How to Change Your Car's Oil? A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing the oil in your car is one of the most essential maintenance tasks that should be performed regularly. Fresh oil is crucial for the proper functioning of the engine, providing adequate lubrication and extending its lifespan. In this article, you'll find all the necessary information on how to change the oil yourself, how often to do it, and what to pay attention to for safe and efficient driving.
Table of Contents:
- How often should you change your car’s oil?
- How to prepare for an oil change?
- Step-by-step: How to change your car’s oil?
- What to check after an oil change?
How often should you change your car’s oil?
Wondering how often you should change your car’s oil? The recommended frequency varies by vehicle model and manufacturer. Typically, it should be done every 10,000–15,000 km, but for vehicles driven in harsh conditions or older cars, shortening the interval to 7,500 km is advisable. Regular oil changes prevent sludge buildup and help maintain optimal engine performance.
How to prepare for an oil change?
How do you change your car’s oil? To perform a proper oil change, gather the necessary tools and supplies. You’ll need fresh oil with the correct specification, a new oil filter, an oil filter wrench, a wrench for the drain plug, a container for used oil, protective gloves, and rags.
Before starting, ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and secured properly. It’s best to warm up the oil slightly before draining it—either by taking a short drive or letting the engine run for a few minutes.
Step-by-step: How to change your car’s oil?
Locate the oil drain plug under the vehicle (usually at the bottom of the oil pan). Place a container underneath, unscrew the plug, and allow the oil to drain completely. This may take a few minutes.
Remove the old oil filter using an oil filter wrench. Before installing the new filter, apply a drop of fresh oil to the rubber seal to make future removal easier.
Install the new filter by hand, tightening it until it is securely seated but not overly tight to avoid damaging the seal.
Refill the engine with fresh oil. Once all the old oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Open the oil filler cap (usually located on top of the engine) and pour in the correct amount of fresh oil.
After refilling, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off and wait. Check the oil level using the dipstick, ensuring it falls within the recommended range.
What to check after an oil change?
After changing the oil, inspect for any leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. In the first few days, monitor the oil level to ensure no unexpected drops occur, which could indicate a leak.
Fresh oil improves lubrication, reducing engine wear. Regular oil changes and maintaining the correct oil level can significantly reduce long-term repair costs and prolong engine life.
Routine oil changes are one of the most important maintenance tasks to keep your car running smoothly. Choosing the right parts, such as filters and oil pumps, also plays a crucial role in the efficiency of the lubrication system.