Quick
Tips for a Do-It-Yourself Oil Change
Oil changes are often offered at a great price at your
local automotive retail store. If you are just not ready to hand over your
vehicle to a stranger to change the oil, a do-it-yourself oil change is an art
that can be learned and mastered. Below you will find some quick tips to a
successful and easy flowing oil change.
1. Car Jack- Unless you have a vehicle that sits
far enough off of the ground you will most likely need a car jack. The car jack
that comes with the vehicle is for emergency use only. It is not advised to
attempt using this item to get under your vehicle. A floor jack model is
recommended during oil changes. You will need to find the frame of your vehicle
to place the jack; the frame is the main stability of the vehicle.
2. Oil Drain Pan- After removing the
oil plug you will need something that oil can drain into. You will need a
container that is five quarts or larger depending on the size of your vehicle.
I have made many devices in my rein but this is something that your local
automotive retail store should carry.
3. Oil Filter Wrench- This is an item that
is inexpensive and handy to have in your possession while performing your oil
change. While you are under the car working on twisting the old oil filter
(left for loose on most vehicles) loose and are unable to get that first
initial budge; having an oil filter wrench handy is something you will not
regret. Many models and sizes are very inexpensive. I recommend the gear wrench
model over the cap model.
4. New Oil Filter- An item to have in
hand when your vehicle is done draining oil from the plug location and also the
oil filter location. The new oil filter is a needed item in a successful oil
change. Oil filters are made by several companies; you can spend a little to a
lot on an oil filter. I personally get along best with the oil filters that
have the build in grip on the filter itself. This is handy when tightening and
loosening the oil filter during your do-it-yourself oil change.
5. Funnel and New Oil- Your car manual and
local automotive store will help you find the products you need specifically
build for your own vehicle model. The oil is a needed purchase for your oil
change but the funnel is not. It does help the process flow a little easier but
you could also cut the bottom off of a quart of oil bottle to use that as a
funnel as well.
Your car manual as well has much information about the
location and types of tools and resources needed for your vehicle.
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