How to Change Oil in Your Car

By bogdwell, eHow Member Rating

Dodge Durango

Rate: (8 Ratings)

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, so you need to know how to change your car’s oil. This is actually a very simple procedure and should not take much more that 10-15 minutes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An adjustable oil filter wrench (the chain type will fit almost any filter)
• An adjustable wrench, for the oil plug
• An oil drain pan (any large and semi-flat container approx 2 feet wide and at least 5 inches deep)
• 8 quarts of new oil (you will not use all of this, but better to have extra on hand)
• 1 new oil filter
• Rags
• Oil dry (I use kitty litter for this)

Step 1

First step is to run the engine for 5-10 minutes to warm the oil. After you do this BE CAREFUL, the engine parts will be hot! Locate the oil drain plug, and position the oil drain pan underneath.
Step 2

Remove the dipstick to allow air to enter the oil pan
Step 3

Use the adjustable or box end wrench to loosen the drain plug. Finish removing the drain plug by hand, and allow the oil to drain. (This could take several minutes.)
Step 4

As the oil is draining, use the filter wrench to remove the oil filter. Adjust the chain on the wrench to fit the size of your filter. Turn the filter counter-clockwise until it loosens, then finish removing by hand. The filter will be full of oil, so place it in the drain pan open-side down to allow it to drain.
Step 5

After the oil has drained from the oil plug port, clean and REPLACE the oil plug!! Trust me, you will forget this one day, and as you add new oil, you will notice the pool of oil forming around you feet! If it does happen, don’t worry, it happens to all of us.
Step 6

Next, dip your finger into the old oil and spread a thin film on the rubber gasket located around the opening on the new oil filter. This allows it to seat better.
Step 7

Next thread the new filter onto the engine mount, where you removed the old one. DO NOT use the filter wrench to tighten. I repeat DO NOT!!! If you do you will split the rubber gasket. Hand tighten only!
Step 8

After you have replaced the oil filter and drain plug, begin to add the new oil through the oil port, located in the valve cover. Add just slightly less than the owner’s manual recommends. And then check the level by cleaning, and inserting the dipstick to check the level. Remember it may take a minute or two to allow the oil to settle into the drain pan. Continue to add oil until you reach the proper level.
Step 9

Replace the dipstick, and the oil port cover. Look underneath for leaks.
Step 10

Now start the car, and let it idle for 10 minutes. Check again for leaks.
Step 11

After you drive 20 miles, check again for leaks, and then check the oil level. Add oil if needed.

Comments

smithd1365 said

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on 5/19/2009 Does anybody know the quick oil drain valve?www.qwikvalve.comIt looks so nice. It replaces your oil drain plug and allows you to drain oil without a wrench and mess of getting oil stains. Let me know if somebody has been already using it.