How to do an oil change
I thought this would be quite useful for students who have expensive cars with expensive oil changes.
Purchase the correct type and amount of oil for your vehicle. Also purchase the correct oil filter. Auto Zone or any car parts’ store can assist you with this.
The first thing you need to do is get under your car.
Using a car jack is usually the best way. Make sure the car and jack are on level ground and that the jack underneath is lifting on a sturdy part of the car. Frame of car is best.
Use jack supports to ensure safety.
Once the car is lifted, locate the drain plug and put an oil pan underneath it.
The next thing you need to do is loosen the drain plug with the correct sized wrench (counter clockwise). Make sure you use caution since the engine oil can be hot if the car was running recently. Near the drain plug will be the oil filter locate that since it will be next to be removed.
Once the oil reaches a slow drip screw the drain plug back into place. Tighten until snug. Too tight is bad!! Now back to the oil filter. Remove the oil filter by unscrewing it counter clockwise. Oil will spill so use caution.
Retrieve the new oil filter and dab your index finger in some oil. Smear the oil around the rubber gasket on the filter and screw the filter into place. Hand tighten until snug.
Open your hood and remove oil cap. Use a funnel and pour recommended amount in. Once finished put cap back on and wipe up any spilled oil on engine.
Crank the engine for approximately 10 seconds and turn engine off. Locate the dipstick and pull it out.
Wipe off oil at the end of the stick with a paper towel and replace it completely back into the hole. After placing it back in, pull it out.
The end of the dipstick will appear similar to this. Examine where the oil is on the stick and if needed, add or drain oil. Replace drip stick after examining.
Congratulations! You have learned how to do an oil change. Lower the car and clean up your mess. Take old oil back to Auto Zone for proper disposal.
This was a great guide. The pictures went great too. This is a skill most people don’t have (and it is not as hard as most think).