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11 Simple Steps To Change The Oil In Used Cars - Part 1

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When you own a used car there is a significant amount of time that has to be dedicated to general maintenance, whether you do it yourself or you bring your used car to the garage. As a used car owner, you should never overlook the importance of getting the motor oil and oil filter changed regularly, and it is something you can do at home. It's quick, it's easy and it can feel rewarding knowing you did it yourself. Just follow these 11 simple steps to change the oil in your used car.

Steps To Change Oil - Steps 1 Through 7

Before you begin it is a good idea to make sure you have all the proper tools at your disposal. For a proper, clean, oil change you will need the following:

-3/8-Drive Socket Set
-Oil Filter Wrench
-Old newspapers
-Container for the used oil - you can use anything as long as it is big enough to hold all of the old oil
-Ziploc bag - to transport used oil filter
-New oil filter - check your owner's manual for details
-A funnel
-Enough new oil to refill the engine - check your owner's manual for the specific grade. We recommend using name brand oil like AMSOIL, Quaker State, etc.
-Empty containers to transport the old oil - preferably with screw top lids

Step 1 - The first thing you need to do is find a spot on your driveway or in the garage that is nice and flat. My grandfather would actually use the ditch out front of his house, his own personal hoist he would call it.

Step 2 - This is usually a personal preference. Some people may tell you it is better to change oil when it is hot, others say when it is cold. The advantages and disadvantages, as I see them, would be:

Hot Oil:
-Drains faster - advantage
-Can burn you - disadvantage
-Leaves a small amount of old oil in your engine - disadvantage

Cold Oil:
-Takes longer to drain - disadvantage
-Will not burn you - advantage
-Most of the used oil will be in the oil pan - advantage

So whatever you decide to do, drive around the neighbourhood to warm up the oil or change it while it is cold, the second step would be to properly secure your used car. Ensure the parking brake is set and block the tires and or set the car up on jack stands*.
*A note of caution - always use jack stands, never use just a jack!

Step 3 - It is now time to slide under your car to find the oil drain plug, if you don't have a mechanics dolly you can always try your kids skateboard to get under there easily. The oil drain plug should be the closest thing to the ground and it looks like a large nut with a washer under it. Sometimes it may even be labelled as 'drain plug'. Just make sure you are not looking at the transmission drain plug.

Step 4 - Using your 3/8-Drive Socket Set find a socket that fits the oil drain plug and loosen it to the point that you can turn it with your hands. Not too much though or you will have oil all over your face.

Step 5 - Spread the old newspapers under the car to catch any dripping oil from both the drain plug and where the oil filter sticks out. Next, place whatever container you are going to use to catch the used oil and then remove the drain plug completely.

Step 6 - Next take your Oil Filter Wrench and loosen the oil filter, once it feels loose continue to remove it completely by hand, but be careful, because if you warmed up the car there will be hot oil in the filter. Drain the filter into your container and place the used oil filter in the Ziploc bag.

Step 7 - It's time to get out from under the car, open the hood and remove the oil filler cap, this will help drain the used oil a little faster. The majority of the oil will drain within the first two minutes, but if you have the time it is a good idea to let the oil fully drain for about an hour.

So take your time, go grab a sandwich and meet us back here in an hour for Part II of how to change your oil.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Corey Rozon and David Leonhardt are freelance business writers in Ottawa. If you want to www.lubeoilsales.com”>buy AMSOIL online it will make it that much easier to do a oil change in your used cars.