How to Change The Motor Oil in Your Car

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By 1wiseguy
User-Submitted Article

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Change Motor Oil Every 3,000 Miles or Every 3 Months

Have you ever wondered how to change your motor oil? In this article I will explain how easy it actually can be and describe in a step by step process how to change your motor oil in your car.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Oil Wrench
Drainage Pan
New Oil Filter
New Motor Oil
Socket set with ratchet
Latex Gloves (optional)
Patience

Step 1

Tools

GET YOUR SUPPLIES READY!

The first thing we need to do before we can change the motor oil is get the supplies we need to complete the job. You want to refer to your vehicle owner manual to check and see what grade of motor oil your specific vehicle requires. You want to visit your local auto parts store to pick up a new oil filter as well. Once you have those two key items you'll also need a oil filter wrench, socket set with a ratchet, and drainage pan.
Step 2

Remove the Oil Plug

DRAIN OLD OIL FROM CAR!

Locate the oil pan on your vehicle (found in owners manual). Once you know where the oil pan is, there is a plug (bolt) in it that keeps the oil in. You want to get the drainage pan positioned under the oil pan in order to catch the old motor oil. With the drainage pan in place get a socket and ratchet to remove the oil plug (bolt). Once the oil plug is removed let the old oil fully drain from the engine.
Step 3

Oil Filter

REMOVE OIL FILTER!

While the old oil is still draining from the oil pan you want to locate the oil filter and remove it. To remove the old oil filter you will need to use the oil filter wrench.
Step 4

Oil Filter Gasket (Lube It!)

INSTALL NEW OIL FILTER!

With the old oil filter removed you are ready to install a new oil filter. Before you install it take some of the old motor oil and rub some on the rubber gasket. This is to make sure that the rubber gasket does not dry-rot. Install the new oil filter now making sure that is tight, but don't go wild on tightening it.
Step 5

Oil Plug (Bolt)

INSTALL THE OIL PLUG (BOLT)!

After replacing the oil filter you want to replace the oil plug (bolt). You want to make sure the bolt is tight, but don't get to wild on tightening it either. Now that the oil plug is back in place you are ready to add oil to your car.
Step 6

Add Oil Back to Your Car

ADD OIL TO YOUR CAR!

Refer to the owner's manual on how much oil your specific vehicle requires. To add oil to your vehicle you'll need to pop the hood and refer to the owner's manual on exactly where to add your oil. Once you have the oil in start the vehicle and shut it back off. Starting the vehicle will fill the new oil filter with oil(should take 1/4 quart of oil). With the car off check you oil level with the dip stick. Make sure your oil is at a adequate level and check you oil level every week to make sure you have enough.