One thing that really helps in augmenting your car’s life is an oil change. It helps in maintaining the efficiency and power of the vehicle which every car owner deserves. A lot of people prefer getting the help of a mechanic or a local service centre for simply changing the car oil. However, a lot of people prefer doing it by themselves at home.
If you are wondering if it is possible to change the car oil at home, all we would like to say is YES! This is one simple car maintenance service that can easily be performed by the owner itself. You might need a few tools and tips for a car oil change to make the process easy.
How To Change The Engine Oil?
Before you start the car oil change process, it is important to get the right tools. Here are the things you would require when changing your engine oil at home!
Motor Oil
Oil Filter
Oil Pan
Oil Filter Wrench
Wheel Ramps
Chocks
Safety Glasses
Gloves
Ratchet
Socket Set
Torque Wrench
Funnel
Clean Rags
Newspaper
Let’s learn how to change car oil!
Step 1: Get the right oil & filter
Select the right engine oil and filter that is suitable for your car. You can either refer to the manufacturer’s manual or seek help from your regular car repair centre. Other information that is provided in the manual is oil grade, the capacity of the oil, type of oil filter and how often you should change the oil in the car and other warranty information.
Step 2: Wear your safety gear
When performing any maintenance or car care process, it is important to wear safety gear. Use gloves and glasses to prevent injuries. It will help you to exercise caution when using any hand tools. Make sure you refer to your vehicle’s manual to perform the car oil change process with ease.
Step 3: Get your car a bit higher
For car oil change you need a dry and slightly higher front wheel to ease the process. Slowly drive onto the ramps and put an emergency brake after you have parked it. Check if the ramps are slightly shifted from the position as the wheels need to be in the centre. Centre one chock behind every wheel and make sure they have a snug fit.
Step 4: Pull the oil plug
Spread the newspaper below your car to avoid any spill clean up later. This will make the process easier as you will simply have to toss the newspaper in the bin. Unscrew the plug and pull the plug quickly away from the oil stream. Make sure you thoroughly clean the drain plug and if required, install a new gasket.
Step 5: Remove the oil filter
Get rid of the existing oil filter. Make sure the rubber gasket comes out with it. If it gets stuck, peel it from the engine. The oil filter collects all the impurities which shouldn’t enter the engine system. This is an important step as you will need to install a new oil filter.
Step 6: Use oil filter wrenches
Each car has different oil filter wrenches. Make sure you purchase the right one for the process otherwise it can harm your car. Seek help from your local car repair provider in case of any difficulty.
Step 7: Fill in the fresh oil
This is the step we all have been waiting for. After you have to get rid of the oil filters, fill the engine with fresh oil. Make use of a funnel so that you do spill it everywhere. Funnel will make this process really smooth and simple. Before you toss the oil bottle, please recap it to avoid any mess.
Step 8: Recycle the old oil
In a large jug, pour the old oil. Fill your engine with oil and turn it on until the dashboard light goes off. After a few minutes, with the help of the dipstick, check the level.
Step 9: Go for a test drive
After you have completed all the steps, it’s time to go for a test drive. Notice if everything is working great. In case any problem occurs, get an oil change service.
Car Oil Change Tips To Smoothen The Process
During the winter months, the engine gets cold. Run the engine for 5 minutes to warm the oil. In case it’s hot, wait for 30 minutes to drop the temperature down. Ignoring this can get you burned.
It is important to use a properly sized box-end wrench on the drain plug. Do not use adjustable ones for the plug.
Make use of the jack stand when changing the oil. Working under a car that’s supported by only jack can be very dangerous. It is important to take extra preventive measures to stay safe when dealing with car maintenance.
Before spinning on the oil filter gasket, coat it with the new oil.
Do not use a filter wrench. Tighten the filter with your hand...( continue reading )
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