How To Change Your Oil!

NY Preowned Toyota Dealer | New York Car Service

If your car is in need of a car service or oil change, you may have plans to take it to a nearby professional. This can cost anywhere between $20 to $55, according to Angie’s List, but why not do the procedure ourselves? You don’t need a professional, or to bust your budget, to perform an oil change. Geico and mental_floss teamed up to explain how to perform an oil change yourself, so read below to learn how it’s done.

You’ll need: An oil filter wrench, A box end or socket wrench,  A large drain pan,  A funnel, Latex or rubber gloves, (If needed) ramps or jack stands

Step 1: First, check out your car’s owner’s manual. The manual will inform you of how frequently you should change your oil, how much oil you will need and what kind of oil you will need. You will also want to be sure to read the manual so you know which oil filter to purchase that will last until it is time for your next oil change.

Step 2: Next, drive your car onto ramps or use a jack and jack stands to raise your vehicle so you can access its undercarriage.

Step 3: Locate your drain plug by searching either underneath or on the side of the oil pan, which is usually at the bottom of the engine. Consult with your manual to know which bolt to unscrew, and then place your oil-collecting container underneath. Unscrewing the bolt will allow for any oil to pour out.

Step 4: Use your socket-style filter wrench to remove the oil filter cap. Slowly turn the filter counterclockwise and then unscrew with your hand when it is loose enough. Dump the contents of the filter into your pan and set it aside. In case your filter has a cover, look for the Allen bolt and loosen it to drain any oil that’s been caught in the chamber. Using a band-style oil filter wrench, you can loosen the cover and remove the old filter.

Step 5: After cleaning around where the filter goes (using old rags and elbow grease), check to make sure there is no rubber remains from the old filter. Then, dip a finger that is clothed in a glove into your new oil container. This will moisten the replacement filter’s gasket, so your filter can better adhere to the engine. Next, use a wrench to screw the new filter into place. Rotate until it begins to resist, and then turn about 3/4 more to be sure it’s secure, but not too tight.

Step 6: Also replace the drain plug using the box end of a combination wrench. Be sure it isn’t too loose or too tight. Checking your owner’s manual will inform you as to whether or not you need to replace the plug’s washer with a new, single-use o-ring. Next, double-deck the oil plug and oil filter and insert your funnel into the oil filler hole. Pour all but one-quarter of the oil in and replace the cap. Turn on your car’s engine and allow it to run between 30 seconds to one minute. This is the ideal amount of time for the oil to settle and circulate.

Step 7: Wait for your vehicle to rest for about five to 10 minutes. You can lower your car from jacks during this step, as you will no longer need to access the undercarriage. Once rested for the appropriate amount of time, unscrew the filler cap and use a dipstick to see how high the oil level is. It should be a little low because you left a quart remaining inside your bottle. Slowly add this quart at this stage, and be sure to check the dipstick level with each pour. When the oil reaches the stick’s highest puncture mark, your reserve is full. Replace the filler cap once you’re finished.

Step 8: Test drive your vehicle.

Step 9: After letting your car cool, unscrew the filler cap and use the dipstick to see how high the oil reaches. If it is no longer full, repeat steps seven and eight to properly complete your oil change. If it’s still full, you’ve successfully changed your oil!