Last updated on September 6th, 2023 at 08:19 am
You probably think that changing your car’s oil is a difficult and expensive task. It is not a difficult task for A DIYer. Changing your car’s oil is a relatively simple process that can be completed in 30-45 minutes.
When you need to change your car oil depends on your driving habits and the age of your car. Oil changes are usually required every 3000-5000 miles or every six months.
Motor oil regulates engine temperature. It loses effectiveness if you do not change the oil on time. The cost of an oil change will vary based on a few factors. Typically, An oil change can cost you between $50 and $200.
Changing the oil yourself will save you money in the long run. A few handy tools and materials will be needed if you intend to change your car oil by yourself.
Tools Required:
Materials Required:
- Oil
- Oil filter
- Replacement drain plug washer (depending on application)
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Step by step guide for changing your car oil
- Step 1: Choose The Right Oil
- Step 2: Prepare Yourself
- Step 3: Prepare Your Car
- Step 4: Lift Your Car Up
- Step 5: Remove The Undercover
- Step 6: Unplug The Pan And Drain It
- Step 7: Locate The Filter
- Step 8: Install Drain Plug
- Step 9: Replace The Filter With a New one
- Step 10: Reassemble The Cover And Lower The Car
- Step 11: Pour New Oil
- Step 12: Check The Oil Level
- Step 13: Check For Leak
Changing the oil of a car is routine maintenance of a vehicle. Vehicles need an oil change every 6 months or 3,000 miles. This is a very simple process to do. You would be able to perform it by yourself.
Step 1: Choose The Right Oil
Look at your car’s user manual for the correct type of oil and the amount of oil your car will need. Also, check if there are any specific oil requirements or not. Do not forget to match the oil’s viscosity to your engine.
Step 2: Prepare Yourself
Before you start your work, you should prepare yourself. For safety, you are going to need safety glasses and gloves. The oil causes your dress to be stained, so it’s better to wear an old T-shirt and grubby jeans to save your dress from oil stain.
Step 3: Prepare Your Car
After you are ready, now it’s time to prepare your car for action. Park your vehicle in a roomy place out of the road where you can work freely. Turn off your car. Remove the key from ingestion and let the engine and the exhaust cool but don’t allow things to go stone cold.
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Step 4: Lift Your Car Up
You need to lift the car high enough to access the oil pan. You can use a hoist, ramps, or jack stands to do this job. Before you work underneath the car, make sure it’s safe.
Step 5: Remove The Undercover
You have to remove the undercover to reach the oil pan drain plug and oil filter. It is used to improve fuel economy and keep things clean. The cover is holed by bolts, screws, or plastic clips. They can be unfastened with some essential hand tools.
Step 6: Unplug The Pan And Drain It
Place an oil draining pan under the oil tank; otherwise, falling oil will make a huge mess. Then loosen the drain plug with the proper wrench and remove it. Let the oil drain until the flow becomes slower to a trickle.
Step 7: Locate The Filter
After the oil pan is completely drained, locate the oil filter. It is a cylindrical component screwed onto the engine. Replace the oil draining pan under the filter. Use a wrench to unscrew it. The oil from the tank will start to come out of the top and drip down. Wait to drain all the oil from the filter, and after that, remove the filter. Verify if the old oil-filter gasket is removed or not. If not, remove it.
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Step 8: Install Drain Plug
Wipe the oils on any surface with an old rag. Then re-install the drain plug and tighten it firmly. Do not tighten the bolt too much, or it will cause damage to the oil tank.
Step 9: Replace The Filter With a New one
Next, go for the new oil filter installation. First, apply a light layer of oil around the rubber gasket on the filter. This helps to create a strong bond and seal the filter properly. Do the same for the filter and install it. Do not tighten it much.
Step 10: Reassemble The Cover And Lower The Car
After completing the new filter installation, it’s time to reassemble the cover in its place. Follow the way you used to disassemble it and do the reverse action. Now remove the jack and slowly lower your car to the ground.
Step 11: Pour New Oil
After confirming the oil drain bolt and filter are properly installed and tightened enough, pour the oil into the tank.
To do that –
- Open the hood of the car.
- Look for a cap on a tank with an oil-can symbol on it.
- Remove the cap from the oil tank.
- Use a funnel to pour the oil and fill the tank with the recommended oil level for your car.
After finishing the oil filling, replace the cap on the tank and ensure it is properly closed. Wipe the surface with a rag if there is any oil around.
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Step 12: Check The Oil Level
After that, wait for a few minutes to let the oil settle down. Take a dipstick to measure the oil in the tank.
Checking the oil level is very simple. First, pull out the dipstick from its tube. Wipe the stick with a paper towel to remove all the oils on its surface. Insert the stick in the tank. Make sure the oil in the tank is lined up with the marking on the dipstick. Close the tank cap.
Step 13: Check For Leak
Now lower the hood and start your car engine. Let the engine run at least for 30 seconds so that the oil can circulate through the engine. Then shut the car engine off and check for leaks in the working area underneath the car if any drift oil is around.
And now you are done with the car oil and filter change.
Conclusion
Why should you change your car’s oil? Well, there are several reasons. First of all, regular oil changes will help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent costly repairs down the road. Secondly, they help improve fuel economy and reduce emissions from your vehicle. Finally – and perhaps most importantly – they help ensure the safety of you and your passengers by keeping important engine components lubricated and in good working order.
FAQs
1. Can I change the oil in a car by myself?
Ans: Yes, you can change the oil in a car by yourself! It’s a relatively easy process, and it will save you money in the long run. Changing the oil in a car is a simple thing that any DIYer can do.
2. Is changing your own oil worth it?
And: Yes, it is worth changing your oil. Contaminated oil needs to be changed regularly, and professional help will cost you some money. But if you change your car oil, it will save you a lot.
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