Need A Oil Change?

If you came down and checked this page there is no doubt that you need to change your oil. Hi I am currently a student at Columbia Basin College and I am in the automotive program and I will be posting what I learn for you to learn also. Well let’s get started…

• ·         Start out by looking around your front windshield or the side of the driver’s door for a service sticker. If there is a sticker it should say when the next oil change is. Oil changes should be done every 3 months or 3,000 miles whichever comes first.

• ·         If it is time for the oil change or if you vehicle didn’t have a service sticker go ahead and open the vehicles hood.

• ·         Locate the engines oil dipstick and pull it out. Does it look dirty (dark)? If so it is time for an oil change.

• ·         Now that you know the vehicle needs an oil change go to your local auto parts and buy the oil and the new oil filter. Make sure you check the owner’s manual for the oil type that your vehicle takes and also how much it takes. When looking for a good oil make sure it has the starburst on the front and the donut on the back.  

• ·         Back at your garage start lifting your vehicle to whatever height is good for you just make sure to be safe and place some jack stands. Now let the vehicle cool down for a bit.

• ·         First things first remove the oil cap from the engine. Now go under the vehicle and locate the drain plug it should be on the oil pan. Make sure you have a container that can be used to catch the used oil. Start taking off the drain plug but be careful wear some safety glasses and gloves because oil will start coming out. After the oil is out place the drain plug back in but do not tighten it too much. Now locate the oil filter and take it off. When placing in the new one make sure it comes off with the O-ring (gasket). Lubricate the new O-ring from the new oil filter with the new oil you purchased and put it in place.

• ·         Now that everything is drained out of the oil pan get out under the car and start lowering the car.

• ·         Get a funnel and place it in where the oil cap was at. Now all you need to do is start filling it up with new oil. Make sure you fill it just enough don’t over fill it. When the required amount of oil is in remove the funnel and put the oil cap back on and start the car up for a few seconds so that the oil fills up the oil filter. Now turn it off and check the dipstick and add more if needed.

·         And now you are done, you have successfully changed the oil in your vehicle.