One thing that really helps in augmenting your car’s life is an oil change. It helps in maintaining the efficiency and power of the vehicle which every car owner deserves. A lot of people prefer getting the help of a mechanic or a local service centre for simply changing the car oil. However, a lot of people prefer doing it by themselves at home.

If you are wondering if it is possible to change the car oil at home, all we would like to say is YES! This is one simple car maintenance service that can easily be performed by the owner itself. You might need a few tools and tips for a car oil change to make the process easy.

How To Change The Engine Oil?

Before you start the car oil change process, it is important to get the right tools. Here are the things you would require when changing your engine oil at home!

• Motor Oil
• Oil Filter
• Oil Pan
• Oil Filter Wrench
• Wheel Ramps
• Chocks
• Safety Glasses
• Gloves
• Ratchet
• Socket Set
• Torque Wrench
• Funnel
• Clean Rags
• Newspaper

Let’s learn how to change car oil!

Step 1: Get the right oil & filter

Select the right engine oil and filter that is suitable for your car. You can either refer to the manufacturer’s manual or seek help from your regular car repair centre. Other information that is provided in the manual is oil grade, the capacity of the oil, type of oil filter and how often you should change the oil in the car and other warranty information.

Step 2: Wear your safety gear

When performing any maintenance or car care process, it is important to wear safety gear. Use gloves and glasses to prevent injuries. It will help you to exercise caution when using any hand tools. Make sure you refer to your vehicle’s manual to perform the car oil change process with ease.

| Also Read: What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Vehicle’s Oil? |

Step 3: Get your car a bit higher

For car oil change you need a dry and slightly higher front wheel to ease the process. Slowly drive onto the ramps and put an emergency brake after you have parked it. Check if the ramps are slightly shifted from the position as the wheels need to be in the centre. Centre one chock behind every wheel and make sure they have a snug fit.

Step 4: Pull the oil plug

Spread the newspaper below your car to avoid any spill clean up later. This will make the process easier as you will simply have to toss the newspaper in the bin. Unscrew the plug and pull the plug quickly away from the oil stream. Make sure you thoroughly clean the drain plug and if required, install a new gasket.

Step 5: Remove the oil filter

Get rid of the existing oil filter. Make sure the rubber gasket comes out with it. If it gets stuck, peel it from the engine. The oil filter collects all the impurities which shouldn’t enter the engine system. This is an important step as you will need to install a new oil filter.

Step 6: Use oil filter wrenches

Each car has different oil filter wrenches. Make sure you purchase the right one for the process otherwise it can harm your car. Seek help from your local car repair provider in case of any difficulty.

| Also Read: Car Cooling System – Parts, Working, and Common Issues |

Step 7: Fill in the fresh oil

This is the step we all have been waiting for. After you have to get rid of the oil filters, fill the engine with fresh oil. Make use of a funnel so that you do spill it everywhere. Funnel will make this process really smooth and simple. Before you toss the oil bottle, please recap it to avoid any mess.

Step 8: Recycle the old oil

In a large jug, pour the old oil. Fill your engine with oil and turn it on until the dashboard light goes off. After a few minutes, with the help of the dipstick, check the level.

Step 9: Go for a test drive

After you have completed all the steps, it’s time to go for a test drive. Notice if everything is working great. In case any problem occurs, get an oil change service.

Car Oil Change Tips To Smoothen The Process

• During the winter months, the engine gets cold. Run the engine for 5 minutes to warm the oil. In case it’s hot, wait for 30 minutes to drop the temperature down. Ignoring this can get you burned.
• It is important to use a properly sized box-end wrench on the drain plug. Do not use adjustable ones for the plug.
• Make use of the jack stand when changing the oil. Working under a car that’s supported by only jack can be very dangerous. It is important to take extra preventive measures to stay safe when dealing with car maintenance.
• Before spinning on the oil filter gasket, coat it with the new oil.
• Do not use a filter wrench. Tighten the filter with your hand.

FAQs:

How often should you change the oil in a car?

Follow your manufacturer’s manual as every vehicle is different from each other. However, it is recommended to change the car oil every three months. You can also change after every 3,000 miles. Though mechanics say that frequent changes can be overkill. It is smart to check your car manual to increase your car’s life.

How many kilometres need to change engine oil for the car?

You can change car oil after every 3,000 miles or 4500kms. You can check your car manual for an accurate result. Each car model is different from others so it might vary.

Is it necessary to change engine oil?

Car manufacturers recommend car oil changes to keep up with the car’s life. Even if you drive a few miles each year, it is still important to change the engine oil.

Bottom Line

For easy-peasy car maintenance activity, a car oil change makes a lot of difference. It is a simple process that can be performed at home. If you do not wish to depend on mechanics for a simple car oil change process, follow the above-mentioned steps. Have safe driving!