What is the method for changing engine oil in a sedan?
3 Answers
The method for changing engine oil in a sedan is: 1. Lift the car and remove the bottom guard plate; 2. Place an oil container under the oil pan and loosen the drain plug; 3. After the oil is completely drained, replace the oil filter and apply a layer of oil around it; 4. Tighten the drain plug, reinstall the guard plate, lower the car, and pour in the new engine oil. Methods for selecting engine oil include: 1. The oil should be clear in appearance with a sulfur content of less than 1%; 2. The weight of carbon residue should be less than 1%; 3. The volume of water and sediment should be less than 0.1%; 4. The weight of ash content should be less than 0.03%.
I've been changing my own engine oil for years and find it really satisfying and cost-effective. First, find a level spot and use ramps or a jack to lift the car safely - make sure it won't slip and hurt you. You'll need new oil, an oil filter, wrenches, a funnel, and a pan to catch the old oil. Crawl under the car, loosen the drain plug to let the old oil flow out, wait about 15 minutes to ensure it's completely drained, then tighten it back. Be careful when changing the filter - remove the old one, apply some new oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter to prevent leaks, then hand-tighten it (don't over-tighten). Use a funnel when adding new oil to avoid spills, and check that the dipstick shows oil level in the middle range. Finally, run the engine for a minute to check for leaks. Don't dump the used oil - take it to a recycling center for proper disposal. I change mine every 5,000 km or 6 months, and using good synthetic oil makes the engine run quieter and more powerful.
I used to change the engine oil myself, but later found it more convenient and safer to go to a professional repair shop. They use professional equipment like lifts for easier operation, avoiding the risks of working under the car, especially since improper installation of the oil filter can lead to leaks and serious issues. The staff know how to choose the right type of oil, such as using lower viscosity oil in summer to protect the engine from overheating. At the same time, they can inspect safety components like brakes and tires, giving the car a full check-up. Engine oil should be changed every six months or 8,000 kilometers, as prolonged neglect can lead to engine wear and increased repair costs. Although it costs some labor fees, proper vehicle maintenance ensures smoother driving and reduces accident risks.
