How to Change Your Oil

If you own an air condition unit, experts suggest you change its filter every 3 months. This is required to ensure good air quality and efficient system performance. This is similar to a car owner needing to change their vehicle’s oil consistently for good quality engine performance.

Since 2008, Big Valley Auto Auction has inspected different makes and models of vehicles. We want to use our 15+ years of experience to help teach you how to change your vehicle’s oil. 

In this article, you’re going to learn the signs that your vehicle needs an oil change, the tools you need, the steps, how often you should change your oil, and why you should continuously change your oil.

After reading this article, you’ll have the information needed to know how to change your oil yourself.

How Do I Know When to Change My Oil?

You should change your vehicle’s engine oil every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on what type of vehicle you drive and the oil you use.

6 Signs you need to change your oil include:

• Mileage (based on when you had your last oil change)
• Oil is dark brown/black
• Smells like fuel
• Car seems to lack normal performance
• Tapping or ticking noise coming from the engine
• Age of oil

What Tools Do I Need to Change My Oil?

Although not all vehicles are the same, most vehicles generally require the following 6 tools for an oil change:

• Jack and jackstands (to lift the vehicle safely)
• Oil filter wrench or socket
• Proper sized wrench or socket and ratchet (to remove drain plug)
• Oil drain pan (to catch all the used oil)
• Funnel 
• Rag 

How Do I Change My Oil?

To properly change your oil, there are 10 steps you should take:

• Use the jack to raise the car up and safely secure it on the jackstands.
  
  
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap.
  
  
• Place the drain pan under the drain plug and remove the plug, using the correct sized wrench or socket.
  
  
• Allow 10 minutes for the oil to drain. (or until it comes to a slow drip)
  
  
• Replace the drain plug gasket and drain plug, if necessary. (Be sure not to over-tighten the drain plug or you will damage the oil pan.)
  
  
• Remove the oil filter from the engine and make sure the gasket comes off with it. (If you have a cartridge-type filter, it will be under the hood of the car, on top of the engine.)
  
  
• Lubricate the gasket surface of the oil filter. Prefill if specified by the manufacturer, and then install onto the engine hand, tight, with the oil filter wrench. (For cartridge-type filters, replace the O ring on the filter car and ensure the filter sits properly in the housing, and tighten down to the specific torque.)
  
  
• Remove jackstands from under the car and set it on the ground.
  
  
• Add the manufacturer recommended amount of oil to the engine.
  
  
• Remove and clean the dipstick, replace it in the dipstick tube, and verify the engine is at the proper oil level. (After an oil change, the oil should be at the Full mark on the dipstick.)

How Often Should I Change My Oil?

You should change your oil at the manufacturer's recommended intervals. For example, Ford recommends changing your oil every 6 months. However, this depends on the vehicle’s model, age, and driving habits. 

Why Should I Change My Oil?

You should change your oil to prolong the life and performance of your engine. During the normal operation of your engine, you encounter carbon deposits formed during the combustion process, and dirt brought in through the intake (and possibly fuel.) 

The job of your engine oil is to lubricate, protect, and clean the vital internal parts of your engine while running. When oil is old, dirty, and broken down, it is unable to protect your engine and may result in catastrophic engine failure.

What Are the Benefits of Changing My Oil?

There are 3 benefits that come with changing your oil:

• Prolonged engine life
• Better engine performance
• Peace of mind

Do I Know How to Change My Oil?

Just like continuously changing your air condition filter can ensure good air quality and efficient performance, changing your oil consistently can prolong your vehicle’s engine performance. Knowing when, and how, to change your oil is helpful in protecting your engine, and is an overall valuable skill for any car owner.

Whether you’re a car dealer that bought a vehicle in need of an oil change, or you’re just an everyday car owner, you can use this article as a step-by-step guide to help you change your oil yourself.

If you’re a car dealer who just completed an oil change and are looking to sell your vehicle, you can click the button below to speak with our dealer registration specialist to get you registered with Big Valley Auto Auction.

Not ready to talk? That’s okay! First, learn more about what it’s like to buy and sell at Big Valley Auto Auction by clicking the image below: