Changing Your Oil the Easy Way

Changing the oil on your car is the most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car. You can save a lot of money in the long run, if you change it yourself. It's not hard to do, and you don't need any special tools to do it. On top of that, it only takes about a half hour or so to do it.

The things you will need are: socket set, oil, oil filter, jack with jack stands, and something to drain the oil into. You will also need some old rags and something to lay underneath the car in case of oil spills.

The first thing you want to do is run your car for a few minutes so that the oil in the car heats up a little bit. The oil drains better when it's warm. Don't run it too long though, because the oil, or parts under the car, may be too hot. Then you will want to jack the car up and put jack stands behind both front wheels. Makes sure to chock the rear wheels or set the parking brake, so that your car doesn't roll backwards while on the jack stands. Now you can put some newspapers or rags under the car in case of spills. Pop the hood and take off the oil cap. You are now ready to get under the car.

Locate the oil plug, which is under your car between the two front wheels, and find the socket that fits it. place a pan, or something to catch the used oil when it comes out, under the drain plug. Keep in mind there is about 6 quarts of oil that is going to come out. Take off the drain plug with the ratchet and let the oil drain out. Now locate the oil filter under the car. You should be able to twist the filter off by hand. If it doesn't come off, you may need to purchase an oil filter tool from your local auto store. When the oil filter comes off, some oil will come out with it so keep that in mind. Make sure the rubber gasket of the filter is still attached to the filter and not stuck on your car.

Now replace the oil plug. Before you put the new oil filter on, take some new oil and rub it around the rubber gasket of the oil filter. This will make it easier to remove next time. Now put the oil filter in place and tighten. You don't have to tighten it too much. Once it stops, give it another half of a turn and call it good.

Now you can pour the correct amount and type of oil into the car. Check your users manual to see what kind and how much oil you need; this is very important. Once the oil is in, replace the oil cap and start your car. Make sure the oil pressure gauge is good, and then shut your car off. Now check the dipstick and make sure you have enough oil in the car. Also, double check for leaks under your car. If everything checks out, your done!

Take the car off the jacks and clean up. I usually dump the used oil into milk jugs or large laundry detergent jugs. The used oil can then be taken to a local oil change shop and be recycled. Do not dump the oil!

I hope this helps and saves you some money!