It is imperative to take care of your vehicle to ensure its longevity and a smoother driving experience. The concept and need for maintenance can sometimes be relatively straightforward, such as an oil change. However, it can seem like a massive challenge if you have to do it yourself. But it is not impossible. In fact, changing the oil yourself can be far more convenient and overall less expensive than taking the car to a local shop.
This helpful guide will walk you through the process of changing your car’s oil in a safe, correct, and affordable way. Once you’ve completed this procedure, you may enjoy working on your car. The guide outlines the steps you need to take, including when to change the oil and which type to use. Although there are differences between various makes and models, the general principles remain consistent across the board.
Consult the owner’s manual as the first step. You can access it via the manufacturer’s website too. The manual specifies the required quantity of oil and helps you find the kind of oil you need for your car. The engine type and how long the car has been in service determine the type of oil. You will use several other components, including an oil filter, tools, and more.
Additionally, the right kind of tools and accessions that you need. Most of these will be a one-time expense. It helps to know this basic maintenance process, especially if you’re looking for a car for sale in Jamaica. The process of changing the oil in your car can easily be done by following the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: The Set-Up
The first thing to do is to set the car up at an elevation that lets you access the underside. The choice of the device is entirely up to you. You can use a hoist, ramps, or jack stands as long as you are perfectly safe and the car is fully secure. It is essential to avoid any unwanted accidents. Most cars built within the latter half of the 20th century and more modern variants are generally fitted with a plastic undertray. This particular component improves aerodynamics and also offers increased protection to vital components.
To access the oil pan and oil filter on most cars, you must remove the cover. The undertray on most cars has a mix of bolts, screws, or plastic clips that you can remove with simple hand tools. Before proceeding to the next step, check the area for oil leaks. If you find any, consider having your car checked by a professional because a leak may indicate a larger issue at work.
Step 2: Unplug & Drain It
You’ll need a good-sized container to catch all the oil. A 5-gallon/18-liter bucket is enough for even the biggest cars. It is imperative to have the right container. At the bare minimum, most cars have a gallon or around 3 liters of oil. The drain can be opened by rotating it counterclockwise with an appropriate tool. Keep hold of the drain plug as you dismantle it. Otherwise, the oil will start pouring out as soon as it is removed. Once the oil starts to drain, let it flow for a few minutes or until it decreases to a trickle.
Step 3: Remove The Old Filter
Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the cylindrical oil filter, which is about the size of a softball, although the shape can vary in some engine types. Don’t remove the filter until the oil flow has completely subsided after loosening it.
Before installing your new filter, ensure the old oil filter gasket, which is a thin rubber O-ring, is not left behind. If it’s left behind, the new filter will seal incorrectly, causing the new oil to leak out within a short duration, leading to irreparable harm to the engine. It’s advisable to wipe down any surfaces with oil before replacing the drain plug and oil filter.
Step 4: Drain Plug in, Filter On
The drain plug will properly fit if it’s tightened to the right amount. There can be issues with the oil pan and the drain plug if tightened too much. The recommended implement for the job is a torque wrench. There is a washer behind the drain plug in some cars that also need to be replaced. If you are not confident in your knowledge, check the owner’s manual.
Install the oil filter after applying a light oil coating. Do it after setting the plug. It creates a proper seal. The same rule needs to be kept in mind when fitting the filter.
Step 5: Time To Pour The Oil
After replacing the oil filter and drain plug, replace your undertray and bring the car back to ground level. Open the hood and open the correct cap. It usually has a symbol on it. Use a funnel to fill the engine with the indicated amount of oil as per the car’s manual.
Step 6: Checking For Leaks
For the final step, use the dipstick to ascertain the level of the oil. But allow a few minutes to settle into the pan. Checking the oil level is easy: pull the dipstick out, wipe it using something, and put it back in. Check that the oil has reached the full marking on the dipstick’s tip once it’s out. Turn on the engine and let it idle before inspecting the filter for leaks.
Conclusion
And that is all it takes to change the oil in your car. However, if there is a leak, contact your preferred professional to have it checked. It is important to know such basic tasks, especially if you are looking for a car sale in Jamaica.
