Changing your oil is one of those regular maintenance tasks that needs to be done to your car fairly frequently. Overtime taking it to a place like Jiffy Lube will hurt your wallet and or bank account. It is much cheaper to change your own oil and it’s not even that difficult. Before getting started for the first time we recommend you do some more searching on google and read other articles as you want to make sure you understand every step. It is vitally important you let your car cool down for 5-6 hours before getting started oil can be very hot after a drive home from anywhere.

THINGS YOU NEED

• Ratchet sets
• Car jacks
• New Oil Filters
• Car manual
• Funnels
• Oil Drain pans
• Oil Filter wrenches
• Plastic Containers
• Jack stands
• Rubber gloves
• Socket sets
• 4 - 5 quarts motor oil
• Car Creepers
• Old rags

Preparation

1. Gather necessary tools and materials. If you plan to change your oil regularly, consider investing in jack stands, a socket set and an oil drain pan.
2. Run the car for 10 minutes before draining oil. Warm oil drains faster than cold oil. But it will be hot so be careful.
3. Park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. If your car has a low clearance, raise it by driving it onto a ramp or by jacking it up and supporting it securely.
4. Pen the hood and place the new oil and funnel on top of the engine to ensure that you won’t forget to add oil afterwards.

Tips & Warnings

• • Consult your owner’s manual or an automotive parts specialist to find out the weight of oil and type of oil filter your car needs.
  • You’ll need the year, make, model and mileage of your car if you go to an auto parts store.
  • Make sure the car is securely supported before you crawl underneath.
  • You will need two jack stands to support the front of your car after jacking it up. Never get under a car that is supported only by 1 jack! A pair of jack stands costs less than $20.

Draining the Oil and Changing the Oil Filter

1. Crawl under the car once it is securely supported.
2. Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the engine, usually near the front center of the car. Consult your owner’s manual for the exact location.
3. Place the oil drain pan under the plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench. Remember: turn counterclockwise to remove bolts.
4. Remove the plug by hand. Be prepared for the rush of hot oil!
5. Let the oil drain into the pan. Hold onto the plug.
6. Reposition the pan, if necessary, to catch all the dripping oil.
7. Wipe off the drain plug and the plug opening when the oil finishes draining.
8. Replace the drain plug gasket.
9. Reinstall the plug. Always start threading any bolts or screws by hand to prevent cross threading.
10. Tighten with a wrench or socket. Be careful not to over-tighten the plug.
11. Locate the existing oil filter. Oil filters are usually on the side of the engine.
12. Position the oil pan underneath the filter to catch any remaining oil.
13. Use an adjustable oil filter wrench to unscrew the old oil filter.
14. Use a rag to wipe the area where the filter mounts to the engine. Make sure the rubber seal of the old filter is not stuck to the engine.
15. Use some new oil to lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter.
16. Screw the new filter into place by hand. It’s usually not necessary to tighten the oil filter with the oil filter wrench, but have it at the ready if you’re grip’s not strong (or large) enough.

Tips & Warnings

• • Wear gloves to remove the plug if it’s hot.
  • It’s always best to replace the oil drain plug gasket.
  • Use the right size wrench or socket. Don’t use an adjustable wrench: you can strip the bolt.
  • Handle hot automotive oil with extreme care.
  • Be careful when removing the old oil filter. It’s full of oil.

Installing New Oil and Cleaning Up

1. Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Remove it.
2. Place the funnel in the opening and pour in the new oil. Typically, you will use 4 to 5 quarts of oil. Check your manual for the correct oil capacity.
3. Replace the cap when you’re finished.
4. Run the engine for a minute, then check the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary.
5. Check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for oil leaks. Tighten the plug or oil filter if you find leakage.
6. Use rags and newspapers to wipe away left over oil.
7. Pour the used oil into a plastic container after the used oil cools
8. Dispose the used oil properly: either bring it to a recycling center or an auto repair shop that can recycle it for you. **Don’t pour it down the sewer**

Tips & Warnings

• • Record the date and mileage after you change the oil so you will know when your car is due for another oil change. It helps to put a small sticker on your windshield to remind you.
  • Handle hot motor oil with extreme caution.
  • Only dispose of used motor oil and filters at authorized locations.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 7th, 2007 at 12:00 am and is filed under Economics, Other.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.