Change Engine Oil and Filter
Step 4 - Drain Engine Oil
Removing Oil Pan Drain PlugOnce 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 OilAfter 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 LevelAfter 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.Related Car Repair Information
Removing Oil Pan Drain PlugOnce 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 OilAfter 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 LevelAfter 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.Related Car Repair Information
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