How to Change The Oil in Your Car or Truck

                Regular oil changes will prolong the life on your car or truck’s engine. Changing your own oil is not expensive, and quite easy to do. Consider that oil change outlets change your oil for only a fraction more than it costs to do it yourself. Also, changing your own oil means disposing of your own oil, which is something the oil change outlets do for you as well. Many local garages charge anywhere from $25 to $45 for an oil change, compared to $15 to $25 to do it yourself. Another good thing about doing it yourself is that you’ll know it has been done correctly.

                If you decide to change your car or truck’s oil by yourself, you’ll need a few tools to begin.  First, you’ll need a set of jack stands and a jack, a set of ramps, or a driveway with a slant. Second, you’ll need an oil filter wrench. Next, you’ll need a correct sized tool to remove the oil drain plug. You can use either a socket wrench or a box end combination wrench. Then, you’ll need a good sized drain pan.  It needs to be between 10 and 15 quarts. Drain pans with capped drain spouts make it easier when the hot drain plug falls out of the oil pan.  Last, you’ll need towels or rags to clean up any spills that might occur.

                Oil changes are done best with the engine operating at temperature. Position your vehicle on the ramps, jack stands, or your slanted driveway, and make sure it’s completely stable.  Most cars have a belly pan under the engine. If this is the case for your car, remove the belly pan.  Loosen the oil drain plug, by turning it counterclockwise. Position the drain pan underneath the plug.  Turn the drain plug until it drops into the oil catch. Be sure to remove your hand from the flow of the hot oil. Let the oil flow for at least five minutes. After it’s done draining, find the drain plug and clean it off. Put the drain plug back and turn it clockwise until it is tight.

                With the oil filter off, spread a thin layer of fresh oil onto the new filter’s rubber seal. Wipe off the sealing surface with a towel, and install the filter, turning it clockwise, until it seals. Turn it another half turn to make it snug. With everything installed, get the vehicle back onto level ground. Remove the oil filter cap, and fill the engine with the correct amount of oil. The dipstick should read between a half to a quart over full. Start the engine, and let it run for a few minutes. Turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and check the oil level.  You can recycle your old oil, at your local auto parts store. Remember, oil changes should be done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.