How to change a vehicle's oil

How to change your vehicles oil. Written for the beginner

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• oil--owners manual will tell you how much and what type.
• cresent wrench or socket and rachet
• oil drain pan
• oil filter
• oil funnel
• gloves
• paper towels
• oil filter wrench or strap wrench
• repair guide for your car (for extreme beginners)
• drop cloth, old sheet, or large piece of carboard to lay on

1. Tired of paying to have you oil changed but unsure of how to do it yourself? This step by step guide will get you on your way.

2. Read your owners manual to determine the type and quantity of oil needed. The manual should also list product number for the filter but may only include the manufacturer's type. You can go to any auto parts store and they will assist you in determining the proper filter for your car or you can try the electronic helper located in the auto dept. of many mass-retailers such as Wal-mart, Target, or Kmart.

3. If your vehicle has low clearance you'll want to either run the car up on ramps or use a jack. If using a jack it is very important to place additional stands under the vehicle. Never rely on the jack! With taller vehicle's stands or jack are not needed, park the vehicle on level ground, set the brake and turn off the engine.

4. If this is your first time under the car refer to your new repair guide to insure that you have correctly located the oil pan.

5. Test a few sockets until you get a good fit. Socket should slip onto the plug easily without being forced but be careful that it is not a loose fit either. You'll know you have the correct size if, after slipping it on the plug it grabs hold when you turn it. If you prefer you can use an adjustable wrench.

6. Do not crank on the ratchet! Turn gently in a counterclockwise direction. If you feel no movement you may be turning it in the wrong direction. If you still feel no movement of the plug and your last oil change was done in the shop they may have tightened the plug down to far. If you have a mechanically inclined friend of relative ask them to lend a hand to insure that you do not strip out the plug. I have had to remove a plug by means of using a mallet to gently hammer on the ratchet after a shop had tightened the plug down to far but I certainly don't recommend this for a beginner.

7. You do not want to be laying directly underneath the plug when it comes out as you will get an oil bath! Allow the pan to completely drain and replace the plug.

8. Locate the oil filter and using the oil filter wrench remove it. Remember to again turn counterclockwise. Take the new filter and lubricate the seal by smoothing a small amount of new oil on it. Replace the filter.

9. Clean around oil reservoir before removing cap to keep any dirt from going in. Place funnel in the reservoir and add the recommended amount and type of oil. Allow vehicle to sit for a few minutes and then check the oil dipstick.

Tips & Warnings

• I tend to lose filter wrenches and have found that a homemade strap wrench works fine.
• If you are a true novice, please consider having a friend help the first time you change your oil. It's easy and fun but vehicle repairs are expensive if you miss something.
• The plug and filter do not need to be cranked down. More often than not tightening them firmly by hand is adequate. If you do not feel you have the strength in your hands to tighten them properly simply tighten by hand and then using your wrench tighten another 1/4 to 1/2 turn.
• Though I've only seen it happen once please make sure that the seal on the old filter came off with the filter. If you're unsure, compare the old and new filters. If the old seal does not come off for some reason the new filter will not seal properly and your oil will drain out. If you're lucky you'll catch it before driving the car, if not you could be facing a very expensive fix. So double check!

[amylaine]

on 3/18/2008 Good directions, thanks.