Car maintenance is of vital importance, key for the vehicle is in perfect condition to circulate every day. The most common thing is that users trust professionals to carry it out, having the maintenance book properly sealed with each inspection. Although in some cases it may be interesting to carry out a task yourself. He oil change It is vital to extend the life of the engine and a relatively simple task to do by following a few steps.
Now, it must be made clear that It is not the most recommended for a new car for the warranty issue. It is more typical of older vehicles, even classics, in which it is also easier to access the mechanics due to its simplicity. Having said that, the main advantage of changing the oil yourself is economic savings. In a workshop, replacing it along with the filters can cost between 80 and 120 euros depending on the type of oil and labor.
How often is the oil changed?
It is one of the most frequently asked questions and the truth is that there is no specific period to do the oil change. Each car has different needs and manufacturers give their own deadlines. However, in general it could be said that It is advisable to do it once a year and between 15,000 and 30,000 kilometers. In any case, it is important to review the maintenance book to see what the brand says and take into account the use that the vehicle has been given in that time.
In older cars It is advisable to do it between 5,000 and 10,000 kilometers, as they are more sensitive. We must not forget that oil has the mission of lubricating the engine and its components so that everything works as it should. It would also be interesting to measure it every month by looking at the dipstick to check that there is no excessive consumption. It can be observed by details such as bluish exhaust smoke and, to make calculations, it is said that the normal thing is one liter of oil per 1,000 kilometers.
What is needed to change car oil and how to do it
Steps to change car oil
1. Precautions
Do not change the oil after using the car as the oil temperature can be very dangerous. It is better to change the car oil warm so you can start the car and five minutes later you can begin operations.
2. Raise the car
In order to change the oil, it is necessary to raise the car, so the easiest thing to do is place a couple of portable ramps on a raised surface. If you do not have access to one, using two jacks lifting the front of the vehicle from the sides is enough but always with caution. It’s very important set the handbrake, turn off the engine and leave the car in first gear. For your safety, place a brake with a wedge on the rear wheels.
3. Locate the crankcase bolt
The next step once you make sure that the car is well supported and stable is to slide under the car and locate the oil drain plug in the engine. Look at your car’s manual and you will know where the drain plug is located on your model, then place the oil catcher right below it.
4. Unscrew the screw
Make sure the engine is not hot, then loosen the cap with a wrench, or failing that, with a wrench until you can remove it by hand, and don’t be scared by the amount of oil that will come out of the crankcase tank. .
5. Change the filter
Next you have to change the oil filter so pop up the hood, look in the car manual to locate it, grab the new filter and lubricate rubber seal with a thin layer of oil to help protect it.
6. Fill the engine with oil
Now comes the easiest part and that is to fill the oil tank located on the top of the engine. Confirm the oil capacity in the instruction manual and with the help of a funnel, pour the oil into the engine, but not all at once. Little by little and always checking the oil level. In order to measure the level accurately, locate the dipstick that is housed in the motor, usually yellow in color. It must be cleaned and inserted again to know where exactly the level mark is.
7. Check the plugs
Make sure you have closed all the plugs and check that nothing is dripping under the car. Remember that used oil is very toxic for the environment, so we recommend that you take it to a workshop for recycling.
Security before everything
Before beginning any maintenance task, it is essential to prioritize the personal security. Make sure to use protective glasses and gloves resistant to prevent possible splashes of oil or other fluids, as well as to protect your hands from any sharp or hot objects under the vehicle. Also, keep a neat and clean work area. Avoid leaving loose tools or flammable materials near heat sources or open flames. Whenever possible, use an airtight container to store used oil before taking it to the appropriate recycling point.
Also remember that car maintenance may require the use of potentially hazardous chemicals and materials. Read the labels carefully and follow the safety instructions provided by the manufacturers to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries. If in doubt about how to handle a specific product, seek professional guidance before proceeding. By paying attention to these additional safety aspects, you will ensure a safer work environment and reduce the risk of incidents during oil changes and other vehicle maintenance tasks.
In another order of technical recommendations, we recommend the use of a fixed wrench instead of a wrench. It is possible that using the latter will damage the screw and then you will not be able to put it in, or worse yet, remove it. It would be interesting, at this point, to incorporate a magnetized screw. Debris accumulates in the lower area of the engine. If they circulate through the engine, depending on the size of the metal chips, they could cause serious problems. This magnetic crankcase plug will trap them and not allow them to move through the circuits, keeping the oil and your engine cleaner. engine will always be in perfect condition.
And as we always say, when in doubt: to the workshop.
Good job.
