How To Change Your Car’s Oil Even if You Aren’t a Pro
Most car owners know they should change their car’s oil every 5,000 miles or so, but very few people know how to do it themselves. This part of routine maintenance can seem daunting, but it’s not as hard as you might think.
In addition to saving money on auto maintenance, there are other benefits of changing your car’s oil. For example, it allows you to inspect the engine for problems and get an idea of how well your vehicle runs. By gaining this knowledge and experience, you’ll be in a better position to diagnose and fix common issues down the road.
Today, we’ll explain how to change your car’s oil even if you aren’t a pro. So if you want to save some money on auto maintenance and ensure your ride runs smoothly, keep reading!
GATHER THE NECESSARY TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
Before changing your car’s oil, ensure you have all the necessary tools. This includes a jack, jack stands, socket set, catch pan, oil filter wrench (if canister type), or a large socket for the oil filter housing cap (if cartridge type). You can use a screwdriver if you don’t have a wrench for the canister type, but it’ll be a bit messy.
JACK UP THE CAR
Once all your tools are gathered, it is time to get started. Simply jack up your car, and place it on the jack stands. This may seem complicated, but it is pretty simple. First, find a level spot on which to park your car. Then, locate the jacking points on your vehicle. These are usually located near the edges of the frame or near the wheels.
Once you have found the jacking points, insert the jack and slowly raise the car until it is about a foot off the ground. Next, place the jack stands under the car and lower them onto the stands. Be sure to place the stands as close to the jacking points as possible for maximum stability.
REMOVE THE OLD OIL CAP AND UNSCREW THE DRAIN PLUG
Before you do anything, ensure your car is parked on a level surface, and the engine is turned off. Locate the oil cap (it’ll have a picture of an oil can) and remove it. Then find the drain plug (it’ll be located under the car) and use a wrench to loosen and remove it.
Once the plug is removed, the oil will start draining out. Let it drain until it slows to a drip. Be careful when pulling the drain plug, as hot oil can come rushing out. Allow the old oil to drain completely before adding new oil to the engine.
POUR IN NEW OIL AND REPLACE THE DRAIN PLUG
It is time now to replace the old oil since the old lubricant has been removed. But before you do this, check your owner’s manual for the type of oil that is suggested for your vehicle. This manual will also give you the required amount of oil.
Once you have the correct amount and type of oil, pour it into the opening where the old oil came out from. Keep pouring until it reaches the full line on the dipstick. Then, take the old drain plug and screw it back in until it’s snug. Don’t over-tighten it, or you could strip the threads. Finally, screw the new oil cap and lower your car off the jack stands.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully changed your car’s oil.
FINAL WORDS
Changing your car’s oil is necessary but doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these simple steps, and you can change your car’s oil like a pro. Which of these steps do you find the easiest to do? Let us know in the comments.