How To Change Engine Oil & Filter
Overview
Engine oil is the magic stuff that keeps all
the parts of your motor running smoothly. Over time, it gets dirty and needs changing. An engine oil
change should be combined with an oil filter
change and your vehicle manufacturer will have a guide on how often an engine oil change is
required. Let’s keep it running super! With an easy engine oil change.
Before you
start
Always consult the owners manual, and preferably a service manual as well before commencing
an oil and filter change on your vehicle. Some vehicles may require a computer reset, or have other
unique service requirements which if not followed correctly; may lead to engine
damage.
Should I Use Engine Oil Flush?
Engine oil flush is a product designed to
loosen gunk and deposits inside your engine immediately prior to an engine oil change. This entire
bottle will be added to your engine and the engine idled for between 10 and 20 minutes before
draining the oil.
Engine oil flush does not need to be used at every single engine oil and
filter change, you might like to do it every second or third filter change.
If you own a much
older car, you should think twice about using engine oil flush if it has never been used before. In
extreme cases, the crud that builds up inside an older engine is masking bad oil seals. Once that
crud is removed; you may have quite a leaky engine on your hands.
Items
Parts you’ll need for an easy engine oil change
Tools you’ll need for an easy engine oil change
- Engine oil
- Oil filter
- Sump plug washer
- Engine oil flush
- Rags. Lots of rags.
Tools you’ll need for an easy engine oil change
- Suitably sized socket, spanner, or sump plug kit
- A torque wrench
- A service manual for your vehicle
- Oil filter removal tool
- Oil Drain pan
- Large funnel
- Trolley jack
- Jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Mechanics creeper (if you’d like to be comfortable)
Steps
Step 1: Preparation
An engine oil change and oil filter change should take about an hour. The better
prepared you are, the better it will go. For starters, make sure you’ve got the right type and
amount of engine oil, plus the right oil filter. Use the My Garage feature
on the Supercheap Auto website. All you need is your car rego. Or check out our DIY about how to choose the right engine oil. Or come and see us in
store.
If you’re using engine oil
flush, run the engine according to the instructions on the bottle. Then park up on a
hard, level surface. Your engine should be warm to allow for easy engine oil drainage, but not
hot enough to burn yourself.
To make for an easy engine oil change; put your vehicle in
park, handbrake on, chock the wheels and
raise your vehicle onto your jack stands. Pop on those gloves and glasses. A bit of oil in the eyes is
not fun.
Step 2: Remove and Drain
For this you’ll have to get under your car. If you’ve got a mechanics creeper, glide on under with
your socket or sump plug kit, and oil drain pan. If not, you’ll just have
to wriggle. Crack the sump plug loose and be ready to catch the oil. It rarely goes where you
expect unless it’s on your hands. It always gets on your hands.
Put the sump plug aside
and while the oil drains, tackle the oil filter. Sometimes they come off easily by hand, other
times you’ll need a filter wrench.
Either way, there will be a splash of old oil waiting to stain your face or your garage floor.
So be ready with a small tub. An old ice-cream tub works great. Once the filter is off, leave it
to drain on the oil drain pan.
Step 3: Clean up and replace
Once your oil has drained, remove your drain pan and wipe your sump plug clean.
Pop on a new sump plug washer, then get back under and tighten the sump plug in place. This is NOT a job
for the rattle gun. For an easy engine oil change next time it’s a good idea to use a torque wrench until you know what “just
tight enough” feels like.
Now complete your oil filter change. Every new oil filter needs
the seal lubricated. A quick wipe of fresh engine oil will do the trick. Spin your new filter on
until it contacts the housing and give it another quarter turn by hand (or to the manufacturers
torque specification where stated).
Your used engine oil cannot be disposed of in your
domestic bin. But fear not! Many Supercheap Auto stores offer a free oil recycling service!
Don’t forget to ask a team member next time you’re in store.
Step 4: Fill er’ up!
Grab your funnel and
locate the oil filler port. Pour in the amount recommended by those books in your glovebox or
via the My Garage feature on the Supercheap Auto website.
Once you’ve poured in the
recommended amount, pop the filler cap back on, check you haven’t left any rags in the fan, and
run the engine for one minute.
This allows the oil to circulate and fill the oil filter.
Let the oil settle again for a couple of minutes before checking the dipstick and topping off
the oil as necessary.
Tips
It really is that easy! Sure, it might take a little longer the first time around but that’s okay. In no time you’ll be an oil change super star. Just don’t tell your friends or you’ll be changing their oil too. But if they need a little persuasion, we've outlined the importance of changing engine oil regularly.
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