Steps for Changing Engine Oil and Oil Filter?
2 Answers
Loosen the drain plug to drain the oil. Wait until the oil stops dripping, then re-tighten the drain plug, ensuring to wipe off any oil residue beforehand. The vehicle owner's manual provides recommendations on the appropriate oil grade for normal driving conditions. Place the drain pan beneath the drain plug, positioned slightly to the rear. Use a wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise. Loosen the oil filter counterclockwise with a wrench and remove it. Replace the oil filter cartridge and add new engine oil. Check the oil dipstick to confirm the oil level is adequate.
Changing engine oil and the oil filter is pretty straightforward. I've done it myself at home several times. First, park the car on level ground and turn off the engine, then wait at least half an hour for the engine to cool down so it's not too hot to touch. Prepare new oil, a filter, a wrench, and an oil drain pan. Crawl under the car, locate the drain plug, and unscrew it to let the old oil flow into the pan. This step can get messy, so wear gloves to protect against burns. Then, remove the old filter, apply a bit of new oil around the edge of the new filter to ensure a good seal, and screw the new filter in place. Don't forget to reinstall the drain plug, but don't overtighten it. Finally, pour the new oil through the engine oil filler cap under the hood, start the car and let it run for a few minutes, then check the dipstick to make sure the oil level is correct. Doing this job can save you quite a bit of money, but always remember safety first. When choosing oil, check the manual for the recommended viscosity—I prefer synthetic oil for its durability. Regularly changing your oil protects the engine from major issues, so it's definitely worth giving it a try.
