How to change engine oil and filter in your car

One of the most important procedures that you must regularly perform to keep your car in top shape is to replace the engine oil and filter. The oil in the car works the same way as the blood in our body: due to its circulation in the engine, the whole system works smoothly and efficiently. Frequent oil and filter changes are a guarantee of the long life of your car and its uninterrupted operation.

When it comes time to change the engine oil (the recommended interval between replacements is indicated in the operating instructions for your car), you have two options: either you go to the service station, to the dealership or replacement point, or do it yourself. Mechanics and other specialists in car maintenance and repair, of course, will brilliantly cope with their duties, but it is also quite simple and inexpensive to carry out the replacement. With the help of this instruction, you can correctly change the oil in the engine of your car - one of the most valuable and expensive things that you have.

Car Maintenance Equipment

Changing the oil in your car will need certain things. Here is what you need:

• Adequate engine oil of sufficient viscosity. Use our engine oil selection tool to find out which oil you need. Be sure to check the operating instructions for your vehicle for specifications recommended by the manufacturer, viscosity class and the required oil volume. If you still use mineral products, consider switching to synthetic engine oil, for example, Mobil 1 ™, so that you can increase the efficiency of your engine.

• High-quality oil filter. Socket wrench

• Key for oil filters

• Funnel

• Containers for old oil, such as a pan or bucket

• Newspapers

• Rags

Drain old engine oil

Before draining the oil, start the car and leave the engine turned on for 1-2 minutes or circle your quarter to warm the oil: it will be easier to drain it. It is necessary to carry out the replacement in a suitable place for this - a garage or driveway is suitable. It is very important that the car stands on a flat surface.

Climb under the car and find the oil pan and drain plug.

If there is too little space under the car, you may need to install a jack. Remember: never go under a machine that is held only on a jack, be sure to use a lifting support.

Having found the drain plug, spread a newspaper under it and lower the tray onto it. Loosen the plug with the socket wrench by turning it counter clockwise.

Then, carefully remove the plug and let the oil flow out. Caution! Engine oil may be hot. When the oil spills out (the spray turns into separate drops), insert the plug into place manually and then tighten a quarter of a turn with a wrench.

Replace oil filter

Leave the pan under the machine and locate the oil filter.

Loosen the filter with the key by turning it counterclockwise. Take out the filter manually.

Before installing a new one, apply a little engine oil to the new gasket (refer to the operating instructions of your car): it will not stick and crack, in addition, it is good protection against oil leaks.

Finally, install and secure the new filter manually.

Add engine oil

It is time to add new oil to the engine. Use our engine oil selection tool to find out which product is right for you. Remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding specifications, viscosity and volume requirements.

Remove the oil filler cap and fill the tank with oil. Use a funnel to avoid splashing. When done, close the lid and wipe off the oil spray. Start the engine and let it run for about a minute to allow oil to circulate.

You are almost done. But it’s too early to leave - you need to check the oil level. To do this, turn off the engine, remove and wipe the dipstick.

Immerse it and pull it out to make sure that the oil level is normal. Close the lid - now you can praise yourself.

Clean up and dispose of used oil.

You coped with the task, now you need to clean up after yourself. Pour the oil from the sump into an old container - or another suitable container and put the old filter in a plastic bag.

The best way to get rid of old engine oil is to dispose of it. Some service stations and replacement points accept old oil and oil filters for free.

Finally, throw out dirty newspapers and rags. Now you and your car can hit the road.

Record the oil change date and mileage to know when to proceed the next time. Remember to change the oil regularly.

Scrap Cars Removal do not need their oil changed as they won’t be driven anywhere anytime soon. If you have scrap cars, you might consider selling them for cash at car removal services.