17. Oil change: When and how to do it

One of the most fundamental aspects of vehicle maintenance is changing the oil. This chapter of our e-book "Complete Vehicle Maintenance Guide from 0 to Advanced" will cover the importance of changing the oil, when and how to do it correctly.

Importance of Oil Change

Engine oil is the life blood of your vehicle. It lubricates the engine's moving parts, reduces friction and wear, and helps keep the engine clean by removing contaminants. In addition, engine oil also helps keep the engine cool by absorbing the heat generated by friction. Therefore, regular oil change is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and extend the life of the engine.

When to Change the Oil

How often you should change your vehicle's oil can vary depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the type of oil used, and how and where you drive. However, a general rule of thumb is to change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three to six months, whichever comes first.

In addition, most modern vehicles have an oil life monitoring system that alerts you when it's time for an oil change. However, this system is based on "normal" driving conditions, and if you frequently drive in severe conditions, such as in heavy traffic, in high temperatures, or take a lot of short trips, you may need to change the oil more frequently.< /p>

How to Change Oil

Although an oil change can be performed by a professional, it is a task you can do yourself with the right tools and equipment. Here are the basic steps to changing your vehicle's oil:

1. Prepare your vehicle: Park your vehicle on a level surface, turn off the engine and let it cool. Then open the hood and locate the oil drain plug and oil filter.
2. Drain the old oil: Place an oil drain pan under the drain plug and remove the plug with a wrench or socket. Let the oil drain completely.
3. Remove the old oil filter: Using an oil filter wrench, remove the old oil filter. Be careful as the filter may be full of oil.
4. Install the new oil filter: Apply a small amount of new oil to the new oil filter gasket. Then screw the new filter into place and tighten it to the manufacturer's specifications.
5. Replace the drain plug: After all the old oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it to the manufacturer's specifications.
6. Add new oil: Remove the oil filler cap, insert a funnel and add new oil. Be sure to add the correct amount of oil as specified in your vehicle's owner's manual.
7. Check the oil level: After adding new oil, check the oil level using the dipstick. If necessary, add more oil until the correct level is reached.
8. Check for leaks: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Then check for oil leaks around the drain plug and oil filter. If there are leaks, stop the engine and tighten the drain plug or oil filter as necessary.

In summary, regular oil changes are an essential part of vehicle maintenance. Doing this correctly and at the right time can help keep your vehicle running smoothly and extend engine life. We hope that this chapter of our e-book has provided you with the information you need to effectively carry out this vital maintenance task.

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137Changing filters: When and how to do it

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