How to Keep Your Engine and Yourself Clean
The most common maintenance service you probably get with your vehicle is an oil change. Essentially, the process is pretty simple. You remove the old oil and filter and replace it with fresh oil and a new filter. If you are going to change your oil yourself, you want to make sure you are properly equipped to do so.
Tools
Before you start any maintenance task, you need to make sure you have the right materials and tools to do it correctly. Of course, you will need enough oil to fill your vehicle and a new oil filter. There are several other items you need to have on hand:
- Oil pan
- Socket wrench
- Oil filter wrench
- Funnel
- Protective gear, such as gloves
Your owner's manual can tell you the right kind of oil to buy for your car and how much oil you will need. The staff at your local auto parts store can likely help you find the rest of the necessary supplies if you don't already have them.
Space
It doesn't take a large area to change the oil in your vehicle, but you don't want to be crowded. Unless you have enough ground clearance under your vehicle, you will likely need to jack the car up so that you can get under it. Make sure your vehicle is steady and secured to avoid injury during the oil change.
Process
The first step is to drain the oil. Remove the oil filter cap. You want to place the drain pan where it will catch the oil after you remove the drain plug. After all the oil is removed, replace the drain plug securely. Then you can replace the oil filter and add the new oil. After you have finished, run your car for about thirty seconds and turn it off. Check for leaks under the vehicle before you drive the car again.
You may be able to change the oil in your vehicle with no problem. For your convenience, however, the technicians at West Automotive Group in Miramar, California, can change it while you wait. Bring your vehicle into the shop when it's time for your next oil change.
