The ultimate Guide to changing your cars engine-oil tip and trick

The bond between a car enthusiast and their vehicle is forged on the asphalt but strengthened in the garage. There’s an undeniable sense of satisfaction you get from rolling up your sleeves and maintaining your car. 

Changing the engine oil is one of those maintenance tasks that’s relatively simple and extremely crucial. Let’s explore the hows and whys of changing your car’s engine oil yourself.

Preparations Before Starting The Process

Before starting the process, it’s essential to get everything ready. Let’s cover the necessary preparations to ensure a smooth oil change.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Equipment

To kick start this mission, arm yourself with an oil filter wrench, a socket set, a funnel, a drain pan, and gloves. Ensure that you have a car jack or a set of ramps to elevate your car for easy access to the underside.

Choosing the Right Oil and Oil Filter for Your Car

Read your car’s manual to ascertain the suitable grade of engine oil and filter type. Pay attention to the oil viscosity suitable for your car’s engine, specified in terms like 5W-30 or 10W-40.

Preparing Your Car for an Oil Change

Park your car on a flat surface and run your engine for a few minutes. This warms up the oil, enabling it to drain faster and more completely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Car’s Engine Oil

First, you have to drain the oil, then change it with the new. There are other things to do along the process. Let’s get you through it real quick:

Draining the Old Oil

Time to bid farewell to that sludgy oil and make room for fresh lubrication. Here is how you drain your car’s engine oil. Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the Oil Pan

To begin with, you’ll need an oil drain pan. These pans usually have capacities ranging from 10 to 15 liters, more than enough to hold the average car’s oil capacity of 5-8liters. Position the oil pan beneath the oil drain plug, making sure it’s lined up correctly as the oil will initially shoot out somewhat horizontally before draining directly down.

Step 2: Removing the Drain Plug

With your socket wrench in hand (usually in the size of 13 to 15mm, but consult your car’s manual to be sure), turn the drain plug counterclockwise to loosen it. Once it’s loosened sufficiently, continue the unscrewing process with your hand. Beware, as the oil may start draining as soon as the plug is loosened.

Step 3: Draining the Old Oil

The draining process might take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The oil might drain out more rapidly at first, then trickle towards the end. Make sure all the oil drains into the pan to prevent spillage and environmental contamination.

Replacing the Oil Filter

Time to swap out that old filter for a fresh one! Don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process. Here’s how to get it done: