How to Change Your Oil Today

FIrst:

Make sure you have the appropriate

A) Oil Filter

B) Oil (regular, synthetic, etc)

C) Tools to remove the oil drain plug & oil filter (Ratchets, Sockets, Oil Filter Removal Tool, etc)

D) Funnel to pour oil into your engine

E) Oil drain pan or bowl, anything to allow the old oil to drain into

F) Lift or Jack & Jack Stands (if needed)

NOW TO START!

1. Make sure your car's engine is cold (hasn't been used in a few hours). This is to ensure that all the oil settles and when you drain it the oil is not hot.

2. Lift the vehicle off the ground using a lift or jack. Use the lift points on your vehicle. If you do not know check your owner's manual. If you do not know, most likely the lift points are the axles or the metal chassis of the vehicle. Never place the lift under pipes, catalytic converter, etc.

3. Find your oil drain plug underneath the vehicle. Normally it is located in the front to middle of the vehicle near the engine.

4. Place your oil drain pan or bowl underneath the drain plug.

5. Using your ratchet and sockets find the right size that fits snugly and loosen the drain plug. DO NOT REMOVE JUST LOOSEN. Now place the ratchet aside and hand loosen while pushing towards the vehicle. This is so oil does not splash out at you. While loosening with your hand and pushing towards the vehicle you should be able to feel when the threading ends.

6. When you feel it, or if you are not sure, pull the drain plug and let it fall into the drain plug. Remove your hand quickly as the oil drains out.

7. After it is done draining, refit the drain plug and tighten with your ratchet and socket. Make sure not to over tighten or strip the bolt. It should be tight, but you should not need to put to much force. Normally just tighten until it stops, then using a little bit of force tighten a little more.

8. Locate the oil filter, place the oil drain pan underneath it, and remove the oil filter using either your hands or the oil filter remover tool.

9. Once it has finished draining, grab your new oil filter and look at it. If the Outer plastic ring is not oiled use some of your new oil and place it on your finger. Wipe oil around the Outer plastic ring then install. HAND TIGHTEN ONLY. Tighten slowly until it stops. Then turn it one full turn using force.

10. Lower your vehicle, and find the oil fill plug on your engine. Using your funnel add the appropriate amount of oil to your engine. Clean up, clean your tools, dispose of your old oil and filter.

CONGRATULATIONS!