Steps for Changing the Oil in a Car
Changing the car's oil regularly is paramount for proper maintenance. Manufacturers recommend that car owners change the oil every 5,000, 7,000 or 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions and the car's age. It needs to be changed because it carbonizes and starts losing its lubricating qualities after a certain point. When that happens, the engine gets contaminated with carbon deposits and has to work harder to keep the car moving. Check the oil regularly and make sure clean oil goes up to the full line indicated by an F on the dipstick. It should be an amber color, not black.
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Prepare the Car
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The car should be on a level, flat surface and somewhat warm. If it's cold, turn the car on and allow it to idle until it reaches proper operating temperature. Once it does, turn it off and allow to cool for 10 minutes. While it's cooling, jack it up or raise it with a lift. If using a jack, place a proper stand or tripod beneath the car to support it.
Remove the Oil
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Prop the hood open and removed the oil tank cap. Place a large drain pan beneath the oil pan located on the underside of the engine. Once in place, remove the drain plug on the oil tank with a wrench and let the oil drain out into the pan.
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Remove the Filter
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Usually located near the oil pan and reached from the underside of the engine is the oil filter. Unscrew the oil filter and remove after all the oil has drained out. Usually it can be unscrewed by hand, but if it is too tight, there are special oil filter wrenches available at auto parts shops that are designed to remove oil filters. Invert the filter so the oil in the filter doesn't leak out as it gets boxed up for disposal. Usually, it can be put in the new oil filter's box and then thrown away.
Plug Up the Oil Pan
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Clean the drain plug with paper towels and reinstall on the oil tank with a new drain plug washer. Tighten the drain plug shut with a wrench.
Install a New Filter
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Clean the mounting plate for the oil filter with a paper towel or rag before installing the new filter. Spread clean oil on the surface of the new oil filter before you mount it on the plate and screw on by hand. The filter's box will usually have instructions if the filter needs additional tightening beyond the three-quarter turn needed to lock it in place once it catches on the mounting plate. Never tighten the filter with a wrench as this could warp the gasket and cause leaks.
Refill Oil
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Refill the engine with the required amount of new engine oil as indicated in the car manual. Place the oil tank cap back on and secure. Remove the drain pan and the jack stand and lower the car to the ground. Start the engine and check if there is any leakage around the drain plug. Tighten if necessary. Turn off the engine and wait for 10 minutes before checking the level of car engine oil with the dipstick. If it doesn't reach full, add more oil until it does.
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