Automobile

How to Do It Yourself: Changing the Oil on Your Car

Who nowadays even bothers with an oil change? Not me, but I figured it would be wise to show my adolescent daughter how to if she ever decided to put money down for college.

A few dollars by handling things on her own. I laid out detailed directions for her to follow, and you might find that they are also valuable for you. Here is a detailed account of her process for changing the oil on her car.

I made a shopping list of what she would need to get going. See the manual to find out what kind and how much oil your car requires. Find the correct oil and filter with the help of any car parts store.

I advised her to let the car’s engine run for a few minutes before draining the oil, as warm oil flows faster than cold oil.

The parking brake must be applied to park a vehicle properly, and the engine must be turned off. To get under, you may need to jack up the front end. In that case, it’s best to utilize a pair of stands on each end to provide stability.

So that she wouldn’t forget to put the new oil back in the engine, I instructed her to put it beneath the hood. As far as I know, people do forget.

The next step is to find the oil drain plug underneath the motor. If you don’t know where it is, consult your user handbook.

Using a socket wrench, crank the plug counterclockwise to release it, then lift it from the oil drain pan.

Carefully remove the plug by hand, avoiding the scalding oil. Gloves are highly recommended.

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Please let the oil fall into the pan.

The drain plug gasket should be changed at least once every two oil changes.

When reinstalling the plug, do it by hand before using a wrench or socket to tighten it. This could lead to leakage and make future plug removal more challenging.

Find the current oil filter in use. To be sure, consult the handbook once more.

To collect oil, set the oil pan in place under the filter.

You’ll need an oil filter wrench that can be adjusted to remove the old one.

Wipe the engine mount where the filter attaches with a rag.

Apply fresh oil to the replacement filter’s rubber gasket with your finger.

Replace the filter by hand-tightening the screws. Don’t overtighten the filter using the adjustable wrench if you don’t have the strength.

You can pour fresh oil into the engine after draining the old oil, replacing the filter, and retightening the drain plug.

To add oil, locate the filler cap on top of the motor and unscrew it.

Fill the engine with fresh oil by inserting the funnel into the oil filler.

When you’re done, put the lid back on.

Let the engine run for one minute before inspecting the dipstick. The owner’s manual should have a diagram showing the proper oil level. If more oil is required, add it now.

Ensure no oil leaks are around the oil drain plug or the filter. The plug or oil filter should be tightened if a leak is detected.

Remove excess oil using rags and newspapers.

After the used oil has cooled, transfer it to a plastic storage container. I recycle used milk jugs.

Finally, take the spent oil to a recycling facility, auto shop, or county dump. Never release it into a drain or on the ground.

So long! She changed the oil in her car with minimal assistance from me and has filed these directions in the glove box for future reference. She saved herself $20 by handling it on her own.
Best of luck.

Helping others achieve is Dennis Watson’s only goal in life.

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linda