Changing Oil and an Oil Filter You know who

What does motor oil do? Motor oil is used to lubricate the gears in the engine. It prevents the friction between the gears to reduce the heat and prevents the grinding and weathering of the gears. Without replacement, motor oil will get dirty by the decay of engine parts and will be filled with debris. The engine gears will be slowly worn down by the debris in the oil, and the gears will turn less smoothly with more friction, decreasing the efficiency of the engine. Motor oil is typically replaced based on the vehicle mileage on the owner’s manual.

Preparations Materials for the oil change: New motor oil New oil filter New drain plug washer Wrench for the drain plug Oil filter removal tool Drain Pan PPE requirements: Rubber gloves Safety goggles Price: $40.00 is required $10.00 for the filter $30.00 for the new oil Safety Precautions: Motor oil is carcinogenic, handle with care Be safe when lifting the vehicle. Now, lift the vehicle using a carjacker or a hoist. If the vehicle was idle, run the engine for 5 minutes to warm up the oil, in order to make draining easier and more efficient.

Removing the old oil Remove the oil plug from the top of the vehicle. Identify the plug on the bottom of the vehicle that is closer to the engine than the transmission, this is the oil plug. Put the drain pan under it. Make sure it is not the transmission fluid plug. Remove the oil plug. First, use the wrench to turn the plug counter clockwise until it is somewhat loose, then remove the plug by hand, also remove the washer or gasket. Be careful not to get oil on your hands. Wait for the old oil to drain out. Replace the washer or gasket if it is in poor condition, clean the plug area and screw on the plug, then tighten using the wrench, clean throughout.

Changing the filter Locate the oil filter, it is typically next to the oil tank, unscrew it by hand, if it cannot be unscrewed, first loosen it using the oil filter removal tool. Let the oil drain Retrieve your new filter, partially fill the oil filter with oil and smear some oil onto the gasket ring. Carefully screw on the new filter by hand, make sure that no oil spills out and be care not to cross threads. Tighten.

Adding New oil Add your new oil into the fill hole, the amount you should add should be in your owner’s manual. Make sure you are adding the correct oil, most cars can work on 10W-30, consult your owner’s manual when in doubt. Screw on your fill cap, clear the hood of any stray tools and clean all spills in and underneath the car. Start your engine, make sure that the oil pressure light goes off after start. Wait for the oil to settle for 5-10 minutes, then check the dipstick to make sure that the oil levels are correct. Add additional oil if necessary.

Disposing of oil Transfer your used oil in your oil pan into a sealed container, do the same for the oil in your oil filter. Take your used oil to a collection site, many retailers that sell oil and oil filters are obligated to take them in.

Sources: http://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/diy-oil-change/diy-car-maintenance-how-to-change-your-car-oil-yourself/view-all http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Oil-in-Your-Car http://www.walmart.ca/