Instructions for changing engine oil for cars yourself

Although changing car engine oil is not too complicated, it still requires the person doing it to have basic knowledge and understanding of the vehicle.

To ensure the oil change process is safe, the car owner needs to prepare all necessary tools such as a car jack, stand, waste oil tray, specialized disassembly and assembly tool kit, protective gear, cleaning cloth, oil funnel...

After preparing all necessary tools, you can proceed to change the oil for the car engine according to the following procedure:

Step 1: Drain engine oil

Park the car on a flat, hard surface, raise the front of the car and use jacks on both sides to give yourself enough height to get under the car. Note, do not drain the oil while the engine is still hot. Because the working area under the car is narrow, you can get oil splashed on you and cause burns. When draining oil, put a large piece of cardboard under the floor to avoid oil splashing on the floor.

Step 2: Collect the drained oil

Before removing the drain bolt, make sure the drain pan is in the correct position for the drain line to flow into. If not positioned correctly, the drain pan may leak out, making a mess on the floor.

When removing the oil drain bolt, you can quickly pull it out and hold it or put a mesh cover on the mouth of the oil tank to prevent the bolt from falling into the tank. Note to let the drained oil drain into the tank, then re-attach the oil drain bolt and tighten it with enough force.

Step 3: Remove the old oil filter

After the oil has drained out, remove the oil filter. After removing, pour all the oil in the filter into the drain oil container, then dispose of the oil filter in the correct trash can.

Step 4: Replace the new oil filter

Each type of oil filter has a different size, the car owner needs to choose the right type of filter for his car. Before installing the new oil filter, it is necessary to apply a layer of oil around the rubber gaskets on the filter to increase the ability to seal and catch easier. Next, pour an amount of oil equal to 2/3 of the filter and put the filter in place.

Note, hold the filter upright when installing to avoid oil leakage, turn by hand until it is firm, then use the filter opening tool to tighten until it feels just right. The oil filter should not be tightened too much because it can break the rubber gasket and make it difficult to remove when replacing later.

Step 5: Change new oil

Open the oil tank cap, place the funnel in the correct position and pour new oil into the vehicle. To ensure the correct oil change, the vehicle owner should refer to the owner's manual. Note, do not pour the exact amount of oil specified in the manual. Instead, pour a little less. For example, if the vehicle is 4 liters, pour 3.5 liters because there is still some oil in the engine parts and it will not flow out when draining.

After adding oil, remove the dipstick and check. If the oil level is not enough, add more oil until it feels right.

Step 6: Check again

After pouring new oil, start the vehicle to lubricate the engine parts and the entire system.

Note, cars that are not used for a long time still need to have their oil changed. Because, oil stored in the engine for a long time also degrades over time.