Avandacar – Changing car oil and filters is critical to keep its performance. Unfortunately, some car owners don’t have enough time to wait for the car lines at the dealer, only to change the oil and filter. No need to worry about that because you will learn how to change your car’s oil and filter yourself in this article. You can even learn how to install a roof rack on your vehicle on this website.
Prepare All the Tools You Need to Change the Car Oil and Filter
It will be better if you prepare all the tools before changing your vehicle oil and filter. As a result, you can accomplish this DIY project smoothly. Imagine if you have to stop in the middle of the process only because you can’t find the tool you need.
It takes time and disturbs the changing process. The tools you must prepare to change car oil and filter at home are a socket set with a ratchet, an oil filter wrench, gloves, a towel, and a funnel. You also need to prepare an oil pan, a jack, jack stands, a creeper, a ramp, and oil dry.
Lift Your Vehicle
Say the tools you need to change the oil and filter are ready. The next thing to do is lift your vehicle. Be careful! You are not allowed to lift the vehicle directly. Ensure that the car is safe before doing it.
First, you must turn the engine of the vehicle off. Second, put the car in park or in first gear to ensure that it won’t move during the process. Third, for extra safety, set the vehicle emergency brake and block off the rear tires.
Now, start to lift the vehicle by using a jack and its stands. Put a ramp under the vehicle once it lifts a little bit.
Put An Oil Pan Underneath the Oil Plug on the Vehicle
Take an oil pan you have prepared before and put it underneath the oil plug on the vehicle once you lift it. The oil pan will collect the oil from the vehicle once you open the plug.
It is also a critical step so you can keep your garage or area clean from the oil. Don’t underestimate it because cleaning oil on the floor can be stressful sometimes.
Use a Socket Ratchet To Remove the Oil Plug
The interesting part about learning how to change your car’s oil and filter yourself is that you know the vehicle parts you may not have known before. For instance, you must know the location of the oil plug to remove it and put an oil pan underneath it. Take a socket ratchet and use it to remove the oil plug once you find it.
After that, the oil from the vehicle is about to flow out into the oil pan. Wear gloves while doing this process because the oil may be hot. Wait for a few times until the oil is drained.
Tighten the Oil Plug Back
Now, take the oil plug and tighten it back to the place. For an easier alternative, you can tighten it by hand first and then with a ratchet. This procedure is also crucial to prevent leaks once you fill new oil.
Find the Oil Filter
Next, find the oil filter of the vehicle and open it. Before that, put an oil pan underneath the oil filter. Now, use a filter wrench to remove the oil filter.
Take a new filter and take a bit of fresh oil to dab on the gasket. Put the filter with a new gasket back on the position. You can tighten it by hand first and then with a filter wrench.
Fill the Vehicle with Fresh Oil
Go to the engine of the vehicle and find the oil cap. Manufacturers put an oil symbol on the cap to keep it easy to find. Take a clean towel and clean the cap before removing it. It ensures that there will be no dirt falling into the engine.
Now, take a funnel, place it into the opening, and add new oil products to it. After that, you must take the cap back.
Remove the Jack Stands and Lower the Car Down
The oil and filter changing process is done! Yet, you still have a job to do. Remember to remove the jack stands under the vehicle. Then, carefully lower your car down and remove the block behind the wheels.
Let your car off for a few minutes after changing the oil and filter. After that, you can turn the engine on and let it for a few minutes. This process is about to bring the oil pressure up to the engine.
You Can Drive the Vehicle
That’s it! You are successfully changing the vehicle oil and filter by yourself! The vehicle should be ready to use by now. Read the manual to know when you have to change the oil and filter.
Now, you know how to change your car’s oil and filter yourself. The more you get used to it, the easier it will be for you to accomplish this project. Doing it by yourself can save time and money instead of bringing the vehicle to the dealer.
