Changing your car’s oil regularly is essential, as it extends its lifespan and reduces its environmental impact. After a few months of use, the viscosity of engine oil changes due to particles that have entered the engine. This increases friction between the vehicle’s moving mechanical parts, potentially leading to engine malfunctions. An oil change simply involves replacing the engine oil before it becomes too contaminated. While this may seem complicated at first glance, it’s quite possible to change your car’s oil yourself.
What tools are needed to change your car’s oil yourself?
To properly perform an oil change and maintain your car, having the right equipment is essential. First, you’ll need jack stands and a car jack or vehicle lift. You’ll also need protective gloves and a rag to avoid getting oil on your hands. To properly pour the oil into the engine, it’s important to have a funnel. You’ll also need a new drain plug gasket, a drain plug wrench (open-end wrench), a drain pan, and of course, engine oil.
How to change your car’s oil yourself?
To perform an oil change, it’s advisable to follow the steps in the correct order.
Raise the car
This step is important for working under your car safely. To do this, raise the vehicle using a jack and support it with jack stands. You can also use a car lift to make this easier.
Remove the used oil
To remove the used oil, first remove the engine under-tray to access the oil reservoir. Place a drain pan or other container underneath to collect the used oil. Next, loosen the drain pan with a wrench to allow the engine oil to drain into the pan. To speed up the process, you can loosen the oil filler cap.
Adding New Engine Oil
Once the oil reservoir is empty, add a small amount of new oil to flush out any remaining traces. While you’re at it, replace the drain plug gasket to ensure a proper seal. Now, replace the engine under-tray and remove the jack and jack stands. Next, fill the reservoir with new oil using a funnel, making sure to use the correct amount of oil for your vehicle’s engine.
