what's the proper procedures for a vehicle oil change?

Question

what comes off first, the oil filter or the oil plug?

Answer 1

I've changed my oil a few times over the years and here's how I do it:

Make sure the engine is warmed up, never change cold oil! The idea of changing oil is to get rid of all the crud, particuliclues, water, and chemicals your engine produces. So drain your oil right after turning it off to get the crud while it's still in the oil vs. settled to the bottom of your engine.

First: get all your stuff in one pile. Set your new oil bottles on the ground along with a rag, the wrench to undo the drain plug, your new filter, a filter wrench if needed, and the drain pan for the used oil.

Take a small bit of dish washing liquid and rub it into your hands getting the soap under your fingernails and the small cracks in your skin. let it dry for a minute. This will make cleaning your hands so much easier! Of course the best thing is to get some rubber gloves.

Take the oil cap off. This is usually a large knob looking thing on the top of your valve cover. If you do not do this, the oil will drain out very slow and will act like a pop bottle turned down too far, it will "gulp".
Undo the drain plug under the engine, unscrew the plug until it's almost out, then put the drain pan underneath, remembering that the flow of oil will not be straight down but flow out. Let the oil drain until it no longer drips. While this is going on, pull the oil filter. Depending on the location of the filter, this will either be a piece of cake, or the biggest pain. Once the filter is loosened, there will be oil running out of the mounting area, place the drain pan to catch this as well.

Replace the oil filter by first taking a drop of oil on your finger and run it around the rubber gasket, this will prevent the filter from sticking to the engine the next time the filter is changed. If the oil filter won't break loose by hand, you need a oil filter wrench. This looks like a handle with a band attached. The band fits around the filter and gives you more leverage. I've actually had to take a screwdriver and hammer it into the side of the filter to get it to turn, no fun! So just hand tighten the filter, you'll thank yourself next oil change!

Once the oil has stopped dripping out of the drain hole, clean the drain plug with the rag. It your drain plug has a magnet on it, look for metal shavings, this would indicate a potential failure inside the motor (metal grinding against metal makes shavings and is not good). If you do not have a magnet drain plug consider getting one, cheap insurance! Anyway, put the clean drain plug back in and wrench it snug Do not overtighten! It will be a pain to remove next time. Remember, metal expands when hot and it will seal enough with just a good tightening.

Once the filter is in place and the drain plug is in then you can pour the new oil into the hole on top of your engine. Different engines require different amounts of oil and type of oil. Check your owners manual! I always buy an extra quart more than I need. I keep it in the car. Check your oil once a week and add as needed. I also clean the dip stick so you can see the new oil which is clear compared to the old oil.

Once the oil is in, put the oil cap back on, make sure it's tight! they do vibrate off, not only does it sound like the engine falling apart, it makes a big mess spraying oil all over the engine compartment. Clean up your tools, recycle your oil bottles and used oil. Wash your hands. Start your engine and watch the oil pressure guage if you have one, or wait until the oil light goes out. Go back and pull the dip stick and make sure the oil level is where it should be, if not, use that extra quart of oil to top it off. Don't forget to make a entry in your diary you keep with the car of all your maintaince. Repeat every 3000 miles.

Answer 2

The plug, unless you want a big mess! You may or may not need to raise the front end a bit to get under there. Use axle stands if you do!

1. Warm up the car (and turn the engine back off!) The oil will drain better if it's warm.
2. Put your drain pan under the oil pan and remove the filler cap and drain plug - the old oil will drain
3. Remove the filter (it will be full of oil)
4. Clean the surface on the engine block that contacts the oil filter
5. Oil the new filter gasket, pour some new oil into the filter and put it on. Give it one full turn after the gasket contacts the block.
6. Clean and replace the pan plug, tightening it to the manufacturer's specs. (If you don't have a torque wrench go easy - you can always tighten it a bit more if it drips, rethreading the hole is a much bigger chore)
7. Fill with proper amount of new oil
8. Run your engine for a bit, then turn it off and check that you have the proper amount in there with the dipstick.

There ya go. Just be careful not to overfill or crossthread and you'll be fine. Call your local dump to see where you can bring the used oil for disposal, this is often a free service.

Answer 3

Hey,
Here's a step-by-step just in case you need the info:

1. Raise the car and place on jack stands. Make sure the it is steady and secure.
1a. Pop the hood and unscrew the filler cap. (I only do this to let air flow in as the oil goes out, thus allowing the oil to exit faster.)
2. Place an oil-collection pan (or whatever you use to store the oil) under the car's oil pan.
3. Open and remove the drain plug and let the oil pour out.
4. Once the oils tarts trickling down to minimal flow, move the oil-collector pan under the oil filter.
5. Open and remove the oil filter and place it upside down on to the oil-collector pan so the remaining oil in the filter can come out.
6. Wipe down the area where the oil filter screws in if any oil spilled when removing the filter.
7. Open a new bottle of motor oil, stick in your finger into the oil and use the oil to lube the rubber gasket (black rubber circular thing on the side of the filter that screws up against the block).
8. Install the oil filter.
9. Once the old oil is out, place the drain plug back in.
10. Pour new oil through the oil filler on top of the crankcase. make sure it is at the appropriate level.
11. Lower the car.
12. Start the car for a few moments and turn it off - this allows the oil to move around.
13. Check the oil level and add as needed.
14. Go take a nap.

Answer 4

all good answers ,but here is a better one .go to waltmart,buy your oil tell them you want your oil changed.it will cost you $9:00 or less. and they will throw the filter in also for this price. i have done it this way for 2years .its not worth getting under your car for $9:00.and they are responsible

Answer 5

the only thing i can add to rotten dogs description is to check for leaks while the engine is running .