If you’re a vehicle owner, changing the engine oil on a regular basis is highly essential. You can think of the engine oil as the lifeblood of your car.
The oil cleans and purges the engine of debris, sludge, and other pollutants produced by the combustion of air and fuel inside the cylinder. It also lubricates the moving parts inside the motor.
Additionally, oil cools the engine and decreases the operating temperature, allowing it to run at full efficiency. As a result of excessive friction and heat, an engine without engine oil will cease to function and break down in a matter of seconds. Keep in mind though that contaminated oil will give the same result.
When an engine is driven continuously with dirty or worn-out engine oil, it will consume more fuel, friction will increase, the engine will break down sooner, and there will be severe wear and tear. If you don't follow the advised oil change intervals, your engine could sustain costly damage over time.
Materials and Tools You Need To Change Oil
Understand how to quickly and cleanly replace your vehicle’s engine oil. Before proceeding with actually changing the engine oil, here’s a list of the important materials and tools you need to prepare:
Container for the used oil
Oil filter
Oil filter gasket
Engine oil
Set of wrenches
Safety eyewear
Rags for wiping/cleaning
Rubber mallet
Steps To Change Your Engine Oil
According to Automart.Ph, replacing the engine oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers is strongly advised. It is also determined by the type of vehicle. The golden rule is to always consult the owner's manual. Fully synthetic oil-powered vehicles can travel 10,000 to 12,000 kilometers before having an oil change. Diesel vehicles, on the other hand, demand more frequent oil changes based on usage frequency.
Even though changing the oil might seem pretty obvious, many people still do it incorrectly, turning it into an undesirable job. Here are the steps on how to change your oil.
1. Purchase the Most Suitable Oil and Filter
While it may appear to be a cost-effective option, a cheap oil filter is often only enough for 3,000 miles. If you travel more than that between oil changes, you need to use higher-quality filters. Before you go to the auto parts store, make sure to review your owner's manual for the type and weight of oil recommended for your vehicle. It’s extremely critical to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding oil viscosity.
2. Unscrew and Pull the Oil Plug Out
Place plastic sheets out on the ground before you start, then drive your vehicle over it. This is to prepare for oil spills so you won’t have to do extra cleaning on your garage floor because you can just throw the entire sheet away after you are finished. You can also save it for the next time if your oil-changing session turns out to be spill-free.
When ready, jack up your vehicle. For support, put squares or pieces of plywood under the jack stands if you're on asphalt. Pull the plug rapidly out of the oil stream after unscrewing it. Clean the drain plug, and if necessary, replace the gasket.
3. Remove the Oil Filter
Remove the old oil filter and make sure the rubber gasket is still attached. Otherwise, you can simply remove it from the engine.
4. Select the Right Wrenches To Use
For various automobiles, different oil filter wrenches are recommended. Opt for the one that offers you the most freedom for movement.
5. Screw the Oil Plug Back
Once all the old oil is emptied, make sure to screw the oil plug back tightly.
6. Replenish With Fresh Oil
Using a funnel, replenish the engine with a new supply of oil. Before throwing the bottle away in the trash bin, seal the bottle to prevent the leftover oil from spilling (as well as to do your part in taking care of the environment).
7. Run the Engine
Turn your car on and wait until the oil light on the dashboard turns off. After a short while turn off your car and check the dipstick to see if you need to add more oil.
Additional Pointers
To ensure that everything is taken care of, here are other things to keep in mind:
On the drain plug, never use an adjustable wrench or socket. Apply the appropriately sized box-end wrench (usually metric).
Use jack stands at all times. Never work under a car that’s only lifted by a jack.
Start the engine if it’s cold, then let it run for around five minutes to warm the oil. On the other hand, if it’s hot, give it at least 30 minutes to cool down before starting the engine again.
Always tighten the filter by hand. A filter wrench should never be used.
Before spinning the oil filter gasket on, coat it first with new oil.
Arrange all of the oil bottles you'll need so you don't lose track of them.
Final Thoughts
As vehicle maintenance shops increase their prices, it's time to reinspect your car and start making significant financial savings by doing a few tasks that you should be able to handle such as doing an oil change.
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