Car Oil Change - Do it Yourself

Getting your oil changed is something that the experts promise they can do in a jiffy, but with each three thousand miles you drive, the price can add up fast. You can save yourself some money by doing it yourself. An oil change isn't as hard as you may think!

Before changing your oil, you'll have to pick up some supplies at you favorite parts shop. The first thing you'll need is six quarts of oil. If your car manufacturer recommends a certain kind, you need to stick with that. Otherwise, select a brand you know and trust. (Note- don't mix oil. For those who have a quart or two of one brand already at home, make sure that you purchase additional quarts of the same sort.) With each oil change, you should always change your oil filter as well. So, you'll also have to pick up an oil filter for your particular car. In addition, you'll need an oil pan to empty the old oil . Your very best option is to purchase one that can seal so that you can easily take it to be recycled. And, if you do not have one already, you can use an oil filter wrench.

After you purchase the necessary items, you are ready to start the oil change. First, elevate the vehicle off the floor using your car jack, just enough to access the bottom of the engine. (Note: For added safety, make sure that you are using a jack stand.) Remove the oil fill cap on the motor. After that, get underneath the engine. The oil pan covers the whole bottom of the engine, and this is what you'll be draining from. Locate the engine pan drain plug, which can be shaped hexagonal (six sides). Place the oil pan you purchased underneath. Then use a socket wrench to loosen the drain plug. The oil will start to come out. Let this drain completely. Once drained, replace the plug and tighten.

Then move the drain pan so it's below the oil filter. Use your oil filter wrench to rotate the filter counter-clockwise till it comes off. Once loosened, you will have to unscrew it from the motor with your hands. Once off, place in the oil pan- oil will trickle out of the filter. Now, it is time to put on the new filter. When you eliminate the new filter out of the box, you will notice a rubber gasket on the base. A great trick for easy removal later on would be to coat the gasket thoroughly with oil. When that's done, screw the new filter on the filter tube tightly.

At this stage, you're done underneath, so that you can allow the car down. But first, get the oil pan and any tools out from beneath the car. Then fill the engine with five quarts of oil and place the cap back on. After that, check the oil level. You should see that it is one quart high, and it is because the filter isn't yet full. Then start the car and let the engine idle for about five minutes. This will allow the oil pump to pick up the new oil, and get it circulating. Also, check under the car to make sure that the filter isn't leaking any oil. Then, you can shut off the car and check the oil level once again. It should read,"full.