How to Change Engine Oil and Oil Filter Video
Normal oil and oil filter change service is mandatory for
long engine life. Today's engines
have more power which makes it imperative that you
change engine oil at
regular intervals; every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. If
your car uses synthetic motor oil you can extend mileage between changes up to 2,000
additional miles. Always use your manufacturer's specific weight motor oil. This
information is in your owner's manual or a
car repair manual.
Also use an OEM or better style of oil filter to maximize engine life.
Step 1 - Locate and Remove Oil Filter
Oil Filter Location
To change your motor oil and filter, first locate the oil filter. It is usually
located around the oil pan of the engine. Remove the oil filter by turning it counter
clockwise with a large locking wrench or an oil filter removal wrench.
Step 2 - Drain Oil Filter and Inspect Sealing Gasket
Removing Oil Filter and Filter Gasket
After removing the oil filter, let it drain into the oil drain container. Then
clean oil filter seal surface on the mounting flange on engine block, make sure
the old oil filter's sealing rubber gasket is off the mounting surface for the oil
filter seat. On the new oil filter install a small amount of motor oil onto the
rubber gasket of the new oil filter. Then reinstall new oil filter by turning it
clockwise until tight. (Note: only tighten oil filter by "hand") (Gloves suggested)
Step 3 - Removing the Oil Pan Drain Plug
Locate Oil Drain Plug
Next, remove the oil pan drain plug. Using a wrench turn the drain plug counter
clockwise. Be ready to grab the oil drain plug as it becomes dislodged. (Gloves
suggested) Note: Always use the boxed or completed end of the wrench to avoid rounding
of the drain plug hex. A socket wrench is also acceptable.
Step 4 - Drain Engine Oil
Removing Oil Pan Drain Plug
Once the drain plug is dislodged inspect the sealing washer on the plug, if worn,
broken or the integrity of the seal cannot be maintained replace the plug washer
with new. Let oil drain completely, reinstall oil drain pug and wipe clean with
shop or paper towel. Note: drain plug just needs to be "snug" - not too tight.
Step 5 - Adding Engine Oil
Adding Engine Oil
After the oil has been drained out of the engine and new filter installed add
motor oil to the engine oil fill port, this is usually located in the valve cover
of the engine and is marked "add engine
oil" on the cap. If the oil fill is in a difficult position you can use a funnel
to help guide the oil. (The oil cap is upside down in this picture to prevent oil
drippings) Most car and light trucks will take four to 5 quarts to fill to capacity.
First add four quarts and reinstall the oil fill cap. Then start the engine and
let run for 1 minute then shut off the engine and let stand for 2 minutes to assure
all oil inside the engine is in the oil pan for proper measurement.
Step 6 - Checking Engine Oil Level
Check Engine Oil Level
After you have run your engine, let stand for two minutes, then remove the oil
dip stick level indicator to inspect oil level (the new oil in this photo has been
darkened for visual effect, clean oil is difficult to see in photos) make sure the
oil level is between specified lines on the indicator, add as needed to obtain proper
oil level. If you don't know when the last oil change was done on your vehicle and
would like to determine the oils age and wear remove the oil level inductor and
check the clarity of the oil. If it is light color like Tea you are ok, if it is
dark like Coke it is time for service. We recommend top quality oil filters and
motor oils. In the course of
driving 3,000 miles,
an inferior style oil filter will allow carbon partials to stay in your engine,
causing premature wear and eventually catastrophic engine failure.
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready
to answer your car questions.
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