How To

How to change the oil in your car

Member
By carguy27
User-Submitted Article
(2 Ratings)

In this article I will tell you how to quickly and easily change the oil and oil filter in your car.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • oil filter
  • oil filter removal tool(available at auto parts store for about 5 bucks)
  • 4-6 quarts of oil(depending on make and model of car)
  • car jack
  • catch pan (bucket big enough to hold 6 quarts of liquid)
  • (most auto parts stores have books to show you the exact oil and filter you will need for your car)
  • socket wrench with socket to fit drain plug(usually 1/2 inch)
  1. Step 1

    After getting supplies, make sure your car is cool and jack it up high enough to lay under it and work comfortably. (Jack stands or ramps work better, but a simple scissor jack will work just fine)

  2. Step 2

    Get under car and locate drain plug (easy to spot, there should be a bolt at the end of a flat pan, it will be the only bolt that is leaning downward)use socket to loosen plug. It may be a little tough to get loose, but after the first turn its easy. After its loose turn the rest of the way by hand until plug comes out. Make sure the catch pan is under the drain plug so it can catch the old oil.

  3. Step 3

    After its drained completely, put the plug back in and tighten.

  4. Step 4

    Now locate the oil filter. Since you have purchased one already just find it by comparison. It is usually located under the car near the pan, but it can be under the hood. Use the oil filter removal tool and turn counter clockwise. (After the first few turns you should be able to take it off by hand)

  5. Step 5

    Put on new oil filter.(you can tighten almost all the way by hand then just use the tool for good measure)

  6. Step 6

    After the plug and filter are tight, you can lower the car back down.

  7. Step 7

    Locate the oil reserve cap(under the hood, should say oil on it)and remove it. Pour new oil in and replace the cap. Close the hood, dispose of old oil, and your good to go.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always put used oil in proper recepticle, it is dangerous to the environment.
  • Changing your own oil can save anywhere from 15-40 dollars every change
  • As with any auto work an oil change can be dangerous, so please use caution

Comments  

Kilogramm said

Flag This Comment

on 8/17/2008 Great and detailed step by step how to!

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