Now that you’ve learned how important oil changes are, let’s get a bit more advanced. You may be surprised that changing your oil is an easy, do it yourself project that can help you learn your way around the things under your vehicle’s hood. There’s a little bit of cash outlay at the beginning, but lots of folks think it’s worth it in the long run. Here’s a quick guide:
Gather Your Supplies:
- Motor oil: Use the recommended type for your vehicle. Grab your owner’s manual. If we’ve done your oil changes in the past, there is a note on your windshield…
- Oil filter: Ensure it matches your vehicle’s specifications. This is also in your owner’s manual.
- Box-end wrench or socket for the drain plug. Ask at your nearest auto parts store for help.
- Funnel, disposable gloves, and safety glasses.
- Jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks for lifting the vehicle safely.
Prepare and Lift Your Vehicle:
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine.
- Jack up the vehicle. Important – never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack!
- Use jack stands and wheel chocks to secure the vehicle.
- Let the engine cool off if it has been running recently.
- Remove the engine-oil dipstick to aid drainage.
Locate the Oil Drain Plug:
- Slide under the vehicle with safety goggles and gloves.
- Find the long-bolt head at the bottom of the oil pan.
- Some vehicles have two drain plugs, so be aware.
Drain the Spent Motor Oil:
- Position a catch pan beneath the drain plug.
- Loosen the drain plug in a counterclockwise direction.
- Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan.
- Be cautious; the oil may still be hot.
Replace the Oil Filter:
- While the oil drains, locate the cylindrical oil filter.
- Loosen the old filter using an oil-filter wrench.
- Remove it and check if the gasket came off with the filter.
- Apply fresh oil to the new filter’s rubber gasket.
- Install the new filter and tighten it properly.
Make sure that you dispose of the old oil and filters responsibly. Take it to the landfill, or to most auto parts stores.
Changing the oil on your car isn’t hard, and some people prefer to do it on their own. Others would rather outsource it, and bring it to us! At Norris, we’re here for the little things – like oil changes – the big things – like transmission repair – and everything in between. As always, we’ll do whatever it takes to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
