Steps to Follow to Change Your Car’s Oil

Once you have completed your driving lessons, passed the tests, and bought your first car, you are going to find that vehicles require occasional maintenance to keep them running. Not only does regular maintenance lower the chances of big issues occurring, but it also keeps you safer while on the road.

Changing your oil is something that should be done fairly often, so here are a few steps to follow to ensure you do the job well.

Step 1 – Make sure you have the tools you need to hand before you start the process. You may need a new oil filter, in addition to a wrench to get rid of the old filter. It also helps to have a container, such as a milk bottle, to catch any excess oil so you can recycle it. Naturally, you need the oil that is right for your car, plus a funnel will make filling the oil tank much simpler. You will also need something to raise the car onto and keep it secure while in an elevated position.

Step 2 – Before doing anything, start the car up and let it run idle for about ten minutes. This will heat the existing oil up, making it much easier to remove once you start doing the work.

Step 3 – Turn the engine off and apply the handbrake before raising the vehicle so you can get underneath it. Place your container under the oil drain plug and remove the plug slowly using your wrench. Do not rush this process, as the plug will eventually give way to a stream of hot oil. Once released, allow the oil to drain for about ten minutes before moving onto step 4.

Step 4 – A simple step but one that’s easy to forget. Make sure you replace the plug once the oil has completely drained. Failure to do so will just lead to the new oil pouring out of the vehicle, wasting time, money, and effort.

Step 5 – With the old oil emptied, you should not open up the bonnet of the vehicle and locate your oil filter. Your vehicle’s manual should tell you where it is, but if you’re struggling, look for an object about the size of a can of pop. With some makes of car, the oil filter may actually be underneath the vehicle, but in most cases it should be under the bonnet.

Step 6 – Use an oil-filter wrench to loosen and then remove the filter, being careful not to drip any oil as you carry it. Replace the filter with a new one, having rubbed the new filter’s seal with a little oil beforehand. It is recommended that you attach the filter by hand, rather than using the wrench, to give you more control over the pressure used.

Step 7 – Now the filter has been replaced, which should be down approximately every 5,000 miles, you can refill the car. Find the oil cap, which is under the bonnet, and refer to your owner’s manual to find out how much oil is needed for your car. After you finish pouring, use the car’s dipstick to ensure the oil is between the low and full marks.