There are many occasions when the simplest thing is the least we know how to do. Taking into account the care of your car is very important for your safety.
It is important that once or twice a year you take it to your mechanic to do a good review and check that everything is correct.
In addition, you must go doing small maintenance, such as checking if the wheels are swollen enough, if the windshield wiper has water, if it has to undergo any inspection, the control of the oil change, etc.
One of the most important things that you have to keep in mind is the oil change. The regular change of oil is a fundamental part of the maintenance of your car, since it helps the engine to work correctly and last longer, if your engine runs out of oil you can block the engine and consequently it breaks.
There are many owners who do not dare or do not feel like changing the oil in the car, and prefer to leave it to the mechanic. Changing the oil is actually very simple and you also save a little money.
Each car has its own instruction manual but it is recommended to change it every 4,500-9,000 kilometers.
Instructions for changing car oil
- Start the car engine for a few minutes so that the oil warms up a bit and it is easier to remove it, but you have to keep in mind that it is one thing to start the engine for a moment and another that the car has been running, then really wait for the engine to cool down because you could burn yourself.
- Take a couple of portable ramps and place the car on top of them so that it is elevated. Once you have it on the ramp correctly, apply the parking brake, turn off the engine and leave the car in first gear (or in “neutral” gear if it is automatic). To be safe, prop up the car behind the rear wheels.
- Now put on your gloves to protect yourself, get under the car and locate the engine oil drain plug. Once you are clear about what it is, put the oil collector
- Next, loosen the cap with the wrench so that you can remove it by hand, and wait until all the oil has drained, remember that the engine has to be cold.
- Once all the oil is out, replace the plug.
- Now is the time to change the oil filter. Get out from under the car and open the hood of the car and hold it properly. Find the oil filter and use a special wrench to unscrew it. Take the new filter and lubricate the coma seal with a thin layer of oil to help protect it.
- Now screw the filter into the corresponding place and tighten it with the wrench.
- Remove the cap from the oil tank at the top of the engine. Now with a funnel, if you think you need it, fill the tank with new oil. Confirm the car’s oil capacity in the instruction manual and check with a dipstick that the levels are correct. Now put the cap back on.
- Lastly, put the car in neutral and check if there is anything leaking under the car. If so, for the engine, go back under the car and check that everything you have unscrewed is well closed.
- Once finished, go to your mechanic to find out what you have to do with the old oil since it is very toxic.
And then you can show off your mechanical skills!!!
What do you need to change the car oil?
- Two portable ramps
- Wedges
- Oil pan
- An old rag
- Clothes you don’t mind getting stained
- Latex gloves (or similar)
- Motor oil
- An oil filter
- Oil filter wrench
- Combination wrench
Tips for changing car oil
Look correctly the manual of the car.
Be clear about what you are going to do if you do not see it clearly, take the car to your mechanic.
