Oil Change

Change your own oil to save money in college

Post By: Griffin West

1/28/2014

Image Source: http://www.bronsautomotive.com/services/oil-changes/

Before we get into engine swaps and suspension builds we’ll start with something everyone should be able to do if they want. General maintenance is vital for any car you own, so the next few Tech Tuesdays will spotlight some of the ways you can keep your ride running right and maybe even save a buck or two in the process.

Jack stand (left) and car ramp (right). Source: www.discountramps.com

The first thing you want to make sure of before you do work on anything car related is safety. If your car has to be raised to gain access to the oil drain and filter, use car ramps or jack stands. if you’re using ramps place them so that the wheels are centered on them. If you’re using jack stands place them so that the frame of the car will rest on them and it is a good idea to leave in place the hydraulic jack you used to lift the car and keep tension on it. In both cases put the car in park or top gear and set the parking brake.

Image Source: www.4x4review.com

Now that safety is out of the way we can get into the real reason you came here. before draining the oil it’s a good idea to put down an oil mat to soak anything up that might drip. This keeps your work area cleaner for later use, and is good for the environment. Next, let the engine run for about two to three minutes, this may have been done when you put the car on ramps or moved it to your work area, that way all of the carbon and other junk in the bottom of the oil pan gets suspended in the oil and will come out when you drain it. This will ensure longer life for the fresh oil you’re about to put in.

Source: www.mbzponton.org

Place your oil bucket below the drain and remove the drain plug. Always use a socket and ratchet wrench or box end wrench for this. Monkey wrenches have a tendency to round the heads off bolts so it’s better not to take the risk. Let it drain completely or as completely as you can and replace the bolt and tighten it.

One of many different kinds of oil filter wrenches (Source: www.oreillyauto.com)

Move the oil bucket under the oil filter and loosen the oil filter. It may be stuck on tight but not to worry, there’s an app for that! Or rather, a tool. The oil filter wrench that I use can be bought at O’Reilly’s for $12.49 (PN 19401) and it works great. Carefully set the oil filter on the edge of your bucket to drain and move the bucket out of the way.

Pretty standard looking filter (Source: auto.howstuffworks.com)

It’s now time to put on the new filter. Allow me to digress for a moment. I usually use a NAPA Gold filter or WIX, they’re the same thing. And for oil I use Mobil1 full synthetic in new cars, or that and a zinc additive in classics. Definitely make sure you get the right oil. The wrong stuff can damage your engine. Anyhow, one thing I do to make sure the engine is properly oiled from start-up is put as much oil in the filter as you can without it dripping out before installing it. This makes it so that the oil pump gets oil immediately. Another good idea is to put a thin film of oil around the rubber seal on the filter. This will prevent leaks by keeping moisture in the rubber. Install your filter and make sure it’s tight. I forgot to tighten one once and it coated everything within 40 feet with a film of 30 weight. You’re now ready to add the fresh oil. Check the drain plug once more and start putting in as much as the owners manual says it takes.

Start the car. If you have an oil pressure gauge look to see that the pump is producing pressure. If your car doesn’t have one listen for engine rattles. If it makes no pressure or rattles after 3 to 5 seconds shut it off.

Check for leaks while its running. If there are any shut it down tighten whatever is leaking and check for them again.

Now take your car off of ramps or jacks and clean up your tools and work area. Most part stores will take used oil and recycle it. Just make sure there is no water in the oil. If there is take it to AutoZone. They don’t give a damn.





  *Editors note: Hey, it's Connor. Just want to apologize for the formatting on this one. I'll try to come back to fix it later and make it easier to read. Blogger is being a pain in my ass with the images though.