How to Change Your Vehicle’s Oil
Changing your car oil routinely will help your car’s fuel efficiency to last longer.
Here are some things that you may need when changing your car oil:
- Engine Oil
- Gloves and Rags
- Container to catch the old oil
- New Oil filter
- Jack or ramp
- Socket set
To change the car oil, you must:
- Let your car run for 2-3 minutes. Longer than that, and your oil may become too hot.
- Find the drain plug and place a container underneath to catch the oil spillage. Unscrew the plug using a wrench and make sure to protect your hands using gloves or a rug.
- Once drained, screw the plug back in.
- Replace the oil filter. Make sure to find the best one for your car’s make and model.
- Remove the old filter and let the old oil drain out.
- Open the new oil and dip your finger in. Use your finger to put some oil on the gasket of the new filter. Follow the directions properly.
- After removing the cap from the oil filler hole, fill it with new oil and stop where it meets the indicated line. Put the cap back on and check to see if nothing else is amiss.
- Let your car run for a minute. Turn it off then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Recheck the oil and see if it has met the line.
- Refill if needed.
- Make sure to find the correct facility that can discard your car’s old oil for you. NEVER spill down the drain.
Things to Keep in Your Car
You can never tell when an emergency happens, so better be prepared by keeping the following things in your car.
- Jumper Cables
- Maps/Atlas
- Blanket
- Disposable Camera
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight
- Flare
- Fire Extinguisher
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Pen/Pencil and Paper
Things Your Car Mechanic Is Not Telling You
Here are things you need to watch out for when you hire a mechanic for your vehicle repair or maintenance.
- Keep an eye out for scare tactics
- Check for certifications
- Always ask questions
- Find the experts
- Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion