7 Items You Need For An Oil Change
- 1. Pan/Bucket Changing oil can be a messy process, so it’s critical to have an appropriate pan or bucket for holding the old oil. ...
- 2. Oil Rags When things do get messy, you’ll want a few rags on hand to soak up small spills. ...
- 3. Funnel ...
- 4. Replacement Oil ...
- 5. Gloves ...
- 6. New Oil Filter ...
- 7. Various Tools & Wrenches ...
What tools are needed for oil change?
- An oil filter wrench
- A six-point socket that fits the drain plug
- A large pan, or a large funnel and a two-gallon jug
Do I really need an oil change?
The simple answer is that, yes, changing your oil is very necessary to make certain your car remains healthy and keeps you and your passengers safe. The more complex answer, however, requires a bit of explaining. Why Change Your Oil?
How much oil do we need for an oil change?
The amount of oil you need depends on the size of your engine. For passenger cars, you need between 3 and 7 liters, but for dry oil-spattered cars, it can be as high as 12 liters. Your user manual will provide you with an approximate oil volume, or you can ask your service partner for a quote.
How much oil is it required for an oil change?
The truth is, it depends on what kind of vehicle you have. In the past, almost all cars and trucks required five quarts of oil for an oil change. But now, with the greater range of engines found in modern vehicles, that number can range from four quarts to 10 quarts or more.
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...
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 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.
Do you need to remove tires to raise a car?
If you need to raise the car for better access, this is a good time to do it. Make sure you install proper safety stands, of course. Oftentimes you don't need to remove tires, but I did it anyway so our photographer, Elon Schoenholz, could have a clear view of things.
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 keep oil off hands?
Wear a pair of gloves, such as disposable plastic gloves, to help keep the oil off your hands. 6. New Oil Filter. Depending on the machine that you’re working with, your instruction manual may advise you to replace the oil filter at the same time that you change the oil.
What to use to clean dipstick?
Oil Rags. When things do get messy, you’ll want a few rags on hand to soak up small spills. Even if you manage to avoid any spills or drips, you’ll still want to have a rag on hand to clean the dipstick so you can accurately measure the oil level in the engine.
Is it easy to change oil?
Fortunately, changing oil is a simple task as long as you have all of the necessary items and tools for the job. Here’s a quick checklist of items to consider before you start.
How to tighten a gasket before installing a new filter?
Before installing the new filter, make sure it’s the same as the one you removed, and moisten the gasket with a bit of clean engine oil. Hand tighten the new filter back on until it’s very snug, plus a quarter turn. Don’t over-tighten or you’ll regret it later.
Can you throw away used oil?
Do not throw used engine oil away. Use the funnel to pour it into the now empty oil bottle and take it to your local auto parts store. They will be set up to accept the oil from you and can dispose of it properly.
How to get rid of oil spills in car?
Pull the Oil Plug. Start by spreading plastic sheeting on the ground. Then drive your car on top of it. This will eliminate oil spill cleanup work since you can just toss the entire sheet when you’re done, or keep it for the next change if you’re lucky enough to go spill-free.
What to do before going to auto parts store?
Pro tip: Before you head off to the auto parts store, consult your owner’s manual for the type and weight of oil specific to your vehicle. It’s especially important to follow the carmaker’s recommendations for oil viscosity.
How long is an oil filter good for?
While it might seem like a money-saver, an economy oil filter is typically only good for around 3,000 miles. To extend oil life, use better quality filters if you go more than 3,000 miles between oil changes.
Is it important to change the oil in your car?
Although changing the oil might appear rather “duh,” there are still a lot of folks doing it wrong, making it an ugly chore. An oil change is the most important task you can do to make your engine last.
Is it complicated to change oil?
An oil change isn’t complicated — you probably did it yourself years ago. But with oil change shops charging more and more, it’s time to get back under the car and start saving big bucks. Plus, you won’t be pressured into buying overpriced add-ons like wiper blades and PCV valves every time you go in for a oil change.
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.
What oil is needed for a late model car?
Most late-model cars require synthetic-blend or full-synthetic, low-viscosity, multi-grade, resource-conserving oils that minimize friction and maximize fuel economy. However, choosing the right oil is not always easy. The proper oil for your make and model of vehicle must have the correct SAE viscosity grade, meet performance standards set by the API, ILSAC and/or ACEA, and comply with any unique specifications established by the automaker or engine manufacturer. These requirements are detailed in your vehicle owner's manual, and your auto repair shop can provide information on your vehicle’s recommended oil specifications as well.
What happens if you don't use the right oil for your engine?
Modern engines are designed and built to exacting standards and require oils that meet very specific industry and automaker specifications to ensure a long service life. Failure to use the right type oil, and document its use, could void your new-car warranty. (AAA Image)
How does AAA recommend car repair?
AAA recommends that you plan ahead for vehicle service by finding an auto repair shop and technician you can trust before you need them. AAA.com/Repair provides information on nearly 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities that have met AAA’s high standards for appearance, technician training and certification, insurance coverage and customer satisfaction. AAA regularly inspects every Approved Auto Repair facility and surveys their customers to ensure ongoing performance. In addition, AAA members receive special benefits that include auto repair discounts, an extended 24-month/24,000-mile parts and labor warranty, and AAA assistance in resolving repair-related issues.
How does oil life monitoring work?
Most newer cars are equipped with oil-life monitoring systems that automatically determine when an oil change is needed and notify you with an alert on the instrument panel. Early simple systems are time and mileage based, but current advanced designs analyze actual vehicle operating conditions to identify when the oil will begin to degrade. In fact, the owner's and maintenance manuals for many newer cars eliminate "severe service" recommendations altogether because the oil-life monitoring system automatically shortens the oil change interval when it detects heavy-duty operation.
Do older cars have oil changes?
Older cars typically have oil change intervals based on mileage, and have two maintenance schedules, one for cars driven in "normal" operation and another for those used in "severe service." The latter category involves operating your car under one or more of the following conditions: