How to Change Engine Oil?
4 Answers
Steps to change engine oil: 1. Start the car engine and turn it off when the water temperature reaches the normal range. This allows the oil to fully circulate in the engine and remove impurities; 2. Lift the vehicle with a car lift; 3. Use the onboard tools to loosen the oil pan bolt and open the oil filter with a specialized wrench; 4. After all the oil has drained, use the wrench to install the new oil filter and pour the specified oil into the oil pan. Engine oil is the lubricant used by the engine, which can lubricate and reduce wear, assist in cooling, seal and prevent leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption.
As a veteran car owner, changing engine oil has become a routine task for me. It's necessary approximately every 5,000 kilometers to keep the engine running smoothly and prevent wear. The process is straightforward: first, turn off the engine and park the car on a level surface, waiting about 10 minutes for the oil to cool down. Prepare your tools, including a wrench, a new oil filter, an oil drain pan, and gloves. Loosen the drain plug to let the old oil flow into the pan—don't rush, wait until it stops dripping before replacing the filter. When installing the new filter, clean the mounting surface thoroughly and tighten it gently to prevent leaks. Then, add new oil, measuring the correct type and amount with a measuring cup, pouring slowly to avoid spills. Afterward, start the engine for a few dozen seconds to circulate the new oil, then turn it off and check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct. Finally, take the used oil to a recycling center—this step is crucial to avoid environmental pollution. The whole process takes about half an hour, saving money and giving a sense of accomplishment.
When I first learned to change the oil, I made quite a few mistakes, and my friends were a big help. For beginners, it's advisable to pick a free weekend to avoid operating under stress. Preparations include waiting for the vehicle to cool down completely after parking and turning off the engine, and gathering all necessary materials like wrenches, new oil, and a filter. I used an old bucket to collect the used oil for easier cleanup later. When draining the oil, loosen the bolt slowly and avoid using excessive force to prevent injury. The first time, I forgot to wear gloves and ended up with greasy hands all over. To replace the filter, use a socket tool to secure it gently without overtightening, which could cause leaks. When adding new oil, refer to the manual for the correct capacity and pour it slowly using a funnel. After adding the oil, start the car and let it run briefly before shutting it off to check the oil level. Beginners might overlook small details during the process, but with a few practices, it becomes second nature, saving unnecessary trips to the repair shop. Remember to change the oil regularly to protect your beloved car.
I'm a money-saving expert and change my oil entirely through DIY. The cost is low—just a few dozen yuan for tools, saving me hundreds compared to a repair shop. The steps are quick and simple: turn off the engine, let the car cool down completely, and prepare a wrench, oil pan, and gloves. Loosen the drain plug, let the old oil flow out until it stops dripping, then replace it with an affordable oil filter. When adding new oil, choose the correct grade and model, pouring it in slowly to avoid waste. Finally, check the oil level to ensure it's normal. The whole process takes just 15 minutes and even hones my hands-on skills. The key is not to discard the used oil improperly—return it to a recycling station for free and eco-friendly disposal.
