The Importance of Changing Car Oil Regularly
Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining a healthy engine and ensuring your car runs smoothly. Oil plays a crucial role in lubricating the engine’s moving parts, reducing friction, and preventing excessive wear and tear. Over time, oil can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and engine byproducts, losing its ability to protect the engine effectively. This is why it’s crucial to follow the recommended oil change intervals provided by your car manufacturer.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you begin the oil change process, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and materials. You will need the following:
- Oil filter
- New oil
- Oil filter wrench
- Drain pan
- Ratchet or wrench
- Funnel
- Disposable gloves
- Shop towels or rags
Draining the Old Oil
Start the oil change process by locating the oil drain plug underneath your car. You may need to raise the vehicle using a jack or ramps to gain access to the oil drain plug. Once located, place the drain pan underneath the plug to catch the old oil. Use a ratchet or wrench to loosen and remove the oil drain plug, allowing the old oil to drain completely into the pan.
While the oil is draining, it’s a good practice to inspect the drain plug and replace the crush washer if necessary. The crush washer helps to create a tight and leak-free seal when the plug is reinstalled. If the crush washer appears damaged or worn, replace it with a new one before moving on to the next step.
Replacing the Oil Filter
After the old oil has drained, it’s time to replace the oil filter. The oil filter is responsible for removing dirt and debris from the oil as it circulates through the engine. Locate the oil filter, which is typically located near the oil pan. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old oil filter. Be careful as some oil may still be trapped inside the filter.
Before installing the new oil filter, lubricate the rubber gasket on the filter with a small amount of new oil. This helps create a tight seal and makes it easier to remove during the next oil change. Once lubricated, screw the new oil filter into place by hand. Then, use the oil filter wrench to tighten it an additional ¾ to 1 full turn.
Adding Fresh Oil
With the new oil filter in place, it’s time to add fresh oil to the engine. Check your car’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for the correct oil viscosity and capacity for your specific vehicle.
Using a funnel, pour the new oil into the engine, taking care not to overfill. Start with a smaller amount and check the dipstick to ensure you are at the appropriate level. It’s better to slightly underfill and add more oil if needed, rather than overfilling which can cause detrimental effects on engine performance.
Once you have added the appropriate amount of oil, replace the oil fill cap and ensure it is tightly secured. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to ensure the new oil circulates throughout the engine. Finally, check the oil level using the dipstick, and if necessary, add more oil to bring it to the recommended level.
Remember to properly dispose of the old oil and oil filter. Many automotive stores and recycling centers accept used oil, making it easier for you to dispose of it responsibly.