In today s economy, many people are looking to save money. One way to save money is by changing your own oil in your car. Here are the directions for a DIY oil change.
First, you will need to gather some tools and supplies. You will need an adjustable wrench, and a pan to catch the oil as it drips from the crank case of your car. Check in the owner s manual for the type of oil that is required and the filter that is needed. Additionally, you may need a filter wrench to remove the old oil filter. To be sure you get the right wrench, pick it up at the auto parts store when you purchase a new filter.
If you have drive up ramps, drive your car onto those ramps for easy access to the underside of your vehicle. Turn off your vehicle. If you have jack stands, use your car jack to lift the vehicle and place a jack stand under either front axle of the vehicle.
Place the oil collection pan so that the oil will drain from the oil pan into it. Use the adjustable wrench to remove the oil pug and allow the oil to drain from the crankcase.
Remove the oil filter, using the filter wrench if necessary.
Add a few drops of clean motor oil on the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. Screw the new filter back onto your vehicle. Once the gasket touches the motor, continue turning three quarters of a turn.
Remove the oil collection pan from under the vehicle and replace the oil plug. If the gasket on the oil plug is damaged, replace the gasket before inserting the oil plug.
Add the recommended amount of the correct weight motor oil. Start your vehicle. The oil pressure light may stay on for a few seconds while the vehicle picks up the oil through the oil filter. If this light does not go off after thirty or forty seconds turn off your vehicle. When the light goes off, get out of the vehicle and check for any leaks. If you see any oil leaks turn off the vehicle and tighten the required part. If there are no leaks drive your vehicle off of the ramps. If you are using jack stands use your jack to carefully remove the jack stands from under the vehicle axle.
Drive your vehicle to a level location and turn off the ignition. Allow the vehicle to sit for a few minutes and then check the oil level in the crankcase. If the level is low add enough oil to bring the level back to the full mark.
While you are under the hood, follow the directions in your owners manual in order to check other fluid levels. You will nee to check the automatic transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant and windshield washer fluid. If any are low, be sure to fill to the proper level.
Congratulations, you have just finished your first DIY oil change.
Author Resource:
Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer.
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