How to Change Synthetic Oil

Oil is the life-blood of your vehicle. Changing the oil less frequently than you should can lead to a host of automotive problems, whereas regular oil changes will increase the lifespan of your vehicle. Changing synthetic oil, in particular, is not difficult to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack
• Safety stands
• Block of wood or brick
• Oil drain pan
• Synthetic oil
• Oil filter

Draining The Old Oil

1. 
    
   Safety Stands are also known as "Jack Stands"

   Raise your vehicle, properly support it with safety stands, and put a block of wood or a brick behind the back tires. This will prevent potential injuries.

2. 
    
   Oil drain pans will keep your driveway clean.

   Place an oil drain pan underneath the oil plug.

3. Loosen and remove the oil plug. Allow all the oil to drain from the engine. Replace the oil plug but do not over-tighten. Wipe off any excess oil from the undercarriage of the vehicle.

4. Place an oil drain pan under the oil filter.

5. Loosen and remove the oil filter. Ensure the rubber ring gasket comes off with the oil filter.

Adding The New Synthetic Oil

6. Using your finger, lubricate the rubber ring gasket, on the new oil filter, with the new synthetic oil.

7. Install the new oil filter hand-tight, then tighten it a quarter turn more. Do not over-tighten it.

8. Lower car off safety stands.

9. Find and remove the oil fill cap in the engine compartment under the hood. Add the new synthetic oil into your vehicle and replace the cap.

10. Start your engine for a few seconds, then turn it off. Check the oil dipstick to ensure your engine has the proper level of oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Have some rags handy in case some oil spills.
• If you have run your engine prior to changing the oil, the oil will be hot enough to burn you. Take precaution. Dispose of old oil properly or take it to your local service station.

References

• Amsoil - The First In Synthetics
• NAPA Auto Parts