Changing Motor Oil

Every car has an engine and every engine needs lubrication for efficient running. A fluid known as engine oil or motor oil is necessarily in every car ever and is a lubricant to ensure smoothness and optimum performance of the engine. However, with routine running, the engine does demand oil changes as it is consumed and gets dirty with regular use. Good engine oils last fine for about 4000-5000 miles (6500-8000km) though the range is from as low as 2000 miles and then all the way up to 15 000 miles.

Check the dipstick located on the face of the engine (a ring-like structure protruding on the engine face) – pull it and see the oil level and its cleanliness. There is a mark, and it should be perfectly levelled. About its cleanliness, it should be practically invisible. If it is below the mark or visibly dirty (even a bit), its best to have it replaced or topped off with some fresh motor oil. I will guide you as to how you can change the oil at home and save a few bucks while you enjoy an hour of fun and an all-new learning experience.

You Will Need

• A nice sheet of apron-thick plastic approximately at least 25″x35″ (2×3 ft). Although, an ordinary cardboard layer will be just fine.
• A bowl with a capacity of at least 2 US Gallons (6Litres+) .
• A new bottle of engine/motor oil with quantity to fill your car’s motor oil reservoir. To find this number out, consult your owner’s manual or your mechanic.
• A spanner to open the nut at the bottom of your car.
• An ordinary car jack (found in the boot of your car, under the carpet with the spare wheel)

Steps

1. Place the plastic or cardboard sheet on the floor just around under the engine area
2. Take a plastic (or any) bowl with a capacity of at least 6-8 litres or 2-3 gallons and put it under a nut**will explain
3. Take the jack and lift the car up from one side.
4. Locate the nut immediately under the engine oil reservoir – although it is best to contact your mechanic for this
5. Open this nut, and let the oil drain out into the bowl
6. Once the oil is completely out, open the cap of the engine oil reservoir on the engine face, and pour clean water into it. Let the dirt within the compartment get out
7. Once the reservoir is perfectly empty, tighten the nut back on the bottom of the car
8. Pour the new bottle of engine oil (motor oil) into the reservoir. It is advised to first find out the capacity of engine oil in your car through the internet or your mechanic, and only pour so much.
9. Tighten the cap on the face of the engine and make sure the dipstick is in its place.
10. Lower the car-jack and and take it off.
11. After a little while (2-3mins), turn on the car and let it run for a couple of minutes.
12. Turn the car off and check the dipstick for the level of the engine oil
13. If it is enough, then youre just about done, otherwise you may need to put some more (just pour it in from the top). If it is slightly more, theres nothing to worry, though in most cars this is impossible.
14. Dispose carefully the motor oil that has been replaced. Be sure you know the environmental rules of such disposal, particularly in states like California.
15. Clean up & you’re back on the road!

**Also, check every 1000 miles or so, the condition of the engine oil. If the level is below the mark, or the oil is remarkably dirty, have it replaced. If only the level is low (even if by a quarter inch), top the reservoir with some more oil. This involves ONLY pouring in from the top.

Remember, engine/motor oil is the lifeblood of a car. Take good care of your car with specific regards to :

• Engine oil
• Battery
• Power Steering Fluid
• Brake Discs/Rotors
• Engine Coolant
• Tires & Tire Pressure

Making sure your car is maintained excellently with special regards to the above mentioned aspects and your car should be trouble-free.