How to Perform an Oil Change at Home in a Few Simple Steps
- Step 1: Pull the Plug The first step is to unscrew the plug using one of your wrenches. ...
- Step 2: Remove the Oil Filter Next, get rid of the old dirty oil filter. ...
- Step 3: Add Clean Oil After screwing back in the plug, it’s time to get from under the car and pour in some fresh oil. ...
- Step 4: Recycle the Old Oil ...
- Step 1: Jack It Up, Open It Up. First, you'll want to lift the car high enough to give yourself room to work under it. ...
- Step 2: Unplug It, Drain It. ...
- Step 3: Off With the Old Filter. ...
- Step 4: Drain Plug in, Filter On. ...
- Step 5: Fill It Back Up with Oil. ...
- Step 6: Check the Oil Level, Check for Leaks.
How often do you really need to change your oil?
This is why there is a mileage and time recommendation for your oil change interval. That 6-month mark applies even if you’ve only driven 500 miles. Oil breaks down after 6 months, so no matter how few miles you have driven, you’ll need to change the oil twice a year at least.
How often should I change my oil?
There's one situation where you are recommended to change your oil before the dashboard signal comes on. If you're an infrequent driver, it may take you a while to rack up mileage on your vehicle. Even when your engine is off, oil can still age, and it should be refreshed at least once a year with or without the maintenance reminder.
How long should you really wait between oil changes?
Should you change your oil every 3 months? The traditional recommendation is to change the oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. This rule of thumb came about in the 1950s as a safe estimate of how long engine oil holds up. This might be true for older cars, but most new cars can go longer than that between changes.
When should you change your oil?
And finally, almost no automaker recommends that oil should be left in the crankcase for more than one year—no matter the mileage. If you're changing your own oil, be sure to recycle properly. Most auto-parts stores (check before you buy) and oil-change businesses will take back used oil at no charge.
How to make oil in car not hot?
What is engine oil additive?
What are Oil Additives?
Can you change oil in a car that has 18k miles?
Can synthetic oil be changed?
See 2 more
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Steps For Changing Your Oil
1. Check the type and amount of oil needed 2. Get together your filter, wrenches, and other supplies 3. Prepare your vehicle 4. Locate the oil filt...
Check The Type and Amount of Oil Needed
Before heading to the auto parts store to buy supplies, consult the owner's manual to confirm the type and amount of oil that's required.The amount...
Get Together Your Filter, Wrenches, and Other Supplies
In addition to oil, you'll need an oil filter, an oil-filter removal wrench, a wrench to remove the drain plug, a funnel, a drain pan and some glov...
Locate The Oil Filter and Drain Plug
Now it's time to locate the oil filter and drain plug. The vast majority of cars have a bottom-mount screw-on filter, such as the one shown here.In...
How to Change Engine Oil ANY Vehicle By Yourself! (BEST GUIDE)
Shop for New Auto Parts at 1AAuto.com http://1aau.to/c/231/k/oil-filter-housing-capIn this video, 1A Auto shows the basic procedure for changing the oil on a...
How to change oil on a car?
Take every precaution to ensure that your vehicle is securely raised so that you can move under it without being injured. There are two ways to safely lift your vehicle in order to change your oil. You can either use two jacks positioned on either side of the front of your vehicle or you can use a set of ramps onto which you drive your vehicle. No matter which option you choose, it is important to brace the back wheels of your car with wedges to prevent your car from rolling onto you as you work underneath it. If you are unsure if your car is stable, do not place yourself beneath it.
How to change oil without spilling?
Use a funnel to replace the oil without spilling. Replace the oil cap. Lower the hood of your vehicle. Start the engine and allow the car to idle for several minutes. Lastly, check for any leaks on the ground and check your oil levels using the dip stick.
How to remove oil from oil pan?
Use a wrench to loosen the bolt on the oil pan and then use your fingers to remove it. The oil will drain freely into the container. This process will take several minutes. As the old oil is draining, move back to the location of your oil filter and remove it by turning it in a counter clockwise fashion.
How to safely lift your car to change oil?
You can either use two jacks positioned on either side of the front of your vehicle or you can use a set of ramps onto which you drive your vehicle.
Can you change your car's oil?
While many drivers use oil changing services to have the oil replaced in their car, simple maintenance jobs like changing your vehicle’s oil are relatively easy if you know how to do them. With knowledge of the process and a trip to your local auto supply store to purchase the supplies, you can quickly and easily change the oil in your vehicle.
Why do you need an oil change?
More than anything, the basic oil change is a great way to connect with your vehicle and take some control over its maintenance. The time you spend under the hood and under the car affords you an excellent opportunity to look around and see if anything else needs attention.
Why is it not necessary to change oil on a car?
It's going to come out quick and warm. If you miscalculate, it could dribble down your arm. This is another reason why it's best not to change oil when the engine and its oil are piping hot.
What happens when you take the oil cap off?
When you remove the oil drain plug, things start getting messy. You can usually remove the drain plug with a common end wrench and a bit of muscle.
How to remove a drain plug?
You can usually remove the drain plug with a common end wrench and a bit of muscle. The hex end on a typical drain plug is almost always a common size that comes in a standard tool assortment, but even the domestic carmakers tend to use metric in the 14-17mm range. A three-eighth-inch drive ratchet is perfectly fine, of course, as long as you remind yourself not to use its extra leverage to over-tighten the drain plug when you put it back later.
How much oil does a 2.0 liter EcoBoost need?
Make sure to match the oil's viscosity to your engine. The 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost requires 5W-30 oil. If I had read the manual carelessly, though, I could easily have brought home 5W-20 instead. That's the oil specified for the 3.5-liter V6 engine.
How many quarts of oil is needed for a 2012 Ford Explorer?
The amount is easy. Here, our 2012 Ford Explorer requires 5.7 quarts, so I'll buy six. Five-quart jugs are tempting because they are cheaper than smaller sizes, but I find them heavy and hard to pour steadily. And a huge container of leftover oil will take up a lot of shelf space.
Can you put oil under the drain plug?
With the preliminaries out of the way, it's time to drain the oil out of the engine. It's important to place the drain pan under the drain plug — but not directly under it. The angle of the drain plug will cause the oil to stream out at an angle, so I'm offsetting the pan to that side by several inches. If I were doing this outdoors, I would also account for wind. No, really. Those last wispy ribbons of oil can blow around and make a mess.
How to stop oil leaks after oil change?
After the oil drains, grab your new oil filter and rub a little oil around the gasket. Doing so will prevent any oil leaks and make it easier to come off the next time you do an oil change. Safety tip! Only hand-tighten the oil filter because over-tightening can cause an oil leak.
How to loosen oil filter?
Place the oil drain pan under the oil filter. Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. You might want to be quick about this part since it could get a little messy. The oil will be gushing out vertically and quickly when you loosen it.
How long does it take to get oil out of a car?
Most cars take around 5 to 8 quarts of oil. Start up your car for about 30 seconds, then turn it off. Let your car rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the engine oil can settle back down. Wipe your dipstick with a shop towel and see where the oil level is at.
What to do if oil leaks?
If you happen to have any oil leaks, you can use any material that is absorbent such as kitty litter. Wipe down your tools if dirty and dispose of any trash. To dispose of the used oil and oil filter, find an oil recycling center near you. Ask Question.
Where is the oil drain plug on a car?
The engine oil drain plug, which should be noticeable is screwed at the bottom of your oil pan. Most oil filters should also be screwed in nearby the drain plug underneath the car.
What to do if oil has not reached full line?
If the oil has not reached the full line, pour a little bit of oil and repeat the same process until it is full. You now have gained some valuable mechanical knowledge and hands-on experience on your vehicle. You’ve also learned how to do your own oil change safely and effectively! Ask Question.
How to empty oil faster?
Remove the oil cap – set in a safe place. You definitely don’t want to lose this! This will help empty out the used oil faster.
How to get oil out of a car?
Position a drain pan under your oil drain valve and remove the plug. Loosening the oil fill cap will allow air in , helping the oil to drain out faster. Give the oil enough time to fully drain, until it’s down to just a drip. After replacing the drain plug, place the oil pan beneath the oil filter (to catch oil that will inevitably leak out as you unscrew it) and remove it, using an oil filter wrench to loosen it first.
Where Can You Get an RV Oil Change?
Your options for RV oil change services vary, from your own driveway to top-of-the-line dealership maintenance shops. A great deal of that decision will probably be dictated by the rig you drive. One shop may be best for a smaller gas rig, while a totally different shop may be more appropriate for diesel pushers.
What Causes Dirty Engine Oil?
As the oil lubricates your engine, it also deals with high heat. This heating process , which occurs every time you use your vehicle, eventually dirties the oil to a deep black or brown.
How Much Does an RV Oil Change Cost?
The cost of an RV oil change will depend on your engine type, oil choice, fuel type, and whether you’re doing it as a DIY job or taking it to a professional. Prices also vary depending on the type of shop you take it to and any additional services you may elect to purchase.
What is the best way to control oil without making a mess?
Controlling large amounts of oil without making a major mess might best be facilitated by replacing your oil drain plug with a special device called a Fumoto Valve, which, once installed, eliminates the need to remove your drain plug. Before beginning your oil change, purchase your oil and filter.
How to drain oil faster?
We suggest wearing a pair of nitrile gloves, which can help to protect your hands from both the heat and contamination of the oil, and warm engine parts. Position a drain pan under your oil drain valve and remove the plug. Loosening the oil fill cap will allow air in, helping the oil to drain out faster.
Why is my oil dark?
Engines aren’t perfect, so it’s possible for tiny metal parts to wear off and mix with the oil, further contaminating it. As your car kicks up dirt and dust, anything that your oil filter misses can also contribute to the dark color of used oil.
How to make oil in car not hot?
To make the job easier, you’ll want the oil in your car to be warm, but not hot. Run the car if it’s cold outside, or wait for it to cool if it’s been running. Park your vehicle on a flat surface, engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
What is engine oil additive?
Engine Oil additives like brands STP or MOLI are ‘helpers’ to the engine and oil by reducing breakdown of chemicals and all the building blocks that exist inside the oil. These type of oil additives reduce friction, heat, wear and tear. Many are even designed to slow and stop oil leaks.
What are Oil Additives?
Engine Oil additives like brands STP or MOLI are ‘helpers’ to the engine and oil by reducing breakdown of chemicals and all the building blocks that exist inside the oil. These type of oil additives reduce friction, heat, wear and tear. Many are even designed to slow and stop oil leaks.
Can you change oil in a car that has 18k miles?
You can change the oil based on the vehicle manufacture’s recommendations and never go wrong. However, be sure to differentiate between normal vs. severe driving conditions. Who would have thought Grandma’s 20-year-old car with 18K miles was driven in severe conditions? But it was due to short trips. So be sure you are not in the severe category. The severe driving category will reduce the mileage interval.
Can synthetic oil be changed?
Synthetic oil may allow for longer intervals between changes. Consult your owner’s manual, a repair guide, the oil jug, or talk to an AutoZoner for more specific intervals for your vehicle.