How to Change Oil: Professional Ways + Tips For Beginners!

You need to change oil in your car. It is a key part of car care. Regular oil changes keep your car running well. Furthermore, it helps your engine last longer. This guide will show you how to change oil, whether you are a new driver or a pro.

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Why You Must Change Oil?

Your car’s engine has many moving parts. These parts rub together. Oil makes them slide smoothly. However, oil gets dirty over time. It picks up tiny bits of metal and dirt. Dirty oil cannot protect your engine well. Therefore, you must change oil often. This simple task stops big problems later.

What You Need to Change Your car Oil?

Before you start, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the job easier. For example, you need new oil and an oil filter. Also, a drain pan is a must to catch the old oil. Here are some things you will need:

New Motor Oil: Check your car’s manual. It tells you the right type and amount of oil. For instance, some cars use synthetic oil.
New Oil Filter: Every time you change oil, you should also change the filter. The filter cleans the oil.
Oil Drain Pan: This collects the old, dirty oil. Look for one with a good capacity. On Amazon HOPKINS DRAIN OIL PAN.
Wrench or Socket Set: You need the right size for your drain plug.
Oil Filter Wrench: Some oil filters are hard to remove by hand. On Amazon LISLE 63600 WRENCH.
Funnel: This helps you pour new oil without spills. On Amazon HOPKINS FLOTOOL SUPER QUICK FUNNEL.
Gloves: Protect your hands from hot, dirty oil. Check out this pair MECHANIX ORIGINAL WORK GLOVES.
Jack and Jack Stands: These lift your car safely. TORIN BIG RED JACK STAND.
Wheel Chocks: These stop your car from rolling.
Shop Rags or Old Towels: For cleaning up any spills.
Mechanic’s Creeper: This lets you slide comfortably under the car. TORIN BIG RED PADDED.

How to Change car Oil: A Beginner's Guide!

Changing oil is a basic car skill. Follow these steps carefully. You will find it simple

1: Get Your Car Ready to Change Oil

Park your car on a flat surface. Make sure the engine is a little warm, but not hot. A warm engine helps the oil drain better. However, hot oil can burn you. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes. Next, put on your gloves. Then, lift your car safely with a jack and place jack stands under it. Always use jack stands for safety. Put wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

2: Drain the Old Oil

Find the oil drain plug. It is usually a bolt on the bottom of the oil pan. Place your drain pan under the plug. Use your wrench to loosen the plug. Be careful; the oil might be hot. Remove the plug by hand. Let all the old oil drain into the pan. This takes several minutes. Meanwhile, inspect the drain plug for wear. If it looks bad, replace it.

3: Remove the Old Oil Filter

Locate the oil filter. It looks like a small metal can. Place your drain pan under the filter, too. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen it. Unscrew the filter by hand. Some oil will spill, so be ready. Moreover, check that the old rubber gasket came off with the filter. If not, remove it from the engine block.

4: Install the New Oil Filter

Take your new oil filter. Put a thin layer of new oil on its rubber gasket. This helps it seal well. Furthermore, some people like to fill the new filter halfway with new oil. This helps oil get to the engine parts faster at first start-up. Screw the new filter on by hand until it is snug. Then, turn it another three-quarters of a turn. Do not overtighten it.

5: Replace the Drain Plug

Once all the old oil has drained, clean the area around the drain plug. Put the drain plug back in. Tighten it with your wrench. Do not overtighten, or you might damage the pan.

6: Add New Oil

Find your car’s oil fill cap. It is usually on top of the engine. Use your funnel to pour the new oil. Pour slowly. Check your car’s manual for the right amount. When done, put the oil cap back on tightly.

7: Final Checks After You Change Oil

Lower your car off the jack stands. Start the engine. Let it run for a minute or two. This helps the new oil move through the engine. Check for any leaks around the drain plug or filter. Turn off the engine. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle. Finally, check the oil level with the dipstick. Add more oil if needed.

Professional Ways to Change your Car Oil

Even for pros, the basics are the same. However, a professional approach adds more care and checking.

Warm Engine, Not Hot: Pros often suggest a slightly warm engine. This makes the old oil less thick, so it drains better. Nonetheless, extreme heat can be dangerous.
Check for Leaks: Before draining, a pro looks for existing oil leaks. This can show other issues.
Inspect the Old Oil: The color and consistency of old oil can tell a story. Very dark or milky oil could mean other engine problems.
Torque Wrench Use: Professionals use a torque wrench to tighten the drain for instance TEKTON 1/2 INCH TORQUE WRENCH plug and oil filter. This ensures they are tight enough, but not too tight. Over-tightening can strip threads.
New Crush Washer: Many drain plugs use a crush washer. It creates a good seal. Pros always replace this washer. You can check here DRAIN PLUGS CRUSH WASHER GASKET.
Pre-filling the Oil Filter: As mentioned, pre-filling the filter with new oil helps. It reduces the time the engine runs without full oil pressure at startup.
Check Other Fluids: When you are under the hood, check other fluids. For example, check brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant.
Proper Disposal: Always take your old oil and filter to a recycling center. Do not pour it down the drain. This protects the environment. Many auto parts stores accept used oil for free. You can also check OEMTOOLS FLUID EXTRACTOR on Amazon

Tips for a Smooth Oil Change

Read Your Manual: Always check your car’s owner’s manual. It has specific details about your car. This includes oil type and filter part numbers.
Stay Clean: Keep shop rags handy. This helps clean up spills right away. Moreover, wear old clothes you do not mind getting dirty.
Safety First: Never work under a car supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands. For instance, a car falling can cause serious injury.
Buy in Bulk: If you change oil often, buying oil in larger containers can save money.
Track Your Changes: Keep a log of your oil changes. Note the date and mileage. This helps you know when to change oil next.

Watch a video on HOW to change oil: {FT: CHRISFIX}

in Conclusion:

Knowing how to change oil is a useful skill. It saves money and helps you understand your car better. Ultimately, it keeps your engine healthy. By following these steps and tips, even a beginner can change oil like a pro. Furthermore, with the right tools from Amazon, the job is even easier. Happy driving!