Nobody wants to get too dirty while changing oil. However, if you follow proper steps, automobile maintenance is an easy task. If your motor oil has expired, learn how to change engine oil with our simple DIY steps.
With the help of a couple of tools, you can change the oil even in your home garage. Eventually, you can end up saving crucial bucks for more significant problems.
Our guide will tell you about the engine oil types, the proper way to change them, and safety tips. So, without any further ado, let us know the simple procedure.
What Do You Need?
Gather the right tools to begin changing your oil:
- Gloves
- Oil plug wrench
- Oil filter wrench
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Oil funnel
- Cloth
- Bottle of new engine oil
- Oil filter or gasket (As per requirement)
First, Choose the Best Engine Oil
Before getting under the vehicle, you must choose the proper engine oil. At this time, you will find many types of automobile oils in the market.
In a nutshell, there are four significant types of engine motor oil:
- Synthetic motor oil
- High mileage oil
- Conventional oil
- Synthetic blend oil
The shelf life of synthetic motor oils is more remarkable than other oils. Hence, most people prefer buying this type. However, if you have a low budget, conventional oils are your best bet.
All in all, you can proceed with changing your engine oil swiftly after buying a suitable one.
Step By Step Method to Change Engine Oil
Just follow these simple DIY steps and change the engine oil efficiently.
Position the Vehicle Properly
Appropriate positioning of your car is the essential requirement to address the oil-changing solution.
First, find a flat surface to park your vehicle. Next, turn off the engine but be sure to activate the parking brake. Finally, use a jack to lift the front portion of the car.
Jack stands are the safest equipment to stabilize the car. So, do not forget to use them.
Unplugging and Draining
This second step is crucial in learning how to change engine oil. You should locate an engine oil pan under the vehicle.
An engine oil pan is typically a rectangular protruded portion. Still, if you have any doubt about identification, read the automobile manual.
Next, you will find a circular bolt on the pan. This part is known as an oil drain plug. Moreover, the function of this plug is to drain oil from the pan.
Remove the Drain Plug
Using a handy tool like a wrench, you should unscrew the drain plug slowly. However, after loosening, the oil inside the pan will begin to drip quickly.
To keep the operating area clean, you should use a bucket or container. Place this container under the drain plug so that the oil drips in it.
Visual Inspection
As avid vehicle owners, we must check every replaceable part visually. In the case of changing engine oil, the pan and drain plug plays a vital role.
Therefore, you must clean the plug and inspect for any possible damage. You should replace the gasket or plug if the condition is improper.
Further, you should also inspect the condition of your oil filter. A contaminated filter can cause fatal problems like high oil pressure. Accordingly, change the oil filter or gasket.
It’s Time to Get Up
Your time under the vehicle is now over. You need to stand and locate the oil filling cap. This cap is under the hood of your car.
Remove the cap slowly. Assess the presence of any significant particles of old oil. Now, you need a funnel. Further, you also need a bottle of the best engine oil we suggested before starting the actual process.
Pour a suitable quantity of engine oil through the funnel. Finally, re-install the oil fill cap. You have now practically mastered the process of how to change engine oil!
Post-Filling Activity
After closing the oil fill cap, you need to start the ignition. You can let the engine run on idle for about five minutes or less. This duration depends on the temperature of the machine.
Observe the area under the vehicle. Also, check for any possible oil leaks. Ensure proper fitment of oil drain plugs, gaskets, and oil filters. Subsequently, you can check the oil level by using the oil dipstick.
Safety Tips
Changing your engine oil is pretty straightforward. Still, some folks do not follow simple safety measures. Consequently, this ignorance leads to accidents and a lot of mess.
Hence, our team compiled a list of simple safety guidelines for any person. Here they are:
- After removing the drain plug, the oil in the pan might be hot. So, it is better to stay alert and away from the dripping oil.
- Do not use non-standard tools. Using such equipment can end up damaging the gaskets or internal components.
- Use oil to coat the filter gasket. In fact, you should avoid using grease.
- Jack stands are vital for stable support. Do not work without proper alignment of the vehicle.
Frequency to Change Engine Oil
Most people feel changing oil is a subjective decision. However, to keep your car in good shape, you should follow a routine oil change schedule.
Every vehicle manufacturer has a well-defined oil change timetable. These intervals vary on time from the purchase or the number of miles covered.
So, it is always a great idea to follow such a schedule. After all, good engine oil leads to a healthy automobile operating system.
Final Thoughts
How to change engine oil? Hopefully, now you understand that the process isn’t complex. All you need are the right tools, a systematic approach, and suitable engine oil.
After following these steps, you won’t need to spend those extra bucks and time in a garage. With experience, you can even finish the whole procedure in under 40 minutes. So, get on your spare clothes and become a home mechanic!
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