If changing your vehicle’s oil on a regular basis an important thing to do? You bet it is.
Not only should you change your oil on a regular basis, but it is recommended that you do so every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first. Your engine must be well lubed. Otherwise, the moving parts will stick and your engine will fall to pieces.
What you need to do if you want to change your own oil is find a flat spot on the ground. Before you start ensure that you have all the proper tools. You’ll need an open end wrench, an oil filter wrench, new oil, new oil filter, a funnel, a bucket or recycling container and a rag.
Here are the steps to performing a decent oil change operation on your vehicle:
- First, drain the oil by placing your recycling container under your oil pan and removing the oil pan drain with you open end wrench;
- Be sure to put the drain back into place;
- Remove the oil filter with the oil filter wrench;
- Lube the new oil filter and pour a little oil into it then hand tighten it into place on your vehicle;
- Remove your oil cap and pour in your new oil;
- Check your oil to make sure you have not overfilled or underfilled it;
- Put your oil cap back on.
Changing your own oil is not difficult, but it could lead to problems. If you do it wrong or leave out a step then you could cause severe mechanical problems. You could also land in hot tar with the EPA if you cause a dirty oil spill.
If you’d prefer a professional auto mechanic to change your oil for you then contact Lehigh Valley Auto Service.