The maintenance of the car is of vital importance, key so that 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 correctly sealed with each revision. Although for some cases it may be interesting to carry out some task yourself. The 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 recommended for a new car. because of the warranty issue. It is more typical of older vehicles, even classic ones, 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 the economic savings. In a workshop, replacing it together with the filters can be 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 recommended 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 has been given to the vehicle in that time.
In older cars it is advisable to do it between 5,000 and 10,000 kilometers, as they are more sensitive. Do not forget that the oil has the mission of lubricating the engine and its components so that everything works properly. It would also be interesting to measure it each month by looking at the rod to check that there is no excessive consumption. It can be observed for 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
Steps to change car oil
1. Precautions
Do not change the oil after you have used the car as the oil temperature it can be very dangerous. It is better to change the oil in the car warm so that you can start the car and five minutes later you can start the operation.
2. Raise the car
In order for you to change the oil, it is necessary to raise the car, so the easiest thing to do is to place a couple of portable ramps on a raised surface. If you do not have access to one, with two jacks lifting the front of the vehicle from the sides, it is enough, but always with caution. It’s very important set parking brake, 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 screw
The next step once you make sure the car is secure and stable is to slide under the car and locate the oil drain plug in the engine. Look at your car manual and you will know where the drain plug is located on your model, then place the oil collector just below.
4. Unscrew the screw
Make sure the engine is not hot, then loosen the plug with a spanner, or failing that, with a spanner until you can remove it by hand, and don’t be scared by the amount of oil that will come out of the crankcase reservoir. .
5. Change the filter
Next it’s your turn to change the oil filter so put the hood up, look in the car manual to locate it, grab the new filter and lubricates the rubber seal with a thin layer of oil to help protect it.
6. Fill the engine with the oil
Now comes the easiest part and that is to fill the oil tank that is in the upper part of the engine. Confirm the capacity of the oil 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.
To measure the level, locate the rod that is housed in the engine, normally yellow. It must be cleaned and inserted again to know exactly where 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 to the environment, so we recommend that you take it to a workshop for recycling.
Another questions
We recommend the use of a spanner instead of a wrench. It is possible that by using the latter you damage the screw and then you cannot put it in, or worse still, 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 get to circulate through the engine, depending on the size of the metal shavings, it could cause serious problems. This magnetic sump plug will catch them and not allow them to move through the circuits, thus keeping your oil and your car cleaner. engine will always be in perfect condition.
