Oil change is one of the basic auto maintenance. To keep your car running, it is a must to change oil and filter regularly. Overtime your oil will break down and clogged the filter. Though your driving habits and the type of vehicle matter, most likely oil is changed every 3 months interval equivalent to 3,000 miles or approximately 5,000 km. This recommendation is good only for cars operating under normal condition, so if you are driving more often, consult your owner’s manual for service interval.

To change oil, first and foremost, gather all necessary supplies and equipment such as old newspapers or cardboards, oil filters, wrench set, oil container, funnel and new oil. Don’t forget to wear gloves to protect your hands from oil stain.

To start with, open the hood of your car then open the oil filler cap on the top of the engine to drain the oil easier. On the bottom of the oil pan, locate the drain plug which normally sits at the back of the engine to catch runoff oil. The oil then comes out of the pan, have some

newspaper/drop cloth or cardboards so you won’t risk an oil stain in the driveway or garage.

Using a wrench or proper sized socket, loosen the plug counter-clockwise. You can have an extension like pipe segment to handle ratchet. Also you need to remove and replace the circular paper drain plug gasket. Never drop the plug in the oil. If you do, it will be a hard time finding it.

Locate the filter assembly, filters can be on the front, back and side of engines, and remove it. It may be tough; you need to have to get a hold slow and steady while twisting the can. Use an oil filter wrench if you can’t have a hold on it. Get a pan to catch the drips so you won’t spill the oil in the filter. In removing the oil filter, the rubber gasket ring must come out with the filter. It should not stick to the car because the new filter won’t seal properly, it will eventually leak.

Then remove all packaging when you install the new filter. Slightly plunge the tip of your finger in the new oil and spread it on the gasket ring of your new filter. Prior to your installing, pour some oil in the filter to reduce the amount of time your car will take to recover proper oil pressure. Never use old oil.

Likewise, install a replacement gasket or washer. Using your fingers, thread the washer but not too tight. Now, screw the new, lubricated filter carefully so as not to cross the threads. Replace all the paper cartridge filters at once until the gasket touches so it won’t leak. Specification of the gasket is visible on the filter or box. To easily install per specs of it especially if the filter is in a difficult location, you can use a cap wrench. Don’t forget to wipe any debris or build up off the surface.

New oil can now be added at the fill hole. Be sure to read the owner’s manual beforehand for the amount you need. Use a funnel to pour smoothly. You can replace the fill cap and finally close the hood. Now, start the engine and make sure the oil pressure light goes off after start-up. Allow the vehicle to run for 5 minutes to warm up the engine and let the oil circulate to make sure the filter is not leaking. Shut the engine off. The dipstick on the engine should be read as full and no leaks at all.