Do an Oil Change in Less Than 20 Minutes
Busy lives often lead to failure to maintain vehicles appropriately. One of the most crucial items to stay on top of is changing the oil. Failure to change your vehicle's oil can lead to unnecessary wear and tear. Dirty oil also leads to your using more fuel and causes air pollution. Changing the oil in a car isn't overly difficult or time consuming. You can do an oil change in less than 20 minutes.
Steps
- Purchase the type of oil and filter your car needs from an auto supply or discount store. You will also need an oil catch basin, oil filter wrench and a combination of wrenches sized to fit the oil drain plug.
- Park the vehicle in a level location, making sure that it is in park and the parking brake is set.
- Jack up the auto on either side so you can get underneath for access to the oil plug. It is at the bottom of the engine on the back of the oil pan.
- Loosen and remove the plug using the appropriate size wrench. Make sure a catch basin is placed underneath in order to catch the oil.
- Use an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter while the oil is draining. Caution: the filter will be full of oil.
- Install the new oil filter and tighten by hand. Dip your finger into the used oil and lubricate the rubber seal that connects to the filter.
- Put the oil plug back into place and tighten using the wrench.
- Remove the oil catch basin from under vehicle and wipe down any areas where oil has dripped. Lower the auto back onto the ground.
- Take off the oil cap. Add at least 4 quarts, or liters, of the recommended weight of oil into the engine.
- Start the engine and let it run for 5-to-10 minutes. This allows the oil to circulate and refill as needed. Turn off the engine and check the oil level to see if you need to add more. Check to see if any oil leaks show up around the plug and filter.
- Dispose of the used oil at a recycling station.
Tips
- Check to see if your vehicle is high enough to avoid jacking it up to get under it.
Warnings
- It is best to change the oil after the auto has been stopped for a while. This allows the oil and engine to cool.
- Do not pour the old oil down the sink or storm drain. Also, do not try to use it to settle dust or kill unwanted vegetation, as used oil has heavy metals that can leach into the water system contaminating the water you drink.
- Be careful to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when getting under a car to do an oil change (or work of any kind). Also, use jack stands when possible. They tend to be more stable than car jacks.
- Never over tighten any of the items mentioned above.
Things You'll Need
- Specified oil for your car
- Oil filter
- Catch basin or oil bucket
- Oil filter wrench
- Open or closed wrench sized for your auto oil plug
- Car jack
- Jack stand or car support
- Cotton rags
