How to Change Engine Oil

Engine oil is a very important part of the internal combustion process of the fuel in the car's engine. It plays an important role in cooling and lubricating the moving parts of the vehicle. Motor oils are derived from non-petroleum as well as petroleum based synthesized compounds.

They are mainly made by using organic compounds that mainly consist hydrogen and carbon. Over a certain period of time, engine oil loses its grip and gets contaminated. This largely depends on the driving habits of the driver as well.

For some the necessity to change the engine oil may arise within just 3 months, while some may be able to drive well without having to change it for more than 2 years, as well. It is often recommended that you change engine oil after every 3000 miles are driven. But frequently changing engine oil can be a bit of a hassle and a costly affair. There is, though, one simple solution to this, learn how to do it yourself.

• Quarts of engine oil (as per the requirements)
• Wheel ramp
• Oil filter wrench
• Blocks (for wedging behind the tires)
• Funnel and a large plastic container
• Allen's wrench
• New oil filter (as per the design of the car) and a rag

Make sure you have an extremely flat surface to work on, a surface that is without any slope, and avoid hilly areas.

• Put the wheel ramp under the front tires of the vehicle and drive up the vehicle on them so that they are aligned properly. Put on the emergency breaks of the car and place the wheel ramps behind the back tires of the vehicle as well.

• Open the hood of the vehicle and the oil filter. Locate the drain plug that will be situated at the bottom of the oil pan towards the back of the vehicle's engine.

• Working with the dripping oil out of the oil pan can be tricky, so one must do it very carefully. Place a plastic container and a drop cloth or a piece of paper under that container to avoid the risk of oil stains in the passage, garage, or the driveways.

• Once the oil is drained fully, replace the oil plug and the oil filter as well. To unscrew the oil filter, place the new oil filter wrench around the older one and turn it counterclockwise.

• After removing the older oil filter, just lubricate the edges of the new one with some oil and then set it in place of the older one. Do not tighten the oil filter too much, as it can barricade its movements.

• Next, put back the oil in the vehicle. You have to locate the orifice that will be at the top of the engine (it is easy to locate it, as it has letters OIL embedded on it). Place the funnel on its opening and fill up the required amount of quarts that your vehicle needs.

If you are not sure, how much of engine oil does the vehicle require, you can check it with help of the dipstick. After you are done refueling, make sure you start the vehicle on the ramp itself. 

This will help you be sure of any leakages in the oil filter, so you can fix them immediately. All you have to do now is to drive the vehicle off the wheel ramps and you are done!

There is one precaution that you should take regarding the used engine oil, do not ever pour it on the ground, rather dispatch it in a place that deals with recycling used oil.