Changing car oil on a periodic basis is necessary to maintain engine efficiency and reduce damage due to wear and tear. If you wish to save some money and want to know how to do an oil change yourself, we have got you covered.
Changing Car Oil Yourself
It requires some essential tools and familiarity with the working of engine oil to make an oil change. If you are not confident, always take advice from the automotive professionals before changing car oil at home.
Tools for Oil Change
You don’t need anything extensive, rather your trusty tool box at home should do the trick. Before you prepare to change car oil yourself, make sure following tools are available:
- Hydraulic jack
- Wrench
- Oil Drain Pan
- Oil Filter Wrench
- Funnel
You need the right type of synthetic oil for replacement along with a new oil filter. The type of oil (varying viscosity) required is often found written on the engine oil cap or in the car’s manual. You might want to consult a professional if you are not sure of the type or make a quick search online relative to the car’s brand and model.
Check how much oil your car needs as it varies based on engine size. Usually a 4 cylinder engine will require around 5 litres of oil whereas a larger 8 cylinder engine may require up to 8 litres of oil.
Nonetheless, avoid overfilling by checking the oil dipstick to determine how much more is needed or else excess oil needs to be drained.
Prepare Your Car
Cars like SUVs have enough ground clearance to go underneath directly. When you are dealing with a sedan or coupe, you might need to lift the car with a jack to go beneath it. Since you will be working underneath the car, it is a good idea to make sure the floor is clean as well.
Modern vehicles often have an undertray to cover the lower engine. Some vehicles provide built-in hatches to access oil drain plugs while others require removal of undertray completely.
If the engine is running, the oil may run hot so let it cool down before proceeding with draining.
Draining Oil
Inspect the engine to know which side is the engine oil and which side is the transmission oil. It’s a common mistake to drain transmission oil especially when it’s front-wheel drive.
Once everything is in order and your vehicle is properly jacked up, it is time to unplug the oil drain. Place the drain pan underneath the drain plug and proceed with unscrewing the plug, counter clockwise.
It can take around 10 minutes to completely drain the oil. Before re-plugging the oil drain, inspect the plug and gasket for signs of wear and tear as a damaged plug can lead to leakage. Screw back the drain plug carefully and avoid over tightening it or else it will damage the oil container.
Replacing Oil Filter
While draining the oil, you can proceed to replace the oil filter or wait it out if you lack an extra oil pan. The location of oil filters is not standardized and varies for different brands and models.
Some filters are located underneath the car towards the front, rear or near the wheel well. If you are lucky, you may find your filter along the upper engine.
You will need to readjust the pan as the excess oil will flow out while removing the filter. Use your fingers dipped in new oil to wet the sealing of the new filter. Insert back the filter carefully to avoid overtightening.
Now that you have drained the oil and changed the filter, it’s time to pour in the new oil. Use a plastic funnel to add oil conveniently and avoid overfilling.
Check Oil Level
Once you are done with oil change, start up the engine so the new oil can circulate in the engine. Keep the engine running for 10 to 20 seconds and shut it off. Let the car remain idle for a few minutes and check the oil dipstick. Be sure to wipe the dipstick first to remove the old oil marking. Make sure of using the right kind of engine oil, here are some signs of using wrong engine oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do in case of excess oil?
Depending on the engine size, engine oil capacity varies from 3 to 8 litres. When changing car oil yourself, try to avoid excess oil by either checking up with car manual or reading markings on the dipstick.
However, if there is excess oil then you might need an oil suction tool. The pipe of the suction tool is inserted through the dipstick area to remove excess oil. Since such apparatus may not be available at home and driving may cause damage engine component, you might need to tow your car to the auto professionals.
When to change the car oil?
Before changing your car oil, ensure the recommended oil type by manufacturer. You can consult with the car dealer to find the right type. The amount of kilometres is usually stated on the oil container, which may range from 5000 km to 15000 km. Additionally, driving conditions may also factor in to the frequency of oil change. One of the many benefits of a regular oil change is that it can improve the car’s engine efficiency.
Explore new and used car accessories and parts for sale in the UAE to find some options in terms of filters and car tools.
You can also try some creative approaches, for instance using a regular jug instead of oil pan or making your own oil filter wrench with a regular rope or wire and using it as leverage with any tool to rotate. Whatever, you select, don’t believe common car engine oil myths.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blogs for more information on car parts, market trends and automotive technology.
Related Posts
