Changing Oil and Oil Filter
Changing the oil and oil filter is important. It you do not do it you will have serious engine problems. It is a very important yet simple task that does not require a lot or work, tools, or time.
When you are changing you cars oil make sure the engine is cool so you do not burn yourself on hot oil. When you put new oil in make sure it is the right amount, if you put in to little or to much it could ruin your engine. Also you will need to jack the vehicle to get under it and to change the oil filter. When you jack the vehicle make sure it is on a flat surface and that the parking brake is on. You also need to use jack stands, you never want to use only a jack to support the vehicle.
Tools needed for changing oil and oil filter are
Drain pan- it should be shallow, but wide. You can buy one at an auto parts store. Breaker bar- for taking the drain plug off, it can be tight sometimes. You can buy one at an auto parts store or hard ware store. Socket- for taking off the drain plug. You can buy one the same place you get the breaker bar. Filter wrench- for taking off the oil filter. You can buy one at an auto parts store. Funnel- for putting new oil into the engine. You can buy one at an auto parts store.
Steps to changing oil and oil filter.
Make sure the engine is not hot. If it is hot the oil will be hot and burn you. Jack your vehicle Find the oil drain plug. It is located on the oil pan under the engine. Use the socket and breaker bar to take the plug out. Put the pan under the plug to catch the old oil. When the oil is draining you can change the oil filter. The oil filter is cylinder shaped and located on the side of the engine. To take the filter off you will need to take off the wheel by the filter so you can accesses the filter. Use the filter wrench to take off the filter, it will wrap around the filter. Then twist it like a screw. Before you put the new filter on you need to rub new oil on the rubber gasket on the oil filter. After you do that you can put the new filter on. It needs to be tight. When the oil is done draining put the plug back into the oil pan, it needs to be tight. Open the hood; you should see a cap that says oil. This is where you put the new oil in. Use a funnel to dump the new oil so you don’t spill any. Look in your owner’s manual to see how much oil to put in, to little or too much is bad for the engine. Run the engine for a minute then use the dip stick to see the oil level.
You should change the oil every 3000 miles or every three months, and the oil filter about every three oil changes. Remember to change your oil, if you don’t it will lead to engine problems and might ruin your engine.
