How to Change Engine Oil for a Car?
3 Answers
Car engine oil replacement method is: 1. Lift the car, remove the protective plate, and place a container under the oil drain screw; 2. Unscrew the oil drain screw, use an air gun to blow at the oil filler port for two minutes, after draining, tighten the oil drain screw and wipe it with a tissue to check for oil leaks; 3. Reinstall the protective plate and lower the car, then add engine oil through the filler port. The functions of engine oil are: 1. To alleviate friction and high temperatures; 2. To reduce gas leakage and prevent external pollutants; 3. To prevent contact between water, air, acidic harmful gases, and parts; 4. To buffer the pressure rise in the engine cylinder port; 5. To flush away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts.
Last time I changed the engine oil myself, it took me the whole Saturday afternoon, but it was quite rewarding. Preparing the right tools is crucial: new engine oil, the correct oil filter, an oil drain pan, and a wrench set. It's best to lay cardboard under the car. First, warm up the engine for ten minutes before turning it off to get the old oil flowing. Park on level ground, lift the front wheels, and secure them with wheel chocks—I always double-check the safety when using the jack on the car frame. Remove the engine underguard, then slowly unscrew the oil pan drain plug. The hot oil almost sprayed onto my arm—wearing thick gloves was a smart move! After draining the oil, replace the filter. Applying a layer of oil on the new filter's rubber seal helps prevent leaks. Finally, pour in the new oil without exceeding the maximum level, run the engine for a few minutes, and check if the dipstick reading is within the safe zone. A reminder: used oil must be taken to a recycling point at a repair shop—pouring it down the drain is illegal and pollutes the environment.
Simply put, changing engine oil involves five steps: First, choose the correct oil grade. I usually check the manual to confirm specifications like 5W-30. Start the engine to reach operating temperature, then turn it off and elevate the front of the car for easier access. The drain plug is typically located at the lowest point of the oil pan—position the drain pan correctly before loosening it. While waiting 30 minutes for the old oil to fully drain, replace the oil filter (remember to securely fasten the filter wrench to avoid stripping). When adding new oil, take your time—a small funnel is very helpful. After pouring, check the dipstick and avoid filling beyond the upper limit groove, as overfilling can damage the engine. After a test drive, inspect the ground for leaks. Generally, change the oil every 8,000 km or six months, with turbocharged vehicles requiring more frequent changes.
