Oil & Filter Change

Auto Repair

Oil & Filter Change

Tools needed: Jack to raise vehicle so you can get underneath it. Jack stands to keep vehicle from falling on you. Drain pan to catch oil. Wrench to loosen engine drain plug. Oil filter wrench to loosen oil filter. Note #: Some vehicles have shields or covers blocking access to the oil filter and other tools may be required to remove this covering.

Parts required: Oil filter: Note #: I prefer OEM filters as they are designed by the manufacture specifically for your vehicle, but there are many good quality filters on the market. Oil: Usually 5W30 or 10W30 oil is recommended. Synthetic motor oil is required in some vehicles... Check under the hood or the owner’s manual for the type of oil required. Note #: On some vehicles you can not get the filter off without spilling some oil on the engine or frame. A spray cleaner in an aerosol can will help clean up this mess.

Procedure: Raise vehicle in the air and secure it safely so it won’t roll back or fall on you. Position drain pan to catch oil. Remove only what is needed to gain access to the oil filter. Turn drain plug and filter in counter clockwise direction for removal. After oil is drained, turn drain plug in a clockwise direction to install. Clean surface where filter seals and put a light coating of oil on new seal. Install new oil filter by turning it in a clockwise direction and tighten. Fill engine with manufactures specified amount of oil. Lower the vehicle and start the engine and make certain the oil light goes out. Run the engine a few minuets before shutting it off. Check dip stick for proper oil level. Check for oil leaks and clean up as required.

Things to be careful of: Avoid cross threading of drain plug and oil filter by spinning then on first with you fingers before putting a wrench on them. Check drain plug for condition of metal, copper or fiber seal. Replace if needed but don’t forget it. Make certain old oil filter seal came off with old filter and that the new filter has a seal on it. This is usually not a problem if you use OEM or good quality filters. Don’t over tighten the drain plug or engine oil filter. I like to turn the oil filter on until it is snug then tighten it ¼ to ½ turn with the oil filter wrench. Don’t leave drain plug or filter loose. If engine oil light doesn’t turn off soon after you start the engine, turn off the engine right away. Something is wrong.

Note #: If you are concerned about oil from the filter spilling on the engine or frame, here is a tip that may help. Put a hole in the end of the oil filter before you remove it and let the oil drain. Since the end of the filter is several inches from the engine and only holds a small amount of oil, you can usually get a small container there to catch the draining oil before it hits the engine or frame.

Auto Repairs