CAR MAINTENANCE-CHANGING YOUR OIL

Changing your oil can be scary if your a first timer so in this hub i will walk you through step by step. Keep in mind i haveplenty of experience in this area and will do my bets to make this as easy as possible. This will save you money and help you get to know your vehicle a little better.

Here are all the tools you will need before we start changing you oil:

1. Vehicle ramps, jack, jack stands. (recommend ramps for first timers)

2. Oil filter wrench.

3. Socket set and ratchet. (recommend metric sockets)

4.Oil catch pan. (don't want oil pouring all over ground)

5. Old rags for clean up.

6. Torque wrench (optional)

7. New oil filter and oil (filter and oil brand optional based on budget)

8. funnel (avoid spills)

Now don't be scared if you have no idea what all this stuff is your local auto parts store will have everything you need, and people there to help you get the right things for the job don't be afraid to ask that's what they are there for.OK we have everything we need so lets get started changing your oil.

Step 1. Place each ramp under the front wheels of your vehicle on a level surface. Make sure your wheels are straight with the ramps. Have someone guide you when driving up the ramps to avoid damage or injury! After your car is securely on the ramps make sure your vehicle is in park and the emergency brake is on! (Don't want the car rolling of and causing injury)

Step 2. Pull your hood latch located on the drivers side under the dash by your legs.You should hear a pop when it is released. Now this wont release the hood all the way. There will be another latch under the hood of your car. Take your hand and feel around under the front part of the hood when you find it push and it should release your hood the rest of the way.

Step 3. Once you have your hood open remove the oil cap. The cap should have a picture on it or say oil on the cap. Next remove your dip stick and wipe clean with your rag. You can check your dipstick to see your oil level before you begin. (OPITIONAL) Generally people like to do this to see if they are leaking or burning oil.

Step 4. Place your oil catch pan underneath your vehicle where your oil filter will be removed. Before removing your oil filter make sure you have a rag to grab it with because it may be very hot still.First try to remove your filter with your hand turning counter clockwise.If you cant break it loose use your oil filter wrench. After you break it loose unscrew the rest of the way with your hand using a rag to prevent getting burned.then place old filter in oil catch pan.

Important Tip. Make sure your old gasket is not stuck to the engine where you removed the old filter. Take your rag and feel with your hand where you removed the old filter or just check your old filter to see if the gasket is still there. If you fail to check this you may not get a proper seal and oil will leak out of your engine causing damage! (The term for this is double gasketing)

Step 5. Before you put your new filter on make sure you lubricate the gasket using the new oil you purchased. Just pour a little on your finger and rub all over the gasket until covered. Screw the new filter on with your hand clockwise.( do not use your oil filter wrench ) tighten with your hand. The term used for this generally is called hand tight.

Step 6. Removing your drain plug from the oil pan you will need your sockets and ratchet set . The most common sizes used for drain plugs are metric starting between 12 millimeter and 17 millimeter to narrow down the size you will need. Once you find the size you need place you oil catch pan under your drain plug. Place your socket on your drain plug turning counter clockwise to loosen. Remove your drain plug the rest of the way using your fingers and rag to prevent burns. Let oil drain into catch pan until it is reduced to a slow drip.

Step 7. After oil is drained replace drain plug using your hand to screw the plug back in finger tight. Never use your wrench or ratchet to start screwing your plug back in this can cause damage to you oil pan or cross threading! Once you have your drain plug finger tight take your socket and place on the plug. Now you will be turning clockwise to tighten but do not over tighten this will cause damage to the oil pan threads and cause leaks. Generally give about a three quarter turn to tighten. (Torque wrench is optional)

Step 8. Remove oil catch pan and all tools from underneath vehicle. Wipe off all excess oil from engine and oil pan. This will help in determining if you have any leaks.

Step 9.Place funnel in hole where you removed your oil cap. Pour new oil into funnel slowly to avoid spills. start off with three quarts if you do not know how much your car or truck holds. After putting three quarts in replace oil cap and dipstick. Before starting your vehicle remove any debris around or on you engine. Now its time to start your engine and check your oil pressure gauge after you have determined you have oil pressure check under your vehicle to make sure you have no leaks. Next check dipstick and add oil ass needed until it reaches the full mark.( Do not over fill or you will need to repeat steps 6 and 7)

TIP:Before you begin and your not sure where to find something on your vehicle go to your local auto parts store and ask them to point out what you are looking for they will be more than happy to help.

If you have any questions about changing your oil feel free to leave a comment .