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How To Change Your Car Oil

Can you change car oil by yourself?

Materials Required. Changing the oil in your car is something that any DIYer can do. Although changing the oil might appear rather “duh,” there are still a lot of folks doing it wrong, making it an ugly chore. An oil change is the most important task you can do to make your engine last.

Is changing oil easy?

It’s a simple process that requires few tools, and it’s a sure way to save some money while you avoid the hassle of sitting in a dull waiting room somewhere reading outdated magazines. More than anything, the basic oil change is a great way to connect with your vehicle and take some control over its maintenance.

How do I change my car oil at home?

How to Change Your Oil Step 1: Jack It Up, Open It Up. First, you’ll want to lift the car high enough to give yourself room to work under it. Step 2: Unplug It, Drain It. Step 3: Off With the Old Filter. Step 4: Drain Plug in, Filter On. Step 5: Fill It Back Up with Oil. Step 6: Check the Oil Level, Check for Leaks.

Is changing your own oil worth it?

You will save money by changing your own engine oil, sure. But you probably won’t save as much as you would imagine. Mechanics don’t make a lot of money on oil changes because they’re quick and easy – it’s really up to you to decide how much your time is worth.

What happens if you don’t change your oil?

Go long enough without an oil change, and it could eventually cost you your car. Once motor oil becomes sludge, it no longer draws heat from the engine. The engine might overheat and either blow a gasket or seize up. If the heat doesn’t cause a gasket to blow, it will warp the parts in your engine.

Do I need to warm up my car before changing oil?

Hot oil may flow freely, but it will also induce serious burns if you don’t let it cool down before changing it. The oil will warm up to about 100 degrees, which is not hot enough to burn you, but warm enough that it will flow easily. If the vehicle has been driven, let it sit for 20-30 minutes before draining the oil.

How long can you go without an oil change?

Cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes. Continue reading to learn more about oil changes or skip to scheduling your oil change right here on our website.

How much does an oil change cost?

You can typically expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $70 for an oil change. But the cost will vary based on a few factors, including the type of motor oil that you choose, the size of your car’s engine and where you have the service done.

Can I just add oil instead of changing it?

If you just add oil to your car’s engine periodically, that’s far better than letting your car run out of oil, but you’re still going to create a lot of problems if that’s all you do. If that’s the case, you’re likely keeping the same oil filter in the engine, too. So that’s never being replaced.

How much do you save by changing your own oil?

Sticking with the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for oil changes is the best way to be sure your oil is clean and doing its job. By doing this task yourself, you’ll save between $25 and $75 per oil change, depending on the type of oil and filter you use.

How much oil do I need for an oil change?

How much oil do I need for a oil change ? It depends on the size of your engine. For a passenger car, you need between 3 and 7 liters but in some cases, for cars with a dry oil sump it can be 10 to 12 liters and even more. The exact oil volume is indicated in your user manual or can be asked to your service partner.

How often should I change my oil?

On average, vehicles are estimated to need an oil change every 3,000 miles or every six months. This can vary based on your driving habits, your driving frequency, the age of your vehicle, and the quality of the oil you use. If you drive a newer vehicle, you might be able to safely wait a little longer between changes.

When should you get your first oil change?

What is this? Some auto mechanics recommend anywhere around 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 6 to 12 months as the intervals to change the engine oil in a vehicle.

How long does a oil change take?

Having an oil change completed is an easy commitment. Typically, an oil change takes about 30-45 minutes. The process includes draining out the existing oil and changing the oil filter, then placing new oil into the engine.

Is it cheaper to bring your own oil for an oil change?

The truth is most garages and dealerships will allow you to bring your own oil if you simply ask. They will even charge you less for the oil change because they typically remove the cost of the bulk oil they would normally be putting in your car from the bill.