BY MATTHEW BISHOP
jbhipp@go.olemiss.edu
Changing your own oil is a dirty, time-consuming job. But it also gives you a sense of accomplishment and can sometimes be fun. Anybody is capable of doing it and it can save you a good amount of money.
So put on that T-shirt with the huge nacho stain and prepare to smell like a mechanic. Don’t worry; I will guide you through the whole process.
Required Materials:
•Wrench to fit your oil plug
•Oil. Synthetic or conventional. Refer to your owner’s manual or oil cap to see how much and what the recommended weight is. (i.e. 10w-30, 5w-40, etc.)
•New oil filter
•Something to lift and hold the car up. (i.e. ramps or a jack and jack stands.)
•Drain Pan. Cheap Alternative: A big enough bowl
Optional:
•Gloves. Cheap Alternative: Dishwashing gloves
•Funnel. Free Alternative: The top half of an old two-liter bottle
•Oil filter wrench
•Kitty Litter to clean up any oil that was spilled.
•A twelve-pack. The cheaper the better.
Be sure you have not driven your car for at least an hour or your oil will be HOT.
Step 1: Check your oil
The sensors in some modern vehicles can tell you when you need an oil change. But for good measure, physically check your oil. Pop the hood, pull out the dipstick and look at the oil on it. If the oil is any shade of black or dark brown, it is time to change your oil.
Step 2: Lift the car up
You’re probably going to have to raise the car to work underneath it. Either drive the car up ramps or jack the car up. If you use a jack, be sure to secure the car with jack stands. Be sure put a chock (or large block) behind your rear wheels if you use a ramp.
Step 3: Drain the oil
Once you get underneath the car (be sure to have your wrench and drain pan) you need to locate the drain plug. It should be the big bolt all by itself if you look at the bottom of the engine (the oil pan). Use your wrench to break the oil plug loose. Then turn it to the left with your hand while keeping pressure on the bolt. Once you have unscrewed the drain plug swiftly move it out of the way. The oil will now start to pour out of the oil pan so make sure you have your drain pan in the right spot. Be sure not to drop the oil plug into the drain pan; it’s not very fun fishing for it. Let the oil drain until step 5.
Step 4: Remove the old oil filter
You’re going to need to locate the oil filter, which should be on the side of the engine. Look at the new filter if you’re not sure what to look for. If it is difficult to reach from the top of the engine, try to get it from the bottom. Once you find it, turn the filter to the left and start to unscrew it. It you are having trouble gripping the oil filter or if it is too tight, use the oil filter wrench. The wrench will fit around the filter and the tighter you pull to the left, the tighter the grip of the wrench. Once you unscrew the filter try taking it off with the open part facing up because you don’t want oil all over the place. After you get the filter off, place it in the drain pan to let it drain completely.
Step 5: Replace the oil plug
After the oil is fully drained, replace the oil plug. First tighten it with your hand then finish it up with the wrench.
Step 6: Install the new filter
Take the new filter out of the box and fill it with some new oil. Let the filter absorb some of the oil and put a little more in. Then apply some of the new oil to the rubber seal around the new filter with your finger. This ensures a good seal and prevents the seal from dry rotting. Then screw the filter back onto the engine by turning it to the right with your hand.
Step 7: Pour in the new oil
The oil cap should be near the top of the engine. Unscrew the cap and put about three quarts of oil in (a funnel really helps here). Then check the oil level on the dipstick and keep adding oil as needed. Be careful not to overfill. Now screw the oil cap back on.
Step 8: Check for any leaks
Start the car and let it run for about five minutes. Check underneath around the drain plug and oil filter for any leaks and tighten them if necessary. If your car is equipped with an oil pressure gauge check to make sure the oil pressure isn’t too high or low.
Step 9: Recycle old oil
As per EPA regulations you just can’t pour old oil into a storm drain, and unless you want to have the oil laying around in your backyard for years, the best thing to do is to recycle it. Most service stations and even Wal-Mart will take your dirty oil for free.
