How to Do an Oil Change
Changing the oil on your car regularly is a great way to ensure the longevity of your vehicle. Oil changes are supposed to be performed every 3,000 miles on most vehicles. For this reason it is a great idea to learn how to change your oil yourself so that you can save money on routine car maintenance.
- Purchase the oil filter and oil that you need for your make and model of vehicle. Check the owner’s manual if you are unsure how much oil your car holds.
- Put your car ramps in place directly in front of the two front tires and secure the ramps. Be sure that your car is on a flat surface for your safety.
- Drive your car onto the ramps slowly. Be sure that your car’s tires are directly in place on the flat part of the ramps.
- Put on your emergency brakes so that your car does not accidentally roll off the ramps causing injury to you or others.
- Locate the oil pan underneath your car. It is usually close to the front of the car, however if you do not see it in the front work your way back until you successfully locate the oil pan.
- Locate the drain plug on your oil pan, this is usually held in place with a large washer. If you have any trouble locating your oil pan, or oil drain plug look in your owner’s manual for help locating these.
- Place an empty oil pan directly under the oil plug to collect the used oil once you open up the drain plug.
- Remove the washer that is holding the drain plug in place and allow the used oil to drain into your empty oil pan.
- Locate the oil filter on your make and model of vehicle. Depending on your vehicle this is accessible from the bottom of your car next to your oil pan or from the top of the car under your hood. If you are unsure where the oil filter is located, look in your owner’s manual for this information.
- Remove the oil filter and replace it with the new oil filter that you have purchased.
- Replace the oil drain plug into the oil pan be sure that it is securely in place
- Fill the oil reservoir; it will be labeled "Engine Oil" with the required amount of oil for your individual vehicle.
- Remove the car from the ramps by slowly reversing down off the ramps until it is securely on the ground.