How to Change the Oil in Your Car - Essay Example

Don't be scared, you don't need any high tech gadgets or tools to get the job done. Aside from the oil wrench, you probably already have all the other tools lying around in your garage. Just like with any other task, getting the right tools together is the first step towards successfully completing the job. The tools you will need (Memmer How to Change Your Oil.) include a combination wrench set (closed and open-ended), oil filter wrench, oil catch basin, a zip lock bag and a funnel. For the oil change itself you will need, a new oil filter and 4-5 quarts of oil (refer to your car manual for for grade and number of quarts).

Any commercial oil such as Valvoline and Castrol will do the job. Since this work will require you to get down and dirty, you should wear pre-soiled work clothes in case any oil dropping come down on you. Surgical gloves on your hands for better grip on the oil plug and old oil filter are advised for safety reasons but not really necessary. As a further safety precaution, have a jack and 4 jack stands handy. After getting all of the necessary tools and materials together, you are now ready to begin the change oil process.

Now remember, hot oil will drain faster out of your car (eHow How to Change Your Motor Oil). . Instead, you should jack up the car and place a stand underneath each of the 4 vital weight points (refer to car manual) in order to secure the car above you. Carefully position yourself under the car, making sure to protect yourself against any accidental oil drippings. Now you are ready to locate the oil drain plug. Carefully place the oil catch basin under the drain plug before unscrewing in order to insure that the old oil will not drain into the street or be absorbed into the soil.

Now would be the best time to wear the surgical gloves if you want to because the first rush of oil out of that pan is going to be scalding hot. Remember to clean the drain plug then set it aside to replug the hole after the drain is complete. Check the plug for any sign of wear and tear. Replace the drain plug if necessary then replug the oil drain hole. Replugging the drain hole is best done by hand in order to insure that cross threading does not occur. Be sure not to over tighten the plug once you use the wrench to tighten it.

Now take a breath, we are almost done. We've got only 3 more important steps to go. In order to fully drain the old oil from the car, you will have to remove and replace the old oil filter located somewhere underneath the car. It is usually positioned somewhere on the side of the engine. You will need the oil wrench to loosen and remove the old filter. Expect the remaining old oil to spurt out from this area so make sure that the oil catch basin is properly positioned to catch the oil. Since an incorrectly attached oil filter can lead to costlier repairs later on, make sure to inspect this area of the motor thoroughly.

Using an old but clean