HOW TO DO AN OIL CHANGE ON YOUR CAR? -

One of the basic things to learn to do around the car is how to do an oil change.

This is considered perhaps the number one maintenance task. It is certainly the most important.

In this article, you’ll see how to do an oil change from the start to the very end.

We must mention that we’ll be showing this example on our trusted Skoda Fabia but the basic principle you’ll see applies to more or less all cars out there.

The main difference is in the location of the drain plug and the oil filter system (how it’s held in place to be more clear).

So, whatever car you drive, this article should come in handy.

Exceptions are of course high-tech cars, they tend to have special procedures and in this case, a certified shop or dealership is a better option for an oil change.

You can also watch our videos about cars, car repairs, driving, and else if you visit our YouTube channel.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED FOR THE OIL CHANGE?

To prepare yourself properly, prepare the new engine oil and oil filter. Make sure the oil is according to the car manufacturer’s specifications.

For some cars, you may also get a new drain plug and washer which is great.

Regarding the tools you’ll need, if you’re not sure take a look under the hood and under the car. The drain plug and how the oil filter is held in place will dictate the tools you’ll need.

Make this inspection before you start so you don’t get in a tight spot.

Besides this, you’ll need an oil drain pan, an oil filter wrench or key, and some gloves.

HOW TO DO AN OIL CHANGE?

1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PREPARATIONS

Before you start learning how to do an oil change, take the keys out of the ignition, pull the handbrake, and preferably leave the driver’s side window open, just in case.

Make sure the car is on a leveled surface.

If possible put a wheel chock behind the rear wheel for extra safety.

The best time to do the oil change is when the engine is warmish, not hot. This way you’ll avoid burning your hands while working. Also, the oil will come out of the engine more easily as opposed to when it’s stone cold.

2. RAISE AND SECURE THE CAR

Raise the front of the car. Once raised, secure it with jack stands or other safe means available. Do not go under the car unless you’re 100% sure it’s safe.

3. IF NEEDED REMOVE THE PLASTIC SPLASH GUARD

This is optional.

On some cars, like in this case, you may have to take off the plastic splash guard to reach the oil sump and oil filter.

Removing it often involves a couple of screws and plastic clips, nothing special.

On lots of cars, the oil sump is exposed so you may not even have to do this.

4. DRAIN THE OLD ENGINE OIL

Before you start first pull the oil dipstick out.

Then go under the car and loosen the oil drain plug. Once loose, put the oil drain pan in place.

If you don’t have an oil drain pan or funnel at hand, click here to see how to quickly make one.

When taking out the drain plug, know that the oil will gush out at first so pay attention.

Let the oil drain out as much as possible.

Now take off the oil cap. You could have done this right away but this way the oil gushes out a bit less.

Best let the oil drain out for at least 15 minutes, half an hour is best.

5. CHANGE THE OIL FILTER

In the meantime, while the oil is dripping, change the oil filter.

In case of the Skoda, it is like on many cars, screwed onto the engine. The other most common system is a cartridge system which is a bit more complicated. Nothing to fear but there’s a bit more work involved.

Regarding tools to take the old filter off, you may have to use an oil filter wrench or key. Sometimes if you have enough space you take it off by hand.

In this case, there is a convenient seat on the oil filter for a socket. So we used a ratchet and socket to loosen it.

Take off the old filter and watch out for leaking oil.

Wipe the oil that’s leaked around the filter mount and install the new filter.

This is important: put some oil on the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. This way the new rubber seal will sit in easier and leaks are less probable.

Tighten the filter slightly, don’t overtighten it.

6. RETURN THE OIL DRAIN PLUG AND SPLASH GUARD (IF REMOVED)

By the time you’re finished changing the filter, the oil has probably drained.

If so, return the oil drain plug, tighten it firmly, and pull out the drain pan.

Then return the plastic splash guard, if it was removed in the first place.

7. LOWER THE CAR AND REMOVE JACK STANDS AND WHEEL CHOKES

Take out the jack stands, lower the car, and remove the wheel chocks.

8. POUR NEW ENGINE OIL

Before pouring new oil, wipe the dipstick clean and return it in place.

Now it’s time to pour in the new oil. Make sure you know how much exactly goes into your engine.

If you’re not sure look at the user manual or on the internet. It’s important not to put too much or even worse too little.

Once the oil is poured, let it settle down for at least 15 minutes. Then take out the dipstick,

The measure should show the maximum level or a bit above the maximum.

This may seem that you poured too much but don’t worry, it’s OK. The level will go down when the engine is started and the oil filter is filled up.

9. START THE ENGINE

Now start the engine. If everything is OK, the oil warning light will go off, immediately or after a couple of seconds. The engine should run smoothly and without any problems.

Let the engine run for a couple of minutes so the oil can circulate through the engine and oil filter.

10. RE-CHECK THE OIL LEVEL AND CHECK AROUND FOR LEAKS

To finish the job, let the engine cool down again and then check the oil level once more.

The ideal level is a bit above the middle, just between minimum and maximum.

If it exceeds the maximum you have too much, if it’s below the middle or on the minimum you have to add some oil.

But, once more, if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much oil to pour, it will be OK.

Check around the oil drain plug and the oil filter for leaks. It would be good to check around once more after a couple of days just in case.

CONCLUSION

This may seem complicated but an oil change is no rocket science for sure.

It is just letting the old oil out and pouring the new one in. The filter change may be a bit more complicated but nothing special.

On the majority of cars, it is a routine and pretty easy job.

Nevertheless, take a look around the engine before you start just in case. Especially if you drive a high-end, high-tech car.

In the end, change the engine oil on time. This is perhaps the smallest investment in maintenance but one that seriously prolongs the lifespan of your engine.