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Question: How do you change car oil?

Asked by rageymong2 (36 points) on Mar 14, 2009  under Car and Automotive 3 answers

How do I change my car's oil?


Answers
user pic
ballbangs32 (36 points)

on Mar 14, 2009

Its easy to do but make sure you follow instructions exactly and if you aren't confident doing it - get a pro! Here's a guide for you:



What you will need:



  * A funnel
* Rags or old clothes
* New oil filter
* Wheel Blocks
* A container that will hold 2 gallons of liquid
* A wrench
* 4-5 quarts of motor oil
* Car manual
* Rubber gloves
* Car jack
* Jack stands


Changing your cars oil is a relatively easy process, nevertheless you should always make sure that you know what you are doing. Car makers recommend that you should change your oil every 7500 miles or so, obviously this depends on your individual driving conditions and on the car itself.




  1. Park your car on a flat surface, never try to change your oil on an incline.


  2. Run the car for 10 minutes before you start, this is because warm oil drains quicker and easier than cold oil.


  3. Open the car's hood and place the oil on top of the engine.


  4. Jack the car up so that there is enough space for you to crawl underneath, however DO NOT crawl under without first supporting the car with a pair of jack stands. You can buy these from any car parts store.


  5. Block the wheels to prevent rolling.




Now you can get started...



  * Take the container that you want the oil to drain into as well as the wrench and crawl under your car.
* Find the oil drain plug on the engine and place the pan below the plug. Carefully loosen the plug with a socket wrench by turning the bolt counter clock wise. The oil will rush out and will be hot so take care!
* Allow all the oil to drip into the pan then clean down the plug once it has finished.
* Replace the plug by hand, then tighten it with the socket wrench. Don't overtighten it!
* Find the oil filter, see the car manual if you are unsure where it is. Then place the oil pan below the filter to catch any more oil that may come out.
* Unscrew the oil filter using an adjustable wrench.
* Wipe down the rubber seal of the old filter so that it's not stuck to the engine.
* Attach the new filter by screwing it in using your hand, the wrench might come in handy if you aren't strong enough!


Now we need to put the new oil in



  * Take the oil filler cap off the top of the engine.
* Use the funnel to pour in the oil.
* Make sure to find out how much oil you should put in by reading your car's manual.
* When you've finished pouring the oil in and replaced the cap, turn the engine on and let the car run for 45 seconds to a minute. Check the oil level with the dipstick to see if you need to add more oil.
* Check for leaks and tighten up the plug if necessary.
* Once the oil has cooled, pour it into a plastic cointainer and take it to a recycling depot or an car garage who can do it for you.

REMEMBER, DO NOT POUR IT DOWN THE SEWER OR DRAINS!

user pic
Johnd1365 (33 points)

on Apr 28, 2009

Replacing your oil drain plug with the quick oil drain valve makes oil change much easier and faster. Most likely you get oil everywhere when you take the plug off. The ball valve has a lever to drain the oil so that you don't have to worry about that. I found and bought one from www.qwikvalve.com. Hope it helps.


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