The Way To Change The Oil For Your Car

Expanding your DIY skills to changing the oil in your car will not help you look after your car on a more regular basis, it will save time and money too. On top of the benefits, the other thing about changing the oil in your car is, it's really simple!

Step 1: Choose your oil

consulting your owners' manual is your first port of call, as it will specify exactly that type of oil your car uses. Look for the right viscosity, performance, quantity required and the service intervals. You should always follow the manufacturer's warranty recommendations.

Step 2: Preparation

Make sure your vehicle is on an even surface and that you've run the car for 10-15 minutes to bring the car's temperature up to operating conditions. This is to enable the oil to drain property; cold oil will not drain well. Next lift the bonnet and loosen the oil cap to prevent the creation of a vacuum and to allow the oil to drain more freely.

NOTE: Most modern cars have yellow caps on all fluids to make them easier to find.

Step 3: Lifting your car

Put your car in first gear if it is a manual or park it it is an automatic and, with the handbrake up, chock the back wheels and find a suitable jack point to place the jack. It is important to use a heavy-duty, hydraulic jack rated to support the weight of your car - do not use the car's factory supplied jack. Once the car has been raised, support each of the forward axles with your axle stands.

Step 4: Drain the oil

Remove any splash guards or under trays and locate the oil drain plug, which is at the bottom of the sump underneath the engine. Place your drain pan under the plug and remove the sump plug with the open-ended wrench; you will need to finish removing this by hand. Now let the oil drain freely in the pan.

Step 5: Remove the oil filter

The owners' manual will indicate where the oil filter is on your vehicle. Use the oil filter remove to loosen the filter and remove it by hand. Be careful of the oil that will spill our. make sure you drain it into the oil pan.

Step 6: Replace the oil filter

Use a rag to clean the filter seat on the engine, then rub some oil the gasket on the new filter. If possible, pour a small amount of the new oil into the filter. Once aligned properly, the filter will screw n easily. At this stage, you can clean the sump plug and screw that back in as well. Ensure it is tight with a wrench, then replace splash-guards and lower the car.

Step 7: New oil

Add your oil via the funnel to the correct level and check the dipstick as you go. One complete, run the car for a few minutes. The oil light should go off immediately. Turn the engine off and check the oil level again. Add more oil as required and check under the car for leaks.

Take a note of the date and time of the oil change and the kilometres of your car, so you know when the next one is due.

Used oil will need to be disposed of properly. Take it to your local garage and they will be happy to help.