What is the procedure for changing car engine oil?

[ValerieMarie]

Here are the steps for changing engine oil: 1. Wait for the engine temperature to cool down, allowing the oil to drain back into the oil pan. 2. Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug, place an oil pan underneath to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Then start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to drain the oil from the main oil passages. 3. Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter; apply new oil to the oil seal of the new oil filter and hand-tighten it clockwise. 4. Add new oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, typically filling about three-quarters of the oil container. 5. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then check for any oil leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, repairs should be made. 6. After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to check that the oil level is within the standard range.

[KarterLee]

Ever since I was a kid, I've enjoyed changing my car's engine oil myself—it saves money and teaches you a thing or two. The oil change process is pretty straightforward: first, park the car on level ground and wait at least half an hour after turning off the engine to let it cool down, so you don't burn yourself. Gather the new oil, oil filter, a wrench, a drain pan, and gloves. Then, crawl under the car to locate the drain plug, loosen it with the wrench, and let the old oil drain into the pan. Once it's fully drained, tighten the plug, and replace the oil filter—unscrew the old one, clean the surface, apply a bit of new oil to the new filter's gasket for lubrication, then screw it on snugly. Finally, pour the new oil through the engine bay's fill port—don't pour too fast; add a little at a time and check the dipstick to ensure the level stays between the marks. Overfilling can cause spills. Start the car and let it run for a few minutes to check for leaks. I've had oil spray incidents before, so wearing protective gear is crucial. DIY oil changes are fun, but beginners should consider having a helper or watching tutorial videos to avoid mistakes, especially if tools are missing or spills happen. Remember, never dump used oil—take it to a recycling center. The whole process takes about 20 minutes, keeping your car in good shape while honing your hands-on skills.

[LauraFitz]

Changing car engine oil is something I've done many times, and each time I start by checking the oil level and the vehicle's condition. The basic process is to park and turn off the engine, waiting until it cools down completely to prevent hot oil from splashing and causing injury. Gather the new oil, filter, container, and wrench, then lift the car or drive it onto a trench for easier access. The first step is to loosen the drain plug under the chassis with a wrench, allowing the old oil to drain completely into the container. Next, remove the old oil filter, clean any residual oil from the interface, apply a bit of new oil to the rubber seal of the new filter for lubrication, and then tighten it back in place. After that, re-tighten the drain plug and pour the new oil through the engine bay opening, adding it in batches while checking the dipstick level to avoid exceeding the marked line. Once done, start the engine for a few minutes and inspect all connections for leaks. I've found that regular oil changes are crucial for extending engine life, and I recommend checking every 5,000 kilometers. Choosing the right oil also depends on the vehicle's manual, as viscosity that's too high or too low can affect performance. Be careful during the process, as improper filter installation can lead to oil leaks and environmental contamination, so taking extra care can prevent major repairs.

[McDominic]

I remember being so nervous the first time I changed my oil: parked on level ground, waited for the engine to cool down, prepared new oil and filter. The drain plug was underneath the car, loosened it with a wrench, and the old oil flowed into the container. Replaced with a new filter, applied some oil to prevent leaks, then added oil to the proper level. Checked multiple times with the dipstick—too little or too much is no good. Started the car for a test and it was all set. Simple, right? I learned it online and got it right the first time.