How to Change Oil
You know how important it is to replace the oil in your car at regular intervals, butchanging the oilalone without following a proper procedure can leave harmful particles in your engine and leave components prone to leakage. Learn how to prepare you engine for an oil change; how to look for signs and handle components to help you prevent leaks; and how to replace the oil filter. You don't need special skills to do this maintenance task, and you'll save money in the process.Find a level surface where you can park your car to change the oil and start to warm up the engine. Start the engine and let it idle for about 15 minutes so that it reaches operating temperature. This will help the oil pick up all the particles-gasoline, moisture, byproducts-that have gone through the combustion chamber during engine operation. You need to get rid of those particles to prevent contaminating the new oil.Then, shut down the engine and raise the front and rear of the vehicle and secure it over jack stands. Place a large catch pan under the engine's oil pan drain plug. Using a six-point wrench or socket wrench and ratchet, unscrew the drain plug (Don't let hot oil fall on your hand!), and let the oil drain out completely.In the meantime, clean the drain plug threads using a wire brush and a clean rag. Check the O-ring washer too. Does the washer seem worn out/damaged? Replace it now so that you don't end up with a leak after replacing the oil.With the engine oil completely drained out, replace the drain plug. But don't over tighten it. You can damage the threads, which may lead to future leaks. Carefully, drag the catch pan under theoil filterand unscrew the filter using an oil filter wrench. Let the oil remaining in the filter housing and filter drain. Prior to installing the new oil filter, compare the old filter with the new one. Both rubber O-rings should have the same diameter.When ready, apply a light coat of new oil to the new filter O-ring. This will help you tighten the new filter in place without damage to the ring. Install the new filter by hand, to prevent distorting the ring. Now you need to lower your vehicle off the jack stands.Find the engine oil filler cap and remove it. This should be on the valve cover or close to the intake manifold. In most cases, the cap is marked "Engine Oil"-if not, consult your car owner's manual. Only use the recommended type of engine oil for your particular vehicle. Your manual should have this information.After pouring the oil, replace the filler cap and start the engine. Let it idle while you check for oil leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. Then, turn off the engine.That's all you have to do. Replacing old oil is one of the best ways to extend the service life of your engine. And-if you do it at home-you can not only replace the oil at the specified intervals but be absolutely certain that your engine is getting the correct type of oil. Check thechange intervalsrecommended by your car manufacturer.
