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Under ideal conditions, you should be seeking to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles (4,800 km). If you are driving around in high temperature conditions or dusty, you can even replace the oil more often than that. The process is very simple, as long as one, two or three simple.
Steps
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1Prepare. Get oil and a filter replacement.
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2Gather more materials. Get together a jack, a socket set and oil.
- Park on a flat surface, or, if your car has a low clearance, use jack slopes or set it up. If you choose to support the car, use two jacks, rather than a slope.[1] (An additional jack costs about US $ 20, this is a very small price and guarantees you'll avoid a serious over-balance and a car crushing your face).
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3Let your car engine run for 10 minutes. This will oil the drain plug more easily. You might want to check the weight of your car's oil and oil-filter manually you need to use.[2]
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4Drain and replace the oil filter. Crawl under, and find the engine oil screw near the front. Where you plug in the socket, use the wrench to loosen the plug in a counterclockwise direction. Once relaxed, you can use your hand and remove the plug. The hot oil will begin to pour out. Ensure that all the old oil goes into the pan. Once it is completely discharged, wipe the screw and plug opening.[3]
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5Now replace the drain plug gasket and reinstall the plugin using the wrench, but don't make it too tight.
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6Next, find the oil filter. They are usually found in the side of the engine. Filter off any of the oil sump.
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7Add the new oil. Remove the filler cap above the engine of the car. Position the funnel at the opening point. Check the correct oil capacity in your car's manual, but typically, you will need to pour four to five quarts of oil. After it's full, put back to the filler cap.[6]
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9Clean up. Carefully wipe excess oil, old oil into a plastic container, and then deal with it. Don't just pour in any place, however. It is better to bring it to a recycling center or other authorized locations.[9]
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan the oil be drained by removing the oil filter and starting the car?Community AnswerI would not do this! It will drain the oil, but your engine will be running without any, potentially causing major damage.
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QuestionCan I change an oil plug without changing the oil?Community AnswerYes, if the oil is completely viable (pretty darn new) you could drain it into a CLEAN container and then pour it back in after you have switched the drain plug.
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QuestionMy drain plug is so tight it won't come out. Can I use breaker bar with a six point socket?Community AnswerYes, just be careful that you are going the right direction, counter-clockwise, and make sure it is the correct socket size so it won’t strip the bolt head.
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References
- ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-safely-jack-up-your-vehicle/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/things-to-know-about-oil-changes-for-your-car/
- ↑ https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/car-repair/how-to-change-your-cars-oil/
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a90/1272546/
- ↑ http://knowhow.napaonline.com/know-how-notes-10-oil-change-tips/
- ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/diy-oil-change/diy-car-maintenance-how-to-change-your-car-oil-yourself/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-check-car-engine-oil/
- ↑ https://www.carbibles.com/diy-oil-change/
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/managing-reusing-and-recycling-used-oil
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