A guide to changing your car’s engine oil
Your car’s engine is the most important part of the vehicle, providing the propulsion required to move a considerable amount of weight from one place to another. And whilst any engine fitted to a car is designed to last the life of the vehicle, regular maintenance is still required to ensure efficient and safe operation.
The most important maintenance procedure you can complete on your vehicle is simply changing the engine oil at set intervals, either based upon mileage or duration. In this guide, we’re going to teach you how to change your oil yourself.
Gather Your Tools and Parts
Changing your engine oil is relatively simple once you have the right parts and the tools required to complete the job. The items you require include:
- A bottle of suitable engine oil (check your cars handbook for the type and quantity required).
- An engine oil filter (enter your registration number into a car part finder website to locate the correct part).
- A funnel.
- An oil filter wrench or spanner.
- A suitably sized torque wrench.
- A new washer and sump plug.
- A set of axle stands.
- A suitable container for collecting used engine oil.
You might be able to remove your old oil filter without the use of a specialist wrench but we suggest making use of one if this is your first time changing your own oil.
Step One: Locate Your Oil Filter
The location of your oil filter will depend on the model of vehicle you have, but usually, it will either be located within the engine bay or underneath the engine on the underside of the car.
Simply make a mental note of where it is as it will have to be removed and replaced during this process.
Step Two: Jack Your Car Up
Your engines sump plug or drain hole is located on the underside of the engine. To access it, you will need to jack your car up and place it on axle stands.
Utilise your vehicles jack to elevate the nearside or offside front corner of your car. Once high enough, you can slide an axle stand into place and repeat for the other side of the vehicle.
Step Three: Drain Your Old Engine Oil
Once the car is elevated in the air, you can then remove the sump plug on the bottom of the engine with your torque wrench. Bear in mind that oil will gush out as soon as it is removed so have your container ready for catching it.
Step Four: Replace Your Oil Filter
You can now replace your oil filter with the new one you have purchased. It will simply screw into place and can be tightened by hand. By now your old oil should have completely drained so use your new sump plug to seal it and then remove your car from the axle stands.
Step Five: Add New Engine Oil
With your new oil filter in place and your new sump plug sealing your engine, you can now pour in the appropriate amount of engine oil into the filler cap which is located in the engine bay, completing the job.
Lowes Garage Service: Providing Vehicle Repairs, Servicing and MOTs in Worcester
As an experienced car garage, we can assist you with a variety of services for your car. Whether you require the fitting of towbars or simply an MOT, book now or by calling us on 01905 426 533 or enquire within by visiting us at Unit 6, Weir Lane, Venture Business Park, Worcester, WR2 4AY.
