A Step-by-step Guide: How To Do An Oil Change

In all types of equipment that rely on fuel or lubricating oil, whether it is the cars we drive every day, or complex machinery in the industrial sector, regular oil change operations are crucial maintenance. The correct oil change not only extends the service life of the equipment, but also ensures that its performance is in the best condition and reduces the probability of failure. In the following section, the article will delve into how to do an oil change, covering the important points and detailed steps specifically for vehicles, helping you better master this useful skill.

Preparatory Work for Oil Change

Before we begin to learn how to do an oil change, we need to do some preparatory work first to ensure that the subsequent process goes smoothly.

List of tools and relevant materials

Safety check before oil change

Before undertaking a oil change, please ensure that the following safety precautions are followed.

First, choose a flat, firm, and inflammable parking location. Make sure the vehicle is completely off and handbrake.

Then allow the engine to cool down for a while before changing the oil. Hot oil can be very hot and increases the risk of burns. At the same time, you should wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and appropriate clothing to protect your skin, eyes from oil contamination.

Step-by-step Guide: How to Do An Oil Change

After completing the above preparatory work, we can now start to learn how to do an oil change. The following steps are simple, let's try them out together.

Drain procedure

First, open the engine cover and locate the oil filling port and oil filter. The oil filter is usually located on the side or bottom of the engine and is a round metal part. At the same time, determine the location of the oil drain bolt, which is generally located at the bottom of the engine oil pan. Before changing the oil, pull out the oil gauge and check the current level and condition of the oil. This helps you understand the approximate amount of oil in the engine and confirm if it needs to be replaced.

Then, place the drain pan large enough under the drain screw to catch the drained old oil. Make sure the drain pan is securely placed to prevent oil spills. Using an appropriate wrench or socket wrench, unscrew the oil pan drain screws counterclockwise. Be careful not to let the screws fall into the drain tray. As the screw is loosened, the old oil will begin to flow out.

At this point, it is worth mentioning that the old oil may be hot, so be careful when handling it. As the bolts are gradually loosened, the old oil will flow out quickly, and it will take several minutes for the oil to flow completely. In this process, you can check the color and texture of the oil, if the oil color is too dark, thick texture or odor, indicating that the engine may have some problems, need to be further checked.

Replace the oil filter

Before the old oil is completely drained, start preparing to replace the oil filter. Typically, a cloth can be placed on the filter to absorb the spilled oil. The oil filter is located at the front or top of the engine. Use the oil filter wrench to unscrew the old filter counterclockwise. Before installing the new filter, apply a thin layer of new oil to the sealing rubber ring of the new filter, which helps to form a good seal. Then, gently tighten the new filter by hand and use the filter wrench to reinforce it slightly, but do not over-tighten it to avoid damaging the filter or engine components.

Fill up with new oil

Slowly pour the new oil through the oil filling port. In the process of pouring oil, to use a funnel to prevent oil overflow. Add oil according to the volume specified in the vehicle manual, not too much or too little. After adding, you can wait a few minutes for the oil to fully flow into the engine components, and then check the oil gauge. There are usually two scale marks on the oil gauge, "MAX" (highest) and "MIN" (lowest), and the oil level should be between these two marks. If the liquid level is too low, appropriate oil can be added; If it is too high, excess oil needs to be released. When adding new oil, you can check out the oil gauge regularly to ensure that the oil level is in the correct range.

Start the engine and check for leaks

After ensuring that all components have been properly installed and that there are no leaks, start the engine. Let the engine run for a few minutes to check for any leakage. Also, check the oil level on the oil gauge to make sure it is in the correct range. If the level is too low, turn off the engine and add more oil. And remember to check the engine run for a few minutes, and observe whether the oil pressure indicator is off normally. 

Wait for the engine to run for a few minutes, turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to flow back into the oil pan. Then, check for signs of leaks around the oil filter, drain screws, and oil filling ports.
Attentions for Oil Change

The frequency of oil changes in a car varies depending on a number of factors. In general, traditional mineral oil is recommended to be replaced every 5000-7500 km; Semi-synthetic oil can be extended to 7500-10000 km; Fully synthetic oil has better performance, and the replacement cycle can reach 10,000-15,000km or even longer. However, if you often drive in harsh conditions, such as frequent starts and stops, high or low temperature environments, heavy loads, etc., you should shorten the oil change cycle appropriately. In addition, the age and mileage of the vehicle also affect the frequency of oil changes, and older vehicles may need more frequent oil changes due to greater wear and tear on engine components.

In addition, it is recommended to check the oil level and condition at least once a month. If the oil turns black or contains impurities, change the oil in advance.

Of course, due to the replacement of the old oil which contains a large number of harmful substances, such as heavy metals, chemical additives, it can not be dumped at will. The old oil should be collected and handed over to a professional waste oil recovery and treatment organization for treatment.

FAQs

Q1: How to store unused oil?

A: Unused oil should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, to avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environments. At the same time, it should be ensured that the oil drum is well sealed to prevent air, moisture and impurities from entering the oil. If the oil has been unsealed and used for some time, it is recommended to check its condition and color before the next use to ensure that it is still suitable for use.

Q2: Do I need to lift the vehicle when changing the oil?

A: In some cases, lifting the vehicle allows easier access to the oil pan drain screws and oil filters. However, this is not a necessary step. If the vehicle chassis is low or the owner does not have the appropriate lifting equipment, you can choose to use jacks and brackets to partially lift the vehicle, or use a ramp to tilt the vehicle so that it is easier to discharge the old oil and replace the oil filter.

Q3: Does a DIY oil change affect my vehicle's warranty?

A: Generally speaking, a DIY oil change will not affect the vehicle's warranty. However, car owners should ensure that when changing oil they use an oil that meets the specifications and requirements of the vehicle and follow the correct change steps. If the vehicle is damaged or malfunctions as a result of a DIY oil change, the manufacturer may deny the warranty. Therefore, before making a DIY oil change, you should fully understand the relevant knowledge and steps, and ensure that the necessary tools and materials are available.

The End

By understanding how to do an oil change, strictly following the oil change steps, and paying attention to various matters after the maintenance, we can effectively maintain the performance of the equipment, reduce the risk, and improve the reliability and economy of the vehicle.