How to change the oil in your car.

An oil change is not difficult. Actually, it is one of the simplest (and most valuable) operations you can perform on your vehicle. Although it may seem somewhat complicated at first glance, if you follow these simple instructions, you'll discover that it's not as tough as you may have first thought. All you need is oil, a filter, a drain pan of some type, a funnel, a wrench to fit the drain plug, and the appropriate oil filter wrench.

NOTE: Although many vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the filter at the first oil change and then every other oil change, we recommend changing the filter with each service. It is a small price to pay for extra protection.

CAUTION
The EPA warns that prolonged contact with used engine oil may cause a number of skin disorders, including cancer! You should make every effort to minimize your exposure to used engine oil. Protective gloves should be worn when changing the oil. Wash your hands and any other exposed skin areas as soon as possible after exposure to used engine oil. Soap and water, or waterless hand cleaner should be used.

Under normal operating conditions, many manufacturers recommend the oil to be changed every 7500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever occurs first. When driving conditions frequently include dusty or polluted areas, trailer towing, idling for long periods of time, low speed operation, when operating at temperatures below freezing or driving short distances (under 4 miles or 6.4km), change the oil and filter more frequently. Under these circumstances, oil has a greater chance of building up sludge and contaminants which could damage your engine. If your vehicle use fits into one or more of these categories (as it does for most vehicles), it is suggested that the oil and filter be changed every 3000 miles (5000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first.

The oil should be disposed of properly after it is drained from the vehicle. Store the oil in a suitable container and take the container to an official oil recycling station. Most gas stations or oil and lube facilities will take the used oil at little or no expense to you.

Oil should always be changed after the engine has been running long enough to bring it up to normal operating temperature. Hot oil will flow more easily and will carry more contaminants than will cold oil. The oil drain plug is located on the bottom of the oil pan (bottom of the engine, underneath the car). The oil filter is usually a spin-on canister located on the bottom or side of most engines. In some instances the filter may be in a replacement cartridge located in a housing on the engine or in the engine oil pan.

To change the oil and filter:

1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
2. On most cars, you will have to raise the front of the vehicle and support it safely using a suitable pair of jackstands. Alternately, you can use a pair of ramps just be sure to check for adequate clearance between the ramp and any bodywork on the front of the vehicle. Always block the rear wheels. On many trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV's), you may have access without raising. The oil will often drain more effectively if the vehicle is level.
3. Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Slide a drain pan of a suitable capacity under the oil pan. Wipe the drain plug and surrounding area clean using an old rag.
4. Loosen the drain plug using a ratchet, short extension and socket or a box-wrench. Turn the plug out by hand, using a rag to shield your fingers from the hot oil. By keeping an inward pressure on the plug as you unscrew it, oil won't escape past the threads and you can remove it without being burned by hot oil.

   NOTE: Although a rare occurrence, there are a few vehicles with more than one oil pan drain plug. This is necessary on vehicles where the oil pan is shaped to accommodate suspension components. Be sure to check your oil pan for a second plug, especially if the pan straddles a crossmember.

5. Quickly withdraw the plug and move your hands out of the way. Allow the oil to drain completely into the pan, then install and carefully tighten the drain plug. Be careful not to overtighten the drain plug, otherwise you'll be buying a new pan or a replacement plug for stripped threads.

   NOTE: If the drain plug is equipped with a removable washer or gasket, check its condition and replace, if necessary, to provide a leak-proof seal.

6. Move the drain pan under the oil filter. With spin-on filters, use a strap-type or cap-type filter wrench to loosen and remove the oil filter from the engine block.. Keep in mind that it's holding about one quart of hot, dirty oil. On cartridge filters, open the filter housing using an appropriate wrench for access to the filter element

   WARNING
   On cartridge type oil filters, pay close attention to any gaskets or O-rings that seal the cover to the housing. They must be in good shape and proper position during assembly or leaks will occur.

7. Empty the old filter into the drain pan and properly dispose of the filter.

   NOTE: Some vehicles have used cartridge type filters which are actually installed into the bottom of the oil pan.

8. Check that the gasket came off with the filter or cartridge housing. Using a clean rag, wipe off the filter adapter on the engine block. Be sure that the rag doesn't leave any lint which could clog an oil passage.
9. Coat the rubber gasket on the filter with fresh oil, then spin it onto the engine by hand. When the gasket touches the adapter surface, give it another ¹⁄₂ - ³⁄₄ turn (but no more, or you'll squash the gasket and it may leak).
10. Refill the engine with the correct amount of fresh oil. Please refer to your owners manual for the correct capacity. Fill the engine slowly, checking the level often.
11. Check the oil level on the dipstick. Before the engine is run (and the filter is filled with oil), it is normal for the level to be a slightly above the full mark. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes. Check for leaks at the filter and the drain plug.
    
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