Automotive How-To: Changing Your Oil

Oil is a crucial component for your engine. While it operates, the oil lubricates important moving parts, such as the cylinders. Without this necessary lubricant, your engine will generate too much friction and will cause serious damage to your vehicles engine. To ensure you engine is properly lubricated, it’s generally recommended that drivers replace their standard oil about every 3,000 miles, but synthetic oil is usually good for a bit longer than that. Because this is such a common part of the engine’s operation, you may want to consider checking the oil often yourself.The first thing you’ll want to do before checking the oil in your vehicle is to make sure your vehicle’s engine is warm. According to Louisiana Honda dealers, those seeking oil change Shreveport LA, should pay attention to this closely. This is because oil pressure can give different readings when depending on the temperature. If the engine is cool, it’s typically not as thick. Next, you’ll want to ensure your car is parked on an even surface and turn the engine off.

When trying to find the oil dipstick, look for piece of metal protruding from the engine, near the spark plugs. There is usually a hook at the engine. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it off completely with a paper towel or shop rag, a step many oil change Burnsville MN do-it-yourself oil changers admit forgetting! The next step will be to dip it back into the dipstick shaft and pull it back out again, holding it out horizontally. Looking at the pointed end of the dipstick, there should be lines that indicate oil level. If the line of oil resides just below the full line, you may want to add a small amount of oil using a funnel. Some dipsticks differ in terms of how many lines they have. If there are two separate lines, for example, you’ll want to make sure that the oil level is just between the two lines on the dipstick.

To add oil, unscrew the oil cap, which is usually near the very top of the engine. If you need to add oil, stresses Used Cars Richmond, you’ll want to recheck the dipstick afterwards to make sure you’ve added enough oil. If you’re oil level is low and you need to add more, try to add oil only in small increments as its easier to put more if need be, but more difficult to take excess oil out. Once you’ve added the appropriate amount of oil, replace the oil cap.

Don’t forget to always check your owner’s manual when performing maintenance on your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will also be able to tell you the exact type of oil you need for your vehicle. Should you need any specific parts that are required, there are ways to find Toyota parts and other components online. Another thing to keep in mind is that the oil system on your vehicle is a closed system, meaning that although the oil is pumped throughout the engine, the oil doesn’t actually leave the system. If your vehicle is repeatedly low on oil, warns Boston Auto Repair, that may be an indication that there’s an oil leak. If a leak is detected, it’s always best to get the leak repaired as soon as possible to prevent extensive and expensive repairs later on.