How to Change the Oil in Your Vehicle?

How to Change the Oil in Your Vehicle

Why should you change your oil?

Everybody should change their oil in their vehicles whether or not they do it themselves. Changing your oil yourself is not very hard and saves you money. Changing your oil is very critical. In fact, manufacturers recommended that you change your oil at least every 3,000 miles. You will increase the engine life of your car. The oil is what keeps the engine lubricated. When oil gets old it becomes dirty which causes friction. Draining the old oil and adding new oil will prevent this friction, thus increasing the reliability and life of your engine. It is also necessary to change your oil filter every time you change your oil. The oil filter is what filters out the particles before they reach your engine. A new filter will filter out particles a lot better than an old and dirty one.

These instructions will take you through the steps so that you will be able to change your oil in your own driveway.

Caution: Changing your oil can be very dangerous. Never lay under a vehicle only supported by a jack. You must use jack stands or you will be putting your self at risk. Oil can also be very hot, so take extra precaution when removing the drain plug.

Things that are needed to change you oil

Ð'ЃÐ' clothes you donÐ'Ѓft care about getting dirty

Ð'ЃÐ' a jack

Ð'ЃÐ' some old rags

Ð'ЃÐ' a funnel

Ð'ЃÐ' oil pan or a container that holds at least 6 quarts

Ð'ЃÐ' latex gloves (optional: Helps keep your hands clean)

Ð'ЃÐ' wheel blocks

Ð'ЃÐ' oil filter wrench

Ð'ЃÐ' 2 jack stands or ramps

Ð'ЃÐ' new oil (5-6 quarts for most vehicles)

Ð'ЃÐ' new oil filter

Ð'ЃÐ' a ratchet and the appropriate socket

Changing your oil

Figure 1Make sure that your vehicle is parked on a flat, level surface. Warm oil drains much easier than cold oil so let your vehicle run for about 10 minutes before you drain the oil. After the engine is nice and warm, jack up the car and place your jack stands under the frame to support the vehicle (refer to figure 1). If you have car ramps, drive the car onto the ramps. In either case, block the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Set the parking brake and if you have an automatic transmission, put it in Park.

NEVER GO UNDER A CAR SUPPORTED BY THE JACK ALONE!!

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAN RESULT!!!

Figure 2

Watch out for hot oil, it's a good idea to wear safety glasses when changing your oil. Some people like to wear latex examination gloves to help keep their hands clean and pick up the drain plug that will probably fall into the drain pan. You can buy them at the auto parts store like Pep Boys.

 Grab your drain pan and wrench and slide under the car. Locate the oil drain plug on the oil pan (refer to figure 2).

Figure 3 Place your drain pan under the plug and unscrew the plug counter-clockwise with the wrench or socket. Make sure you have the right socket so you do not strip the bolt on the oil pan.

 As soon as you completely unscrew the drain plug,