How To Change Your Own Oil

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of auto repair is preventative maintenance. And perhaps nothing screams maintenance more than your every day basic oil change. In this article, we will outline the steps necessary to change the oil and filters on your very own vehicle.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of auto repair is preventative maintenance. And perhaps nothing screams maintenance more than your every day basic oil change. In this article, we will outline the steps necessary to change it and filters on your very own vehicle.

Materials:

1. Open end wrench or ratchet
2. Clean rag
3. New Oil
4. Oil filter wrench
5. Oil catch / recycle container
6. Funnel

Be sure prior to starting that you designate a safe area to do your work. Solid, level ground is a must in order to safely jack up the car. You may even want to place something underneath the engine in case a spill occurs.

The initial step in the process is getting rid of the old fuel. This will drain from the pan at the very bottom of the engine. In order to drain the pan, the plug must be removed. But before diving in, make sure the recycling container is directly positioned beneath the fuel drain. Once the plug is removed, let it fall onto the screen on the top of the container. Make sure all the fuel has drained and replace the bolt.

Next, using the filter wrench, remove the old filter. Turn counterclockwise until it’s free being careful not to let it spill. While some filters can be reached from the top, most are located on the underside of the car.

It's now time to install the new fuel filter! However, before you do so, you'll need to lubricate the rubber gasket with a touch of new one. Fill the filter with roughly 2/3 new oil and screw it on.

Once the new one is in place, the new one can be used. Unscrew the cap and position the funnel. Make sure to check your owner's manual to determine exactly how much lube your vehicle requires and pour a little more than ¾ that amount. Many 5 quart containers have a guide on the side to show just how much of it has been used.

Once you've reached the right amount you will want to check it, adding more until you've hit the correct amount. This is done in order to account for it that may still be in the pan. When the dipstick shows the right amount, screw the cap back on.

And there you have it! By changing your own fuel, not only are you able to sit back at the thought of a job well done, but you're also saving money as well! Not to mention the long term benefits of keeping a happy engine. The perks seem to keep on flowing in!

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