Changing the engine oil and filter of your car regularly is very important in order to ensure its smooth operation. This is because the oil breaks down over time and clogs the filter. The time it takes to break down may range from 3000 miles or 3 months to 20000 miles or 24 months, but you can check your car’s service manual to know as to when you should change oil.
Tools Required
• Wrench for removing the drain plug (either box end or socket)
• Oil filter wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Funnel
• Latex gloves
• Ramps or jack as well as jack stands or ramps (this is optional as it depends on ground clearance)
Materials Required
• Oil
• Oil filter
• Drain plug replacement washer, as required
Time Required: On average 30 minutes; when you do it for the first time it may take about an hour
Savings: Approximately $25 to $75
Instructions for changing oil
• Find the oil drain plug located at the bottom of the engine using the wrench.
• Keep the oil drain pan under the plug.
• Unscrew plug and drain the oil.
• Remove the cap on top of the engine for filling oil and unscrew the oil filter either by hand, if possible, or by using a wrench.
• Drain the oil from the filter on to the drain pan.
• Open the new oil can, wet the gasket of the new oil filter with oil and screw the new filter in position.
• After all the oil has been drained off, screw back the drain plug using the wrench after replacing the gasket, if applicable.
• Pour the new engine oil with the help of the funnel through the oil filler hole. Keep about one quart of the new oil.
• Put back the oil filler cap. Run the engine about 60 seconds.
• Pour oil little by little after opening the oil filler cap and check the level using the dip stick to ensure that it does not cross the full mark.
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