Aug 28 2021

How to Change the Engine Oil and Filter in the Car by Yourself?

 

One of the most important procedures that must be performed regularly to keep your car in top shape is changing the engine oil and filter. The oil in the car works in the same way as the blood in our body - due to its circulation in the engine, the entire system functions smoothly and efficiently. Timely oil and filter change is a guarantee of a long life of your car engine and its trouble-free operation.

When it comes time to change the engine oil (the recommended interval between changes is indicated in the operating instructions for the car), you have two options: contact specialists for help, for example, service stations for changing the oil Mobil 1 Center SM or Mobil Delvac Express ™ make the change yourself using these instructions.

 

Equipment that You Need in the Process:

• Engine oil. Use our engine oil selection tool to find out which oil you need. Be sure to check the instruction manual for your car, which contains the manufacturer's recommended specifications, viscosity grade and the required fill volume.

• New oil filter.

• Oil filter remover.

• Sealing washer (ring) for the filter.

• Socket wrench of the appropriate size.

• Key for oil filters.

• Funnel.

• Container for old waste oil, eg sump.

• Protective gloves and goggles.

 

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle for the Replacement Process:

Before draining the oil, start the car and leave the engine running for 1–2 minutes to allow the oil to warm up a little - this will make it easier to drain. It is necessary to carry out the replacement in a suitable place for this. For heavy-duty or light commercial vehicles, as a rule, inspection pits or overpasses are used. In the case of light vehicles, a garage or driveway will do. It is very important that the vehicle is parked on a level, stable surface.  If you have a car, you can use a jack for lifting. However, remember: never lie under a machine that is supported only by a jack, be sure to use a jack stand and follow safety precautions.

 

Step 2: Drain the Old Engine Oil:

It is recommended to remove the oil filler cap to make it easier to drain the oil from the engine later.

Find the drain plug. To do this, you need to inspect the car from below. It is usually located at the bottom of the oil pan of the engine crankcase. If your car is equipped with a crankcase guard, and there is no special opening for maintenance on it, then it must be removed. Place a container for used oil under the drain plug. Loosen the plug with a socket wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Then carefully remove the plug and let the oil drain out. Proceed with caution as the engine oil may be hot. When the oil has drained out, screw the plug back in place by hand, then tighten it a quarter turn with a wrench.

 

Step 3: Replace the Oil Filter:

Leave a container for the old oil under the machine and find the oil filter. Loosen the filter with a wrench by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the filter by hand. Before installing a new one, apply a little engine oil to the new gasket (check your car manual) - this will prevent it from sticking or cracking, and it is good protection against oil leaks. Install and secure the new filter by hand.

 

Step 4: Fill in Engine Oil:

With the oil filler cap removed, pour oil into the engine through the cap. Use a funnel to avoid oil spills. After priming, close the cap and wipe off any oil spills from the surface. Start the engine and let it run for about a minute to circulate the oil.

 

Step 5: Checking the Oil Level:

Stop the car engine, remove and wipe the dipstick. Submerge it and pull it out to make sure the oil level is correct. Add oil to the correct level if necessary.

 

Step 6: Cleaning and Disposal:

After you have completed the replacement work, it is imperative to clean it. Transfer the oil from the container to an old container or any other suitable container, and put the used filter in a plastic bag. The best way to get rid of old engine oil is to dispose of it. Never dispose of used oil and used oil filter in household waste containers. Service stations often accept old oil and oil filters free of charge.

 

Step 7: Record Oil Change Date and Mileage:

To know when to carry out the procedure next time, be sure to record this data, and do not forget to change the oil regularly.  Usually, the engine oil is changed every 10,000 km * and at least once a year. The oil filter should be changed every time the oil is changed. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended oil change intervals based on your vehicle's operating conditions.