Some of you may not know this, but oil is the lifeblood on which all internal combustion engines must operate. It's more crucial than any other engine fluid, including gas and water, because it has the potential to cause the most damage in the shortest time.
If you change your oil and filter every 3000 miles or every 3 months (whichever comes first), and check its level regularly, chances are you'll never experience an oil related problem. For vehicles using synthetic oil, intervals as long as 5,000 miles or six months between changes is reported to be fine.
From this section, you will learn how to check your oil, as well as, how to change your oil and oil filter.
It is important that you read over your vehicles owner manual. Here you will learn important information about things such as Location of Oil Dipstick, Proper Oil Type and Weight, How Much Oil Your Vehicle Takes, and other helpful information. If you do not have your vehicles manual, you can usually find this information from calling the dealership service department.
How To Check Your Oil
It has been said that oil is the lifeblood of your car. Words could never be more truthfull. The oil in the crankcase of your engine is critical to long and healthy motor life. Without it, your engine would freeze up in a matter of minutes.
Checking your oil level is a fairly simple procedure. Experts generally agree that it's best to drive the car first before checking it. So take a little spin, then find a cool, level spot to park your car.
Let the car sit for a couple of minutes before checking, to give the oil time to settle into the oil pan. Checking your car imediatly after stopping could give you a low reading.
With the hood open (and securely propped, so it doesn't come down on your head), locate the oil dipstick. It will be near the front of the engine, close to you, and sometimes has a brightly colored handle -- yellow, red, or some other noticeable color.
Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or towel. Reinsert it into hole, then slowly remove it again. Check the level. The oil mark should fall between the two marks on the dipstick.
If it's below the lower level, you need to add oil. Add a quart, let it sit for a minute, and then recheck it. If it's still below the lower mark, you may need to add another quart, but be careful not to overfill it, as this can lead to other problems.
How To Change Your Oil & Oil Filter
It is important that you read over your vehicles owner manual. Here you will learn important information about things such as Location of Oil Dipstick, Location Of Oil Filter, Proper Oil Type and Weight, How Much Oil Your Vehicle Takes, and other helpful information. If you do not have your vehicles manual, you can usually find this information from calling the dealership service department.
Things You Need Before You Start:
Oil - Check Owners Manual For Correct Applications.
Oil Filter - Match You Vehicle Or Ask For Help At Any Auto Parts Store.
Oil Drain Plug Gasket - Get At Auto Parts Store With Oil Filter.
Oil Catch Pan - Make Sure You Get One That FITS Under Your Vehicle.
Oil Filter Wrench - Needed To Loosen Oil Filter.
Socket Set - Some Prefer Wrenches Depending On The Vehicle.
Rags Or Shop Towels - Needed For Wiping Hands And Parts.
Laytex Gloves - If You Don't Like o Get Dirty.
Old Newspaper - To Catch Any Spills.
Saftey Glasses - Protect Those Eyes!
Milk Jugs (Or Simular) - To Properly Dispose Of Used Oil.
Ziplock Bag (Or Plastic Bag) - To Properly Dispose Of Old Oil Filter.
Once you have most of the above, like the socket set, drain pan, and extra plug gaskets, this list will seem much shorter and cheaper. The initial investment of everything is highly worth the price as you will save yourself a lot of vehicle problems by performing this simple 15 - 20 minute job. You will also save yourself about $80 a year by doing it yourself, as well as impress your friends and family!
You May Need:
If you are unable to comfortably fit under your car, you can either use car ramps or jack stands to lift the vehicle. NEVER work under a vehicle supported by only a jack, ALWAYS be safe!
OK, Assuming you have everything you need from the list above and it has been around 3000+ miles since your last oil change, then you should be all set to continue on.
Don't be intimidated, it's actually pretty simple and can be accomplished in just a few steps. The first time may take you 20 - 30 minutes but you will get faster the more you do it and can get it down to about 15 minutes.
Step One:
It is good to warm up your vehicles engine to help with draining the oil, but you dont want it so hot that you will burn yourself when changing the oil. Take your vehicle for a small spin, maybe around the block. Find a LEVEL place to park where you can change your oil. Let your vehicle sit for a couple minutes allowing the oil to settle in your oil drain pan.
Durring this time, you can take some old newspaper and place it on the ground under your oil drain plug and under your oil filter. Also, place your oil catch pan under your oil drain plug.
Put your saftey galsses on!!! This would be a good time for those who dont like to get dirty to put on those laytex gloves.
Step Two:
With your vehicle saftely in park and e-brake on (saftely supported on stand or ramps if needed), "pop" your vehicles hood.
Remove your Oil Cap and place it on your vavle cover or aside (remember where you put it).
Check your Oil Level (if you're the courious type and like to know if you are burning or leaking oil).
Step Three:
Bring your socket set (or wrenches) with you and slide under the car far enough to comfortably reach your Oil Drain Plug. Find the right socket to fit the Oil Drain Plug. Once you have worked the Oil Drain Plug loose (it may be tight and require some force), SLOWLY remove it from the Oil Drain Pan (watch your hands) and allow dirty oil to collect in your Oil Catch Pan.
While dirty oil is draining (takes a couple minutes), this is a good time to locate and change the oil filter. Once you have located your oil filter, work it loose with your Oil Filter Pliers and finish removing it by hand (watch out for hot oil as it will drip). Make sure the Oil Filter Gasket has come off with the Oil Filter (VERY important).
Drain old oil filter into your oil catch pan and place it in a ziplock baggie or plastic bag.
Before you replace the new Oil Filter, make sure you coat the Oil Filter Gasket with new or used oil. Spin the new oil filter on and tighten it as tight as you can with your hand. NEVER use a tool to put your oil filter on, you may damage or puncture the filter.
Step Four:
Your dirty oil should be drained by now. If it is not, give it more time. Once drained, take your Oil Drain Plug, wipe it clean with a rag, replace the gasket if needed and tighten it back into the Oil Drain Pan using your socket set or wrenches.
Take your Oil Catch Pan and drain it into some milk jugs or something simular to this that you can tightly close.
Step Five:
Fill your car with the proper amount of oil as stated in your manual (or you can call a dealership). It is very important that you do not overfill your vehicle with oil. This can cause a lot of problems with gaskets and such.
Once filled to specifications, replace your Oil Cap that you put aside. Get in your car, put your foot down on the brake peddal, start your car and allow it to run for a couple of minutes. While the car is running and SECURED in park with the e-brake on, look around at the Oil Filter and Oil Drain Plug to check for leaks.
Shut off the car, let it settle for a couple minutes and then check your oil level. If your oil level is low, you need to tp it off to the safety mark. If your oil is over full, you need to drain some out and get it to the safety mark. If your oil is on the safety mark, your all set!
Step Six:
CLEAN UP YOUR MESS!!!
You can take your dirty oil and old oil filter to most any fast lube place and they will dispose of them for you (usually FREE). This is also a good chance to take your vehicle out for a spin and double check your work.
That's it! You have now finished changing your oil and have added more life to your vehicle.
