Changing the Oil in You Car or Truck

 

You don't have to be an expert to change the oil in your car. You just need to take your time and do it right.

 

By using AMSOIL you would only have to change your oil
every 25,000 miles or 1 year, which ever comes first!!

AMSOIL Premium Synthetic Oil - ONLINE STORE

While it is easy to drop off your car at a local quick lube to get an oil changed, those visits can add up to lots of money over time. And you will always know it is done right. It's relatively easy and inexpensive to change your oil yourself. Here are some steps to follow:

 

 

PREPARATION

* Purchase or gather the necessary supplies to change your oil. You'll need a case of motor oil and a new oil filter. ; a socket set; adjustable oil filter wrench; jack and jack stands; funnel; and an oil drain pan. Don't buy the cheapest filter and oil you can.

 

* Run the car for about 10 minutes, as oil will drain easier when warm rather than cold and you'll get more of the grime out.

 

* Park the car on a level surface. Make sure the parking (emergency) brake is engaged, and turn off the engine. If your car has a low clearance, raise it by driving it onto a ramp or by jacking it up and supporting it securely. Note: Never work under your car with it secured only on a jack. Two jack stands are a necessary safety precaution if one jack gives out. Purchase stands at an auto supply store for around $25. This is a small amount of money to spend to keep you safe.

 

* Open the hood and place the new filter and funnel on top of the engine. This act will remind you to add the new oil after you drain the old. Some do-it-yourselfers inadvertently forget to add new oil-a costly mistake for the engine.

 

 

DRAINING THE OIL

 

1. Slide under the car only if it is securely supported.

 

2. Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the engine, usually near the front center of the car. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location.

 

3. Place the oil drain pan under the plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench. A few turns counter-clockwise should loosen the bolt.

 

4. Remove the plug and gasket by hand. Get ready to move your hand fast because hot oil is about to escape.

 

5. Let the oil drain into the pan. Hold onto the plug and gasket.

 

6. Wipe off the drain plug and the plug opening when the oil finishes draining. Let it drain for about 10 minutes.

 

7. Replace the drain plug gasket.

 

8. Reinstall the plug. Start tightening the bolt by hand and finish with a wrench or socket. Be careful not to overtighten or you may strip the plug.

 

CHANGING THE OIL FILTER

Your next step is to change the oil filter on your car.

 

1. Locate the existing oil filter. It is usually on the side of the engine (consult with the manual if you're not sure).

 

2. Position the oil drain pan under the oil filter to catch any oil that may have accumulated in the filter.

 

3. Loosen the oil filter with the adjustable oil filter wrench.

 

4. Use a rag to wipe the area where the filter mounts to the engine. Make sure the rubber seal of the old filter is not stuck to the engine.

 

5. Use some new oil to lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter.

 

6. Screw the new filter into place by hand. It's usually unnecessary to tighten the oil filter with the oil filter wrench, but have it ready if your grip is not strong (or large) enough.

 

ADDING NEW OIL

Your final steps are done from under the hood of your car. Therefore, you can remove the oil drip pan and slide out from under your car.

 

1. Locate the oil filler cap under the hood and remove it.

 

2. Place your CLEAN funnel in the opening and add the new oil. Never over fill. If you do you will have to drain some of it back out. Check your operator's manual for the correct amount.

 

3. Replace the cap.

 

4. Run your engine for a few minutes to get the oil circulating.

 

5. Shut off the engine and then check the oil dipstick, located near the oil fill cap, to see if the oil level is correct. Add more oil if necessary.

 

6. Once again, slide under your car and check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for oil leaks. Tighten the plug or oil filter if you find leakage.

 

7. Wipe away any excess oil from your car with a rag.

 

8. Pour the used oil from the oil drain pan into a plastic container after it has cooled and can be handled.

 

9. Bring the used oil to a recycling center or to an auto supply shop that does recycling. Never toss used oil down the sewer or a drain.

 

10. Record the date and mileage of the car on a sticker and secure it to your windshield or inside your owner's manual. That way, you'll know when it's time for another oil change. If you used a white oil filter you can mark it with a black magic marker.

Check list after you think your done:

1) Oil level at full mark?
2) Any leaks at the filter or oil pan?
3) Oil fill cap tight?
4) Dipstick replaced?
5) Oil drain pan out from under car?
6) ALL tools out from under the hood and under car?