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HOW TO...
Tips to make life a little bit easier and more interesting
How to change oil
in your car
Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle,
so you need to know how to change your car’s oil. This is actually a
very simple procedure and should not take much more that 10-15
minutes.
Things you'll need:
An adjustable oil filter wrench (the
chain type will fit almost any filter); An adjustable
wrench, for the oil plug; An oil drain pan (any large and
semi-flat container approx 2 feet wide and at least 5 inches
deep); 8 quarts of new oil (you will not use all of this,
but better to have extra on hand); 1 new oil filter; Rags;
Oil dry (I use kitty litter for this). |
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1. |
First
step is to run the engine for 5-10
minutes to warm the oil. After you
do this BE CAREFUL, the engine parts
will be hot! Locate the oil drain
plug, and position the oil drain pan
underneath.
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2. |
Remove
the dipstick to allow air to enter
the oil pan.
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3. |
Use the adjustable or box end
wrench to loosen the drain plug. Finish removing the drain
plug by hand, and allow the oil to drain. (This could take
several minutes) |
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4. |
As the oil is draining, use the
filter wrench to remove the oil filter. Adjust the chain on
the wrench to fit the size of your filter. Turn the filter
counter-clockwise until it loosens, then finish removing by
hand. The filter will be full of oil, so place it in the
drain pan open-side down to allow it to drain. |
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5. |
After the oil has drained from
the oil plug port, clean and REPLACE the oil plug!! Trust
me, you will forget this one day, and as you add new oil,
you will notice the pool of oil forming around you feet! If
it does happen, don’t worry, it happens to all of us. |
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6. |
Next, dip your finger into the
old oil and spread a thin film on the rubber gasket located
around the opening on the new oil filter. This allows it to
seat better. |
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7. |
Next thread the new filter onto
the engine mount, where you removed the old one. DO NOT use
the filter wrench to tighten. I repeat DO NOT!!! If you do
you will split the rubber gasket. Hand tighten only! |
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8. |
After you have replaced the oil
filter and drain plug, begin to add the new oil through the
oil port, located in the valve cover. Add just slightly less
than the owner’s manual recommends. And then check the level
by cleaning, and inserting the dipstick to check the level.
Remember it may take a minute or two to allow the oil to
settle into the drain pan. Continue to add oil until you
reach the proper level. |
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9. |
Replace the dipstick, and the
oil port cover. Look underneath for leaks. |
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10. |
Now start the car, and let it
idle for 10 minutes. Check again for leaks. |
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11. |
After you drive 20 miles, check
again for leaks, and then check the oil level. Add oil if
needed. |
Tips & Warnings
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Consult your owner’s manual
or Dealership for the proper viscosity of oil
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Don’t be cheap! Get good oil
and filters.
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If you spill some oil, spread
some kitty litter on it, and let it soak for 15-30 minutes, then
sweep it up! After, use citrus oil based cleaner to remove the
stain from your floor.
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Pour the used oil into some
old plastic milk jugs and bring to your local service station.
They are required to take it from you and dispose of properly.
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Pour the used oil into some
old plastic milk jugs and bring to your local service station.
They are required to take it from you and dispose of properly.
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