Learn How to Your Change Oil with These Simple Steps

The oil in your car is essential to its overall function. Oil lubricates the engine and parts around it, so they don’t scrape against each other. Instead of working overtime, the engine is replenished with a coating of oil for temperature regulation. Without properly timed oil changes, you risk an overheated vehicle, poor fuel economy, a clogged engine, and a car that doesn’t start.

Items Needed

Have these items ready to go for the next at-home oil-change:

• Oil 
• Oil filter 
• Drain plug washer 
• Latex gloves 
• Jack and jack stands 
• Funnel 
• Oil drain pan 
• Oil filter wrench 
• Socket 

Steps to Follow

• First, look at the owner’s manual to see what kind of oil the car needs and how much. Larger containers are often needed and usually save you money over the smaller quarts that are typically sold. Be sure to also work on your car when the engine isn’t hot. 
• To see clearly, use the jack or a ramp to lift the car. 
• Slide off an undercover, if your vehicle has one. Find the oil filter and drain plug, which have a mount screwed on. 
• Put the drip pan underneath the drain—but make sure it’s not directly under so that the oil does not drip at an offsetting angle or get splattered by the wind. 
• Take the oil cap off to remind yourself that you still need to put fresh oil in. 
• With your gloves now on, use the 3/8 inch ratchet to unscrew the drain. Slowly open the drain so oil doesn’t get on your arms. If the engine was hot recently, then the oil will be as well—it’s a warning to make sure you don’t ignore. 
• Clean the oil plug while the oil pours out. With the same ratchet, tighten the drain plug to close it. 
• Take out the oil filter, but unscrew it slowly to ensure loads of oil doesn’t get on your skin. 
• Hang onto the filter as you begin to take it out, and afterwards clean up your arm with paper towels to eliminate leftover oil that may be on your skin. 
• Drain the filter over the pan. 
• Clean the filter with the rag to start with a fresh batch of oil. 
• Take the oil to lube the filter, then remove your gloves and adjust the filter back to its spot for a tight grip. 
• When everything is in place, add the required amount of oil, but fill it a quart less than required. 
• Put the oil cap back on, start the engine for thirty seconds, turn it off, and then bring your car down from the jack. With an oil stick, check the oil level to see if it reaches the upmost hole on the stick. 
• Discard of the old oil at your local auto store—call them to ensure they take old oil. 

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