Changing your car’s motor oil is a vital task that helps keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevents long-term damage to your engine. The following are the step-by-step instructions for changing your car’s motor oil:
Tools Required:
- Oil filter wrench
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- New oil filter
- New oil
- Gloves
- Rags
- Jack (optional)
- Jack stands (optional)
Step No. 1: Preparation
Ensure that the car is parked on a flat surface, and the engine has cooled down for several hours. Open the car’s hood and locate the oil cap. Remove it and set it aside. This will help the oil to drain faster.
Step No. 2: Raise the car (optional)
If your vehicle is low to the ground, you may need to raise it using a jack and jack stands to access the oil pan. Make sure that the car is properly supported on the jack stands.
Step No. 3: Drain the old oil
Place the oil drain pan under the oil pan, which is located at the bottom of the engine. Using the oil filter wrench, loosen the oil filter and remove it. Allow the oil to drain into the oil drain pan completely.
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Step No. 4: Replace the oil filter
Once the oil has drained completely, remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one. Ensure that the new filter is properly secured.
Step No. 5: Refill with new oil
Using a funnel, pour in the new oil into the engine’s oil filler hole. Check the owner’s manual or the oil cap for the recommended oil type and how much oil your engine requires. Once the oil is filled, replace the oil cap.
Step No. 6: Check oil level
Check the oil level using the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag and reinsert it. Pull it out again and check the oil level. The oil level should be between the high and low marks on the dipstick.
Step No. 7: Dispose of old oil
Old oil is considered hazardous waste and should not be disposed of in the trash or poured down the drain. Take the oil drain pan containing the used oil to a local auto parts store or a mechanic who can dispose of it properly. Many auto parts stores offer free oil recycling programs.
How Often Should I Change the Motor Oil?
The frequency for changing your car’s motor oil depends on various factors such as the type of engine, the make and model of the car, and the type of oil used. Most car manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. However, some manufacturers recommend more frequent oil changes, especially if the car is driven in severe conditions like dusty roads, extreme temperatures, or frequent stop-and-go driving.
To determine how often you should change your car’s motor oil, you should consult your car’s owner’s manual, which provides the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals specific to your car’s make and model. Additionally, you may consider having a professional oil analysis lab analyze your oil to determine if you can safely extend the oil change intervals based on your car’s driving conditions and engine wear.
Motor Oil Change Recap
In summary, changing your car’s motor oil involves draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, and refilling with new oil. To do this, you will need a few tools, including an oil filter wrench, an oil drain pan, and a funnel.
Be sure to check the owner’s manual or the oil cap for the recommended oil type and how much oil your engine requires. Lastly, dispose of the old oil properly by taking it to a local auto parts store or mechanic that can recycle it.
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