How to change the oil in your car
Ready? Let’s start. First, buy a sufficient amount of oil, a new oil filter, and a few other simple tools if you don’t already have them.
Will need:
Connectors for cars or ramps on the ground
A set of basic socket wrenches
An oil filter wrench
A washer for the drain plug
A few rags and / or a roll of paper towels.
Rubber or latex gloves to keep your hands clean.
An oil drain bowl
A pure funnel
Identify the type of oil your engine needs; This information is usually found in the owner’s manual, although some newer cars have it stamped directly onto the oil cap. A common type of oil is 10W-30.
Next, you will need to purchase an oil filter and drain disc from your local auto parts store or other store. They often have dedicated passages for engine oil and associated filters. As a rule, a buyer’s catalog is located next to the shelves with oil filters. There you can search for your vehicle, find the part number on the oil filter, and find the item on the shelf. if you don’t know how to or you don’t have enough tools to do so, bring your car to Jimmyz Kustomz.
Step 1: Park your car on a level surface with plenty of room to work
Unless you are driving a car with a lot of ground clearance like a Jeep Wrangler, you will likely need to lift the end of your vehicle where the engine is located. You want a lot of space to work and you need to make sure that your car is on a level surface so that it doesn’t move when you pick it up. Be sure to let the engine cool before changing the oil. Be aware that parts such as the exhaust get very hot.
Step 2: Lift the end of your vehicle where your engine is located
The engine is at the front of the vast majority of cars on the road today. It is in the middle of some sports cars, like the Porsche Boxster, and is sometimes found in the back (for example in a Volkswagen Beetle).
While many SUVs and trucks have enough space under the chassis for you to perform an oil change, most small vehicles have minimum clearance and need to be lifted using a ramp, a lift or jack before you can start. If you use the latter method, make sure the vehicle is correctly positioned on a level surface before getting off. It is a good idea to put bricks behind the wheels on the ground. Check out our guide on how to lift our car here.
Step 3: Locate the oil tank and drain plug
Now that you’re under the car, the next step is to find the oil tank and its drain plug. Below is the location of the oil drain plug at the bottom of the engine on our 1974 Mercedes-Benz 450SEL restoration project. Requires a 14mm hex bit to remove. The size of the drain plug varies from car to car.
Place your oil drain pan directly under the drain plug and position it so that you are ready to catch the oil just below and a few inches in front of the plug. Remove the engine oil cover from the top of the engine so that the engine can more easily drain its oil by replacing the liquid oil with air.
Step 4: Open the oil tank drain plug and let the oil drain
It might take a few minutes to completely drain the engine, but once the constant flow of oil turns into an occasional drip, you’re ready for the next step. Screw the drain plug clockwise and tighten properly. Be sure to replace the drain washer.
Step 5: Remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one
After most of the engine oil has drained and the reservoir cap has been replaced, locate the engine oil filter. This is usually a cylindrical piece extending from the side or bottom of the engine block. In some cars, such as some flat-engine Subaru models, the oil filter is accessible from the top. However, it is important to note that this varies a lot depending on the car and the type of engine that comes with it. It is much easier to identify the appearance of an oil filter so that it can be found in any engine.
Step 6: Add the new oil
Don’t worry, the hard part is behind you. Remove the oil cap from your car, remove a funnel and pour the required amount of oil into the engine. Make sure there are no leaks from the oil filter housing or drain plug. If this happens, tighten the components as necessary.
If your engine needs 7 liters, consider putting in just 7 liters! Too much or too little oil can cause your engine to die prematurely and turn your car into a very expensive paperweight. The oil is sold in one-liter containers or in 5-liter jars. So if you need 7 liters, you can buy seven individual containers or buy two 5-liter jugs, which is equivalent to 10 liters. Buying 5-liter jugs is usually cheaper and you have something left over if you need to fill everything between oil changes.
Both types of oil tanks have scales that help you keep track of how much oil you are pouring.
Step 7: Check the oil level, tighten the engine oil cover and start the engine.
Once you’ve poured in the correct amount of oil, let your car sit for a few minutes while the oil runs into the crankcase. Then check the level with the pin on the motor. It is usually located on the engine side with a buckle, often painted yellow or red. Clean the dipstick, reinsert it into the housing, and pull it out again to get an accurate reading. Make sure the level is between the indicators etched on the dipstick. If it is too low, slowly add more oil until the correct level is reached. If you have put too much, it will drain it slowly until it reaches the correct level.
You are now ready to start the engine. Leave it idle for about a minute, turn it off, let it sit for a few minutes, and check the oil one last time. It’s also important to check the oil pressure gauge on the dash (if you have one) while it’s running. Also keep an eye out for the indicator lights on the dash. If all goes well, wash your hands and give yourself a well deserved pat on the back.
Remember to recycle your used oil. Pour it into a sealed, transferable container and take it to your local auto shop or shop. Someone will get rid of it safely and hopefully for free.
