How to Complete an Oil Change

I have mastered the process of changing the oil in a vehicle by performing them regularly on my car. Without routinely performing an oil change, an engine will lock up and will become ruined, which can cost around six thousand dollars to replace. To prevent this, I will show you the five steps to complete a proper oil change.

To complete an oil change, you will need tools and items. These items include new oil with the same viscosity, a new oil filter, an oil drain pan, a funnel, some cardboard (optional), a strap wrench or filter socket, a ratchet, and a 14-17 mm size ratchet socket depending on vehicle.

First, place the jack underneath the vehicle at an angle so that the crank handle is closer to the tire. The angle must be enough so that a person is able to fit between the jack and the opposite tire. After a good angle is found, position the jack so that it will lift up in a sturdy place where nothing will bend or break. Then, crank it high enough for you to crawl underneath.

Now that the vehicle is up in the air, you can slide your cardboard and oil drain pan underneath. Place them directly under the oil filter and oil pan bolt. The oil drain pan is underneath to catch the old oil as it drops and is collected for disposal. Meanwhile, the cardboard is only underneath to soak up any oil that can be spilled in the process.

Next, climb underneath to replace the oil filter. Remove the old filter by using the strap wrench or filter socket with a ratchet. Turn it left and some oil that was in the filter will begin to fall out. Take the filter all the way off and set it upside down in your oil drain pan to let all of the oil fall out. Then, grab the new filter and dab your finger into the new oil that will be poured in later. Run your finger with oil on it around the ring on the new filter to let it seal properly when put on. When putting it on, you should only hand tighten it so that it won't be difficult to take off during the next oil change.

Then, take off the bolt on the oil pan with the 14 mm socket. By taking off this bolt, all the oil that's in the oil pan will drain out and into the drain pan. When it is done coming out, the old oil can be disposed of and the bolt can be replaced setting up the vehicle for the final step.

Finally, pop open the hood to access the oil cap. Be careful to not confuse the oil cap with the oil dipstick. Once the oil cap has been found, turn it off and grab the funnel and new oil. Place the funnel in the hole and pour in the correct amount of oil in and close the cap. Then, turn on the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes to let the new oil circulate through the engine and filter.