How to Change Oil in a Car

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How to Change Oil in a Car

Owning a car is usually a significant investment for an individual. Changing the oil on your car plays an important part to help keep it functioning at peak performance and to ensure that your vehicle last for many miles. You might wonder how often does the oil need changing. Well, manufactures advise that the oil is changed every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever occurs first. Changing the oil is not an extremely difficult task, but it is always good to have someone else there, who has done this before, to help if needed. I would also suggest finding an outfit you wouldn’t mind getting dirty and a pair of rubber gloves to keep your hands clean.

The key to keeping any task, especially this one, flowing smoothly is gathering all the materials so they are within reach. Having the materials near helps the process go by quickly, for you are not constantly stopping to search for materials needed at that time.

First, you need to figure out what type of oil your car uses and how many quarts of oil are needed. This information can be found in your owners manual along with the type of oil filter your car takes. It is an essential step because there are many different types of engine oil and it is important to use the correct type. Same rule applies to your oil filter. There is a specific oil filter designed for each car. Can’t find the owners manual? Run to your local auto parts store and they can look it up for you. While you’re there, you can pick up your oil and oil filter. Also needed for the project is an adjustable wrench or a socket wrench, and an oil filter wrench. A jack along with two jack stands comes in handy when having enough room to work under the car. Wheel blocks are go...

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...o do this, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean on a rag, and reinsert it. Remove the dipstick again and check that the oil level reaches correct marking (full). If not put more oil in until the oil level is correct.

Almost done! Remove the drain pan and transfer the old oil into the containers, using the funnel to avoid spills. Dispose of the used oil properly. Take the used motor oil to a local service or repair shop to take it in and have it recycled. Use the jack to raise the car back and remove the jack stands. Again, slowly lower the car down to the ground. Remove the wheel blocks, for they are no longer needed. Wipe up tools and put them away. Remember to write down your milage and date so you will remember when your car is due for the next oil change. That is all there is to it. You now know how to change the oil on a car and it was not that difficult.

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