What are the steps for changing car engine oil?
4 Answers
The steps for changing car engine oil are: 1. Lift the car, remove the protective plate, and place a container under the oil drain plug; 2. Unscrew the oil drain plug, use an air gun to blow for two minutes at the oil filler port, after draining, tighten the oil drain plug and wipe it with a tissue to check for leaks; 3. Reinstall the protective plate and lower the car, then add 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.
Changing engine oil is actually quite simple, but if it's your first time, be patient. First, start the car and warm it up for a few minutes to thin the oil for smoother draining. Remember to wear thick gloves to prevent burns. Then safely lift the car—I recommend using a jack with jack stands, never rely solely on a jack as it can be dangerous. Locate the drain plug on the oil pan, loosen it with a wrench, and let the old oil flow into a drain pan. Don’t dump it carelessly—it pollutes the environment; take it to a recycling center. While the oil drains, replace the oil filter: remove the old one, apply a bit of new oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter for easier tightening and to prevent leaks. Hand-tighten the filter without over-torquing, as excessive force makes future removal difficult. Reinstall the drain plug, tightening it just enough. When adding new oil, refer to the manual for the correct type and quantity—don’t fill past the max line, keep it in the middle. Finally, start the engine to check for leaks. If there are none, turn it off and wait two minutes before checking the dipstick to confirm the oil level. Beginners often skip warming up the engine or forget gloves, leading to inefficiency or injuries. Make it a habit to change oil every six months—it significantly extends engine life and saves on repair costs.
I often change my own engine oil and find it very worthwhile. Warming up the car for 10 minutes is sufficient, as the oil flows better when hot. Prepare the necessary tools: synthetic oil, new oil filter, wrench, oil filter wrench, drain pan, and gloves. Always use jack stands when lifting the car—safety first. When draining the old oil, I prefer to loosen the oil filter first to let the oil flow out faster, but be steady to avoid splashing. Choosing full synthetic oil provides better performance and protects the engine internals from wear. Before pouring in the new oil, apply a bit of fresh oil to the filter's gasket to lubricate it and prevent leaks or difficulty in removing it next time. After installation, start the engine to check for leaks and ensure everything is normal—the dipstick should show oil level in the middle to upper range. Dispose of the used oil responsibly by recycling it—never dump it in rivers. DIY saves money, but it also helps you understand your car's condition and spot minor issues like oil leaks early, preventing major repairs. For cars that frequently run on highways, remember to shorten the oil change interval.
Oil change is the core of maintenance, affecting engine health. Not changing oil in time will accumulate sludge, aggravate wear and shorten machine life. Basic steps: Preheat the engine for a few minutes to facilitate oil drainage. Lift the car to ensure safety, don't take risks. Drain the old oil and replace the new filter. Add new oil to the appropriate level. Start the engine to check for oil leaks. But don't just focus on the steps, choosing the right oil type and change frequency is the most critical, follow the manual recommendations such as changing every 5000 kilometers. Persistence can improve fuel efficiency and reduce engine noise. Changing it yourself saves a lot of money and allows you to observe the chassis condition and detect abnormalities early. Oil cleanliness is related to performance, don't wait for the red light to change.
