Automotive Academy

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, so you need to know how to change your car’s oil. Changing oil is very simple and it should not take any longer than 15 minutes.

1.) First step is to run the engine for 5-10 minutes to warm the oil. After you do this you need to be careful as the engine parts will be hot! You need to locate the oil drain plug, and position the drain pan underneath.

2.) Next you need to remove the dipstick to allow air to enter the oil pan

3.) Use the adjustable or box end wrench to loosen the drain plug. Finish removing the drain plug by hand, and allow the oil to drain.

4.) As the oil is draining, use the filter wrench to remove the oil filter. Adjust the chain on the wrench to fit the size of your filter. Turn the filter counter-clockwise until it loosens, then finish removing by hand. The filter will be full of oil so place it in the drain pan open-side down to allow it to drain.

5.) After the oil has drained from the oil plug port, clean and replace the oil plug. Next, dip your finger into the old oil and spread a thin film on the rubber gasket located around the opening on the new oil filter.

6.) Next thread the new filter onto the engine mount, where you removed the old one. Don’t use the filter wrench to tighten.

7.) After you have replaced the oil filter and drain plug, begin to add the new oil through the oil port, located in the valve cover. And then check the level by cleaning, and inserting the dipstick to check the level. Continue to add oil until you reach the proper level.

8.) Replace the dipstick, and the oil port cover. Look underneath for leaks. Now start the car, and let it idle for 10 minutes. Check again for leaks. Once you have driven 20 miles you must check again for leaks and also check the oil level, if it appears low you need to top the oil up.