How to Change the Oil in Your Used Car

Written By: admin on June 18, 2010 No Comment

When you buy a used car, you often may not bother learning how to change the oil in your used car, assuming that used car dealers have already performed that maintenance. While in most cases this may be true, it’s not always the case.

Learning How to Change the Oil in Your Used Car

After purchasing a used car from a used car dealer, many people just start driving it without bothering to perform any sort of maintenance to it. However, by following this simple guide, you’ll be able to insure that the life of the engine in the used car you just purchases is extended to its maximum. Oil is the lifeblood of your car, and it is critical to protect moving parts within the engine from friction and heat. This guide will walk you through the process of changing your own oil

Things You Will Need

The basic tools you need include the following:

Preparation

Before you change the oil (easily a 15 minute job), you want to make sure that you have everything ready in order to make the task as easy as possible. Run the car for about five minutes to warm up the oil, this will help the oil drain more easily and thoroughly. Pop the hood and open the oil filler cap at the top of the engine (it’s marked with the picture of an oil can dripping with oil). Removing this cap will also help the oil to flow more easily.

Set up the ramps in front of each wheel and drive the car carefully to the top, or if you prefer using a jack, carefully set the jack and the jack block under the car frame and jack up the front of the car just enough so you can easily get under it. Regardless which method you use to lift up the front of the car, always block both rear wheels with a block of wood before you ever get under the car.

Give That Car a Drink

Using the funnel, empty the bottles of new oil to the engine. Add the number of quarts listed in the owner’s manual. Finally, replace the cap, remove all of your tools from under the car, then carefully lower the jack or remove the blocks and back the car off the ramps. Visit http://www.mobil1.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/Car_Care_Home.aspx to look up the oil recycling center nearest you.

For more information about quality used cars, including vehicle listings, vehicle information and even used car credit information, visit Harry Coker at www.blueskymotors.net.