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There's
a small initial investment for supplies, but you'll
make that back the first time you do it yourself.
What you will need: -
- An oil filter wrench
- An adjustable wrench or a socket wrench
- Two empty plastic milk cartons, or other
empty container
- A funnel
- Some rags
- New oil
- New oil filter
- A shallow plastic or metal pan that will
hold at least 2 gallons (Cat litter pan works
well.)
- Wheel blocks
- Safety glasses
- A jack and a pair of jack stands or a pair
of car ramps.
- Rubber gloves (Optional)
"How often do I need to change my oil?"
you ask. Most manufacturers' recommendations are
once every 7,500 miles, depending on the car and
driving conditions. Most folks change it once
every 6,000 miles. Conventional wisdom says that
changing more often is better.
Personally, I recommend every 3,000 to 3,500
miles to my customers. This is because driving
conditions are very rarely "Ideal" and
keeping clean oil in the crankcase is the best
way to keep your engine running for a good, long
time.
Okay, let's put on some old clothes and get
to work. Make sure that your car is parked on
a level grade, rather than on any sort of hill
or inclined driveway. Warm oil drains much easier
than cold oil so let your car run for about 10
minutes before you drain the oil. After the engine
is nice and warm, jack up the car and place your
jack stands under the frame to support the vehicle.
Or, if you have car ramps, drive the car onto
the ramps. In either case, block the rear wheels
to prevent rolling. Set the parking brake and
if you have an automatic transmission, put in
Park.
NEVER GO UNDER A CAR SUPPORTED BY THE
JACK ALONE!! SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH CAN RESULT!!!
Watch out for hot oil, it's a good idea to wear
safety glasses when changing your oil. I wear
a pair of latex examination gloves, exactly like
your Doctor uses, to help keep my hands clean
and pick up the drain plug that will probably
fall into the drain pan. You can buy them at the
auto parts store.
Grab your drain pan and wrench and slide under
the car. Locate the oil drain plug on the oil
pan.
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