Routine Maintenance: Changing Your Engine Oil

Changing your engine oil and oil filter in your car, truck, or SUV is part of routine maintenance and is generally considered an easy do it yourself job. In order to accomplish the task of changing your oil and oil filter you will need a few basic tools and parts.

To begin, you will need to purchase the quantity of oil that you car requires. Most cars requires between 4 and 6 quarts of oil. Most trucks and SUVs require between 6 and 8 quarts of oil. You will need to purchase the grade of oil that is listed in your owner's manual.

Next, you will need to purchase an oil filter that fits your application. The parts people at the automotive supply store can assist you in selecting the right filter for your vehicle.

As for tools, you will need a 3/8 inch ratchet, and socket that fits your oil pan drain plug, an oil catch can or tub, possibly a jack and jack stand, a funnel, some paper towel, and an oil filter wrench that works with your oil filter.

To begin, release the hood lever and open the hood of your vehicle. Remove the fill cap that is located on the top of the engine. Position your oil catch can underneath the vehicle and crawl under the vehicle if possible. If it is not possible to crawl under your vehicle, you will have to jack up one side of the vehicle and support it with a jack stand. Once under the vehicle, locate the oil pan drain plug. Use the ratchet and socket to remove the drain plug. The oil will flow out quickly and should drain into the oil catch pan. Allow all of the engine oil to drain, wait about ten minutes to ensure that all oil is drained.

Now you will need to locate the oil filter. Attach the oil filter wrench to the oil filter and remove it with a counterclockwise action. Once removed, turn the oil filter upside down in the oil catch pan to allow it to drain. Open your new oil filter and place a small amount of engine oil on the gasket of the oil filter. Install the new oil filter and tighten by hand. Most oil filters only require hand tightening. You need to tighten the filter until the gasket makes contact and then an additional ½ turn.

With the oil filter in place, you can replace the drain pan plug and tighten it. Do not over tighten this plug. It should be snug, but not too tight. If you have access to a torque wrench and now the torque specs for you vehicle, than follow those guidelines. Once you have tightened the drain plug, your job underneath the vehicle is complete.

Remove the catch pan from underneath the vehicle and lower the vehicle off of the jack stand if one was used. Now grab your funnel and begin filling your vehicle with new oil. Your owner's manual should state the oil capacity for your vehicle. Add the specified amount of oil and replace the filler cap. Remove the dipstick to insure that the oil level is correct. Reinsert the dipstick and start the vehicle. Wait for the oil pressure light to turn off and then you may shut off the vehicle. Pull the dipstick and check one more time, top off the oil if necessary. Reinsert the dipstick, close the hood, and the task of replacing your engine oil and oil filter is complete. Dispose of your used oil in accordance with your local laws.

If you are interested in performing more routine maintenance on your vehicles, please refer to my other articles that cover all of the basics of routine maintenance requirements for most vehicles. From changing an air filter, to replacing your engine coolant, to replacing your brake fluid, most routine maintenance is easy and doing it yourself will save you a lot of money.