How to do an oil change?

The engine oil and its filter should be changed with the period suggested in the car's maintenance manual. Also as an intuitive rule of thumb, change the oil and filter every 7000 kilometers or every 4 months, whichever comes first. This practice will provide greater protection and a long life for your engine.

Before starting the task we will need to buy the new oil, for this consult the manual of the car where the recommended type of oil and the capacity of the crankcase appear.

Also the new oil filter. They come in different sizes and shapes. The recommended model for your vehicle is listed in the car manual. If you do not have the manual, any car lubricant store or lubricant center will sell you the right filter and oil just by mentioning the make, model and year of manufacture of the car.

We also need:

  • An adjustable wrench or wrench for the drain nut and a filter wrench.
  • A large drainage tray with a capacity of less than 6 liters.
  • A rag or stopa.
  • A cleaning solution and disposable latex gloves.
  • A funnel to introduce the oil without spilling.

Now we can change the car oil:

  1. To remove the lower plug and drain the oil, you must raise the car a little to be able to slide underneath. NEVER use a jack to hold the car up, it is very unstable. Portable ramps are ideal and much safer. Always follow the ramp manufacturer's recommendations, especially regarding safety. The oil should not be drained when cold, drive the car long enough to bring the engine to normal operating temperatures. So put the car on the ramps, turn off the engine and lift the hood to loosen the filter a bit, this prevents a vacuum from forming and allows the oil to drain from the bottom, in an easier way.
  2. With the engine warm and the car in the desired position, proceed to locate and remove the drain plug that is in the lower and rear part of the crankcase (not to be confused with the automatic transmission drain plug that is in the block of gearbox). Place the oil drain pan under the drain plug. Using your wrench, turn the plug counterclockwise until it turns freely. Finish the operation by rotating it by hand. At this point, make sure the oil comes out freely and is likely to come out hot. Try not to pull the cap onto the tray, although don't worry if that happens.
  3. Using the filter wrench, loosen the oil filter counterclockwise. Complete the operation by hand, being careful not to touch hot areas of the engine or detach any cables. Lower the oil filter carefully, it may be full and feel slightly heavy. Be careful not to spill oil, remove it from the engine and spill its contents on the drain pan.
  4. Take the new filter and use your fingers to apply a light film of oil (new or used) to the gasket that acts as a sealant. Carefully screw the new filter on tightly by hand by turning clockwise. If the filter is properly aligned with the thread it will fit in easily. No clamp is required for final adjustment. Install the bottom plug by hand and finish tightening it with a wrench but do not overtighten it.
  5. On the top of the engine you will find the oil fill cap, usually marked with the oil can symbol. By hand, unscrew the cap and proceed to pour in the new oil, in the amount indicated by the manual using the funnel. Check the oil level with the dipstick. It is located a little lower than the lid and is usually well visible, it consists of a steel tape with Maximum and Minimum marks and a handle or handle to be able to remove it. The correct level is just between the maximum and the minimum. Put the cap on the filler neck and then start the engine for just one minute and recheck the level, if necessary add more oil. Lastly, check under the vehicle for leaks, especially around the oil filter and drain plug.
  6. Write down the mileage so you know when to change the oil again. As used motor oil is highly polluting for the environment, it must be disposed of properly.

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  1.   Patrick said

    I started the engine for only 2 minutes and then removed the plug (without previously reading this info). Could there have been old oil accumulated in the engine or in the crankcase that could harm the new oil? (do not put in the drain plug or the new filter yet)