Cars are one of the most expensive things some of us will buy in our lifetimes. We take on tens of thousands of dollars in debt to drive a brand new car off the showroom floor. Once the honeymoon phase is over it’s time to get realistic about your purchase. If you want your car to last you need to be serious about maintaining your vehicle. Number one on the list of important scheduled maintenance is changing your oil. Oil is what lubricates all the moving parts within an engine. Old oil increases friction and heat which is detrimental to the components of your car’s power plant. The oil change process is simple and straightforward while also being imperative to increasing engine longevity and functioning capacity. If you follow this simple 5 step process you can change your oil like a pro and keep your prized possession purring like a kitten.
Tools and Supplies Needed
- 5 quarts of manufacturer-recommended oil
- 1 new oil filter
- Funnel
- Floor jack or wheel ramps (not required)
- Oil filter wrench
- Wrench or socket set
- Oil drain pan
- Newspaper/cardboard
Step One – Lift and Locate Oil Plug
The first step to changing oil requires you to drain the old oil from your engine. Use your floor jack to raise your car just enough to locate the large hex head bolt on the bottom of the oil pan. It will most likely be facing the driver’s side of the vehicle. After locating the plug, set up your oil drain pan underneath and begin to loosen the hex head plug.
Step Two – Drain and Remove Filter
When you slowly loosen the oil plug you will see the old oil start to flow out. Remove the plug completely and let the oil drain. While it drains locate your oil filter and use an oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. Once all the oil drains move the oil pan under the oil filter and remove the oil filter completely.
Step Three – Prep New Oil Filter
To prep the new oil filter you should take some new oil and pour it inside the filter. Let the new oil soak into all the areas inside. After, take a little bit of the oil on your finger and coat the rubber gasket on the bottom of the filter. This creates a tight seal. Now your oil filter is ready to be twisted on and torqued down with the oil filter wrench. Repeat the process of oiling the gasket and reinstalling the oil plug. Remember do not over-tighten these components.
Step Four – Refill Oil
Use your funnel to pour the new oil into the engine under the hood of your car. Use the owner manual to find out the exact amount your vehicle needs.
Step Five – Start The Car
Now it’s time to start your car and let it run for a few minutes. After the engine gets warmed up, turn your car off and let it sit for up to 20 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to confirm you have the proper amount of oil in the engine and you are good to go for another five thousand miles.
Cars are one of the most expensive things some of us will buy in our lifetimes. We take on tens of thousands of dollars in debt to drive a brand new car off the showroom floor. Once the honeymoon phase is over it’s time to get realistic about your purchase. If you want your car to last you need to be serious about maintaining your vehicle. Number one on the list of important scheduled maintenance is changing your oil. Oil is what lubricates all the moving parts within an engine. Old oil increases friction and heat which is detrimental to the components of your car’s power plant. The oil change process is simple and straightforward while also being imperative to increasing engine longevity and functioning capacity. If you follow this simple 5 step process you can change your oil like a pro and keep your prized possession purring like a kitten.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Step One – Lift and Locate Oil Plug
The first step to changing oil requires you to drain the old oil from your engine. Use your floor jack to raise your car just enough to locate the large hex head bolt on the bottom of the oil pan. It will most likely be facing the driver’s side of the vehicle. After locating the plug, set up your oil drain pan underneath and begin to loosen the hex head plug.
Step Two – Drain and Remove Filter
When you slowly loosen the oil plug you will see the old oil start to flow out. Remove the plug completely and let the oil drain. While it drains locate your oil filter and use an oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. Once all the oil drains move the oil pan under the oil filter and remove the oil filter completely.
Step Three – Prep New Oil Filter
To prep the new oil filter you should take some new oil and pour it inside the filter. Let the new oil soak into all the areas inside. After, take a little bit of the oil on your finger and coat the rubber gasket on the bottom of the filter. This creates a tight seal. Now your oil filter is ready to be twisted on and torqued down with the oil filter wrench. Repeat the process of oiling the gasket and reinstalling the oil plug. Remember do not over-tighten these components.
Step Four – Refill Oil
Use your funnel to pour the new oil into the engine under the hood of your car. Use the owner manual to find out the exact amount your vehicle needs.
Step Five – Start The Car
Now it’s time to start your car and let it run for a few minutes. After the engine gets warmed up, turn your car off and let it sit for up to 20 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to confirm you have the proper amount of oil in the engine and you are good to go for another five thousand miles.
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