Tips On Changing Your Car's Oil

Changing your oil at home can be pretty simple. All you need to do is a little research, pull your supplies together and be willing to expend a little effort.If you're ready and willing, you can have everything wrapped up in less than 30 minutes.

First, check the sticker on the driver's door. You'll see it on the flat piece between the exterior and interior panels when you have it open. This will tell you what type of oil you need and how many quarts you'll need. If the sticker isn't there, look in your owners manual for the same information. Once you know, go buy the oil. When you get it, make sure to ask for a paper funnel. It's disposable and they're free in most places. Also purchase a container to catch the old oil if you don't already have one.

Now that you have your supplies, check that same owners manual for the location of the oil pan and drain plug. Once you locate them, place the pan underneath and just off to the side. Now start to remove the drain plug; you may need to begin with a wrench, but it's best to use your fingers once you have the plug turning.

Under your car is very close quarters and it's easy to bang knuckles or push the container too far and wind up spilling oil, so turn the plug slowly and carefully. Once you start to see oil come out, pull your container underneath. Turn the plug slightly with a fingertip until it's a steady flow. The best thing to do at this point is to slide out from under the car and let gravity finish draining the oil.

After 10 minutes, look under the car to check. If the drain is still steady, leave it and check again every five minutes. Once the flow has stopped, carefully slide out the container and put it aside to avoid a tripping hazard. Screw the plug back in using your fingers. After it stops, give it a quarter turn with a wrench but no more than that. Use a rag or paper towel to clean it off.

Now, take the cap off of your oil reserve, clean the dipstick and begin adding the new oil using the paper funnel. Once you've added two quarts, wait a few minutes and then check to see if you're leaking underneath. If not, add the rest, reinsert the dipstick and replace the cap. Be sure to take your used oil and empty bottles to a nearby Garage to have them recycled properly.

Congratulations! You've changed your oil!

Of course there may be a reason why you will be unable to change your own oil.  Taking your car to a auto shop is not always an expensive task.  Many places such as your local Walmart auto center are very affordable options for car maintenance, so be sure to research places near you.