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I’m sharing an easy step-by-step plan for changing the oil in your own car. It’s easier than you may think!
I have 3 boys who will be leaving home soon, they will be heading off to college and moving out on their own. It’s kind of scary as a mom letting your kids leave, you wonder if you taught them all of the things they need to know. One of those things we have tried to teach our kids is the basics of car maintenance. We’ve stressed the fact that if they keep up with the maintenance on their cars they will last them much longer. We’ve taught them how the check the fluids, change the tires and recently we’ve taught them how to change their own oil.
When you change your own oil you can ensure that your car is getting the best oil and it even saves you some money. Changing your oil isn’t as complicated as it sounds. I’m sharing all the steps with you so you can change your own oil too. Please use standard safety procedures when changing your oil. You should always refer to your own car’s manual before changing your oil
Before you get started you want to gather up the following tools and items:
- Ratchet with socket
- Oil filter socket or wrenches (if necessary)
- Funnel
- Drain pan
- Gloves
- Rag/Paper Towels
Before you head to the store to purchase the oil and oil filter you will want to find out the type of oil your car needs. Many cars with have the type of oil printed on the oil cap. If yours isn’t printed on top of your oil cap you can use your auto manual to figure out the type and amount of oil you will need. You will also want to look of the type of oil filter your car requires.
Step 1: Head to the store to purchase the oil and oil filter. I purchased Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil at Walmart, it is a high-quality oil that has been specially designed to give your engine complete protection. It helps with better fuel economy and provides excellent performance in extreme temperatures, which will be helpful with the cold winter months coming up. You will find the Pennzoil oil in the auto car department on the aisle with the oils.
Step 2: In most cases you will need to raise the front of your car with ramps or a jack and jack stands. Always put blocks on the back tires of the car to prevent rolling. Fortunately my car sits high enough off the ground that we did not need to raise it up.
Step 3: Remove your oil cap, get under your car and remove the oil plug so you can drain the oil. You will want to have a drain pan ready and I also recommend having some cardboard or a mat in case there are any spills. It’s a good idea to be wearing gloves while doing this.
Step 4: Remove the oil filter. When replacing the oil filter you will want to add a little oil inside the oil filter and also add some oil around the ring. This will make sure the oil filter goes on easily and doesn’t crack.
Step 5: Once the oil has completed drained put the screw/plug back in and fill with new oil. Make sure you check your manual for the amount you should add, you do not want to overfill.
Step 6: On level ground, check the oil level with the dip stick. The oil mark should be in the “safe” zone marked on the stick. Too much or too little oil is not good for the engine.
Step 7: Your final step will be to dispose of the oil. You never want to dispose of the oil down the drain, in the trash or in your yard. Most part stores will properly dispose of old engine oil for you.
You are ready to go! Do you change your own motor oil?
David @ Spiced says
Great post! I’ve never changed my own oil, but now I am tempted to give it a shot. I think I need an oil change soon, too. Thanks for sharing! #client