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Auto Maintenance Tips - Changing Your Oil
Ryan Frank
Oil changes are not terribly expensive, but after a few years, it can
add up to. Plus consider the amount of time it takes to take the car
to the shop, leave it for maintenance, and then pick it back up. You
can save yourself a lot of trouble by simply learning how to do the
procedure yourself. Here are the basics of how to do an oil change.
Preparation Don’t begin until you’re sure your car engine is cool. Park your car on a flat surface and raise it with a jack. Place a piece of cardboard under it in case of an oil spill. The materials you need are: oil filter wrench, ratchet, oil catch container, funnel, new oil filter, new oil, and an old rag.
Drain the old oil Access the oil pan that’s beneath the engine. The oil is kept in by a drain plug at the bottom of the pan. Put the oil catch container under the pan and pull the plug. The container’s screen should catch it so that it doesn’t fall into the oil. Once the old oil is drained, but the plug back, making sure not to over-tighten it.
Remove the filter Use the filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. Turn counterclockwise and be careful as you do so; the old oil can cause slipperiness. Most filters must be accessed from the bottom of the car.
Install the new filter Prep the new filter before installing by lubricating its rubber gasket with some oil. Fill up the filter 2/3 of the way and screw it into place. Don’t use the wrench, but only tighten as much as you can using only your hands.
Refill with new oil Unscrew the oil cap at the bottom of the engine and put the funnel in place. Pour the new oil, and remember to only pour ¾ as much oil as your owner’s manual tells you to.
You're Finished Now the only thing left is to check the oil level. If it’s correct, put the cap back on and that’s it. For more maintenance tips and information, contact Robert’s Auto Service today.
This news arrived on: 10/26/2009
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Posted Comments:
11-04-2009 00:04
jimcat wrote:
Change oil when warm, not cold
I disagree with the statement that one should start when the engine is cool. I have worked on cars for over 30 years now.... start when the oil is at least warm, doesn't have to be hot. That way the oil is thinner and this reduced viscosity helps to completely drain the pan and remove all impurities.
11-03-2009 08:08
phxdad wrote:
adding oil
Aside from the comments on safety and the locattion of the filler cap, which are correct, I question the author telling one to only put in 3/4 the amount of oil into the engine that the owners manual calls for. With a 4 quart capacity, that is only 3 quarts of oil. That could be disasterous, especially in a worn engine
11-03-2009 06:10
CX wrote:
Are you kidding?
Have you ever done ANY work on a vehicle of any kind? This article not only gives out bad and incomplete information but also potentially deadly information as well. One NEVER EVER should get under a vehicle that is supported only with a jack! Jackstands need to be placed under framing members of the vehicle as a safety measure to support the vehicles weight. And I think if you open the hood of your vehicle occasionally you may actually notice that the oil fill cap is on the TOP of the engine NOT the BOTTOM. All in all a very poorly written article by someone who has no business writing about the subject at hand. I sincerely hope that there are no injuries or fatalities to any readers as a result of this misinformation. Keep your attorney's phone number handy.... i smell a personal injury lawsuit brewing.
11-03-2009 00:25
The Skud wrote:
Adding new oil
As a long-term motorist and 'shade tree' mechanic, I must ask at least one question -
How does one pour oil UPHILL into the motor?
The sentence says: "the oil cap at the BOTTOM of the engine"
It can only be assumed that it was meant to read: "the oil filler cap on the TOP of the engine, usually on the rocker cover".
I also unfortunately have to take issue with the safety of the whole operation ... jack stands are preferable to just a jack, especially the flimsy 'emergency use' ones that come with the car. There is also no mention of putting a chock (or two)in place - even on flat ground - in case the handbrake (also not mentioned) releases ... letting the car roll away (and then falling off the jack with you under the car).
It is no good saving $XX if it costs you $XXXX with a hospital visit.
How does one pour oil UPHILL into the motor?
The sentence says: "the oil cap at the BOTTOM of the engine"
It can only be assumed that it was meant to read: "the oil filler cap on the TOP of the engine, usually on the rocker cover".
I also unfortunately have to take issue with the safety of the whole operation ... jack stands are preferable to just a jack, especially the flimsy 'emergency use' ones that come with the car. There is also no mention of putting a chock (or two)in place - even on flat ground - in case the handbrake (also not mentioned) releases ... letting the car roll away (and then falling off the jack with you under the car).
It is no good saving $XX if it costs you $XXXX with a hospital visit.
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