Tired of those high costs for oil changes? You can learn to change your car’s oil at home. This guide will show you each step. Soon, you’ll be saving money and taking charge of maintaining your vehicle.
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Changing your oil might sound hard, but it’s not with the right tools and advice. You can do it in your driveway without much extra time. Plus, by changing your oil at home, you’ll save money and keep your car in great shape. This is because you don’t have to wait as often as you do in a quick-lube place1.
Preparation for Changing Your Car’s Oil
To start, knowing some important details about your car is key. Find the engine displacement in your owner’s manual or on a sticker under the hood2. This helps you pick the right oil type and how much you need.
Determining Engine Displacement
The engine displacement shows the volume of your engine’s cylinders. It’s measured in liters or cubic inches2. This detail is crucial for figuring out how much oil you need.
Selecting the Correct Oil Type
Now that you have your engine displacement, it’s time to choose the correct oil type. Follow what the manual says. It could be conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil3. Using the right oil protects and boosts your engine’s performance.
Calculating the Required Oil Quantity
Knowing the engine size and oil type, you can work out how much oil you need. Look at the manual or the sticker under your hood. Usually, cars need 4 to 6 quarts2. Having the right amount of oil avoids any mess and ensures a smooth oil change.
With these basics down, you’re set to do the oil change wisely. It ensures your car works well4.
Lifting and Accessing the Oil Pan
To start changing the oil, first, you must lift your car up. You can do this by driving onto ramps, using a floor jack with stands, or a lift if you have one5. After you’ve safely raised your car, take off any covers hiding the oil pan6.
When lifting your car for an oil change, be careful and follow the right steps. This keeps you safe and helps you get to the oil pan easily to take out the old oil6. With the car up, you can see the oil pan and get ready for the next oil change steps5.
Always use the right oil change tools and safety tips for a smooth process6. Now, with the car lifted and the oil pan open, it’s time to take out the old oil and move on to the next steps756.
Draining the Old Oil
First, you have to get rid of the old oil in your car. This step is crucial in changing the oil. It makes sure all dirty oil is out of the engine. Place an oil drain pan under the engine’s oil pan. It will catch the drain old oil coming out8.
Find the drain plug, usually a big bolt on the oil pan’s bottom. You’ll need the right tool to take this plug off. Once it’s out, the old oil will start draining. Let all the old oil flow out before you continue8.
Positioning the Oil Drain Pan
Put the oil drain pan in the right spot under the engine. Make sure it’s placed well and doesn’t move. This way, you’ll catch all old oil for safe disposal later9.
Removing the Drain Plug
Use the correct tool to carefully take off the drain plug. It’s at the oil pan’s bottom. Remember, the oil may be hot and could burn you. Be careful10.
With the plug out, the old oil will drain. Wait for it to completely empty before you do anything else9.
Removing the Old Oil Filter
Changing your car’s oil is key for keeping it running well. Removing the old oil filter is a must-do step. This part looks like a cylinder and filters out dirt from the oil11.
You’ll want an oil filter wrench or pliers for this job. Find the filter, often at the top or side of the engine. Use the tool to turn it to the left (counterclockwise) and take it off. Some oil might spill, so have a pan ready underneath12.
Remember, when you take off the filter, oil inside will come out too12. Some say to take the filter off first to save oil. Others say to drain the oil first to make getting the filter off easier12.
No matter how you decide to do it, make sure the old filter is thrown out right. Also, clean up any oil drips properly. This way, your oil change will go smoothly and safely11. Once the old filter is out, you’re almost done with changing your car’s oil. This will help your car work its best11.
Installing the New Oil Filter
It’s crucial to properly put on a new oil filter to protect your car’s engine. Before attaching the new filter, put a little new oil on its gasket13. This ensures the filter seals well and stops leaks13.
Now, with the gasket oiled, start turning the filter by hand. Screw it in until the gasket touches the engine block. Then, give it three-quarters to one full turn more14. This way, you seal it well without risking damage.
Applying Oil to the Gasket
Before you put on the new oil filter, add a light coat of oil to its gasket13. This creates a strong seal and stops any leaks. But, don’t put on too much oil. Too much can trap dirt and lower the filter’s effectiveness13.
Tightening the New Filter
Twist the new filter by hand until the gasket touches the engine14. After that, add three-quarters to one full turn more to tighten it14. Remember not to turn it too tightly. This might hurt the filter or the engine block.
Installing your new oil filter right is key to keeping your engine safe and the oil clean. Follow these steps for a confident, correct installation1314.
Refilling with Fresh Oil
After you put a new filter in and tighten the drain plug, it’s time to add fresh oil. Remember, just adding oil on top is not the same as a full change. A full oil change means taking out all the old oil, including the oil filter15. Check if you need a full change by looking at the oil’s level, smell, and color15.
Pouring in the New Oil
Use a funnel to pour in the right amount and kind of oil, as your manual says. Don’t add oil instead of changing. If you keep adding oil but it still drops, you might have a leak or an oil usage issue15. After adding oil, start the engine for 30 seconds to let it flow. Then, check the oil level to make sure it’s right10.
When you’re adding new oil, follow the recommended type and thickness in the manual15. Don’t put too much oil in. Overfilling can cause problems15. Also, never add oil when the engine is hot or running. This is for safety reasons15.
Keeping up with regular maintenance is key to making your car live longer15. Good maintenance keeps your car healthy and running well151610.
Checking the Oil Level
Keeping the right oil amount in your car is key to its health and lifespan. After an oil change, check the level to make sure it’s right17.
Use the oil dipstick to check. First, clean it. Then, put it back in, take it out, and look at the level shown. This tool has markings for low and high levels. Add more oil if it’s too low18.
It’s good to check oil often, like after getting gas19. Doing this helps you spot leaks or use oil quickly. Some cars warn you with lights if the oil’s getting low17.
When the oil is low, add the right kind, maybe 0W-20 or 5W-30, until it’s at the full mark17. Always follow what your car’s manual says for your model and type of oil needed19.
Checking and adding oil is a basic but important care step18. Doing this will keep your engine strong and your car running well19.
Change Your Car Oil Like a Pro
Changing your car’s oil is key to keeping it running well. It makes sure your engine stays smooth and efficient. You’ll need the right oil change products and tools to do this job like a pro20.
Recommended Oil Products
For a DIY oil change, pick a top-notch motor oil. It should meet your car’s needs. Look into Valvoline’s Advanced Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend MaxLife. They offer great protection and boost your engine’s performance20.
Recommended Tools and Equipment
Along with the oil, you’ll require several essential tools. These tools make your oil change go smoothly. You should have an oil drain pan, a quality oil filter wrench, a socket set, a jack and jack stands, and protective gloves21.
Let your car cool for 20-30 minutes before beginning the oil change21. This helps avoid burns or mishaps. Also, filling the oil filter up some fresh oil before putting it in can prevent leaks21.
With the right products and tools, a DIY oil change is within reach. Keep your vehicle in top condition202221.
Safety Precautions During an Oil Change
When you change the oil in your car, safety should come first. Work in a place that’s flat. Always use jack stands or ramps to lift your car safely23. It’s smart to wear safety glasses and gloves. They keep you safe from hot oil and messes23. Also, never go under a car just supported by a jack. It’s very risky23.
Read and follow the car’s manual to do the oil change right and safely24. Be careful with the oil drain plug and filter. A damaged plug can be a sign; it might need changing24. Make sure to put a little bit of oil on the filter before you put it in. This stops dirt from getting in24.
If you see oil leaks, get your car checked by a mechanic. It could be something serious23. Following these safety tips makes the oil change go smoothly. It keeps both you and your car safe.