How to Drain Engine Oil from a Car?
4 Answers
Drive the vehicle onto a steep slope, then turn off the engine and engage the handbrake. Because the fuel tank has a U-shaped bottom, it's difficult to drain oil on flat ground. Open the fuel tank and insert a plastic hose. Place the other end of the plastic hose into your mouth and suck hard, being careful not to get oil in your mouth. Once you see oil coming up, place that end of the hose into an oil container and let it drain naturally. This is the most traditional method for draining gasoline from a car, but it doesn't completely empty the tank. When you need to drain oil, you can visit a repair shop or 4S store to use professional equipment for the job.
Changing the engine oil was something I found quite interesting when I first started DIY car maintenance. The process isn't actually complicated: first, start the car and let it warm up for a few minutes to thin the oil for easier draining. Then park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and use the car's jack to lift it slightly - make sure it's stable, safety comes first. Wear gloves to prevent burns and prepare a large plastic pan to catch the oil. Locate the drain plug under the oil pan, usually a 17mm hex nut, and slowly loosen it with a wrench. The oil will pour out - wait patiently for several minutes to ensure complete drainage. Next, replace the oil filter located on the engine side; unscrew the old one and remember to apply some new oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter before installation for proper sealing. Finally, tighten the drain plug without over-torquing, add new oil to the mid-level mark on the dipstick, start the engine to check for leaks and listen for unusual sounds. Don't dispose of the used oil improperly - take it to a recycling center for environmentally responsible disposal. While this entire process can save you significant money, beginners should ideally have someone guide them through it.
As a frequent driver, changing engine oil is a fundamental maintenance skill. I always plan ahead: choose a weekend morning, ensure the car is parked on a hard, level surface, engage the handbrake, and shift to P. Warm up the engine for 10 minutes to improve oil fluidity. The toolkit includes wrenches, an oil pan, and gloves. Use a jack and stands for double safety when lifting the car. Locate the correct drain plug position, slowly loosen it to let the oil flow into the pan, and don’t rush—let it drain completely. At the same time, replace the oil filter—lubricate the new filter and install it quickly to avoid leaks. Tighten the bolt with moderate torque, referring to the manual to avoid over-tightening. When adding new oil, measure accurately and use a funnel to prevent spills. After starting the engine, move slowly and check the ground for leaks. Collect the used oil properly and take it to a specialized shop for recycling. Regular oil changes ensure smooth engine operation, extend the car’s lifespan, and save on repair costs.
Simple steps for draining old engine oil: Warm up the car for a few minutes to heat the oil for better drainage. Park on level ground and engage the handbrake, then lift the car steadily with a jack. Tools needed include a wrench and an oil drain pan. Locate the drain plug, loosen it to release the oil, and wait for about 5 minutes until it fully drains. During this time, replace the oil filter by unscrewing the old one, applying new oil to the gasket, and installing the new filter. Tighten the drain plug back to the proper torque. Add new engine oil up to the midpoint on the dipstick. Start the engine and check the oil level. Throughout the process, be careful to avoid oil splashes and wear gloves for safety. Do not dispose of the old oil improperly; it must be recycled. This DIY method saves money, is environmentally friendly, and keeps the car healthy.
