| Most drivers don't know how to change their car | | | | double safety measure. |
| engine's oil. In fact it is a task that is needed after | | | | Step 6: |
| every 6000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. | | | | Unscrew the sump plug anti-clockwise with the |
| Many drivers drive with dirty and old oil which can | | | | spanner/socket set and make the container ready to |
| result in engine degradation. It is not very difficult to | | | | catch the pouring oil. Keep your head away. |
| change an oil filter and it can be done in DIY style, here | | | | Step 7: |
| is a simple guide. Follow the simple directions. | | | | Rotate the sump plug taking it off by hand and let the |
| Things Needed | | | | oil drain down in to the old oil container. Keep observing |
| - New oil filter | | | | the container as the oil flow likely moves. The drained |
| - New oil | | | | oil should be disposed off properly. |
| - New oil cap | | | | Step 8: |
| - Container for old oil | | | | The sump plug has a magnetic tip. The oil should be |
| - Wheelie board | | | | gently wiped off and observe it. If the tip has lots of |
| - Jack | | | | small metal filings, this is a sign that the engine is |
| - Axle stands | | | | degrading. There can be number of reasons for this |
| - Spanner or socket set to fit sump plug | | | | including rust. Make sure the oil is frequently changed in |
| - Chain wrench | | | | future. |
| - Latex Gloves | | | | Step 9: |
| Directions | | | | The oil filter has to be unscrewed anti-clockwise. |
| Step 1: | | | | Hands can be used but a chain wrench is mostly used. |
| It is essential not to do an oil change should within two | | | | Step 10: |
| hours time period of driving the car. Otherwise the | | | | Wipe a thin layer of oil around the rubber seal of the |
| dipstick will not show correct reading. A good idea is to | | | | new oil filter for ensuring a perfect contact. Then |
| run the engine with low revs for couple of minutes | | | | screw the new filter and tighten it by hand only. Avoid |
| before thinning the oil and aiding the oil drain. | | | | over-tight. |
| Step 2: | | | | Step 11: |
| The car should be parked on a flat surface, this will | | | | The oil should have completely drained by this point. |
| ensure the stability of the jack. | | | | Replace and tighten the sump plug roughly one |
| Step 3: | | | | half-turn past with the spanner/socket set. |
| Open the bonnet and remove the oil filler cap. It is | | | | Step 12: |
| usually made of plastic and is located on the engine | | | | Now remove the jack and axle stands and bring the |
| block at the top. Check the air vents in the cap for any | | | | car back to a level position. |
| blockages and replace the entire cap if blocked. | | | | Step 13: |
| Step 4: | | | | Now, locate and remove the dipstick, wipe off the old |
| Locate the oil filter and the sump plug. The sump plug | | | | oil and replace it. |
| looks like a bolt-head which is usually hexagonal facing | | | | Step 14: |
| downwards or sideways, it is usually located at the | | | | Pour in the new engine oil and take an interval after a |
| rear of the engine. In case these are easily accessible | | | | pint or 30 seconds, then check the level of the dipstick. |
| without putting the car on a jack, then skip the steps 5 | | | | Continue pouring till the oil reaches the upper level on |
| and 13. | | | | the dipstick. |
| Step 5: | | | | Step 15: |
| Now, the car has to be raised on a jack from the front | | | | Finally, replace the engine oil-filler cap. |
| end. Leaving the car's weight on the jack for any | | | | Step 16: |
| length of time is not recommended. Thus placing the | | | | Start and run the engine for few minutes to check the |
| axle stands under the front axles is important and is a | | | | performance. |