screwing it. This will prevent the gasket from completely adhering to the engine and refusing to come off again. Carefully screw on the new lubricated filter, ensuring that you do not cross a thread.
The final step involves replacing the oil. Open the hood and remove the oil cap, which normally has an oil can draw on it. Using a funnel, pour in the amount of oil recommended in the manual. Once this is done, allow the car to settle for a few minutes so that the oil can settle in the oil pan. To check whether the oil is at the proper leave, use the dipstick.
Once you pull it out, wipe it with a paper towel, then reinsert it. Pull it out again and confirm that the oil is lined up at the full mark at the tip of the dipstick. Finally, start the car and let it idle and warm-up, then check if there are any oil leakages under the vehicle and filters. Once no leakages are stopped, the task is considered complete.
