How to do an oil change

Changing the oil on your car and car repair is an easy process. Of course, the easiest way to do it is to take it to a servicer or an oil change store and have them change it for you. However, you might want to contact a local auto repair shop Austin. They can also help you with Transmission Repair and car air conditioning Austin. This quick overview should help you get started.
Why Bother?
After a period of time, the oil your car uses to keep your system lubricated and moving smoothly will begin to lose viscosity and effectiveness due to constant exposure to heat and friction from the engine. Most car manufacturers recommend that you change your oil every 3 months or 15000 miles to keep it in good working order. Failure to change your oil will result in undue engine wear and possible damage.
Getting Started
The tools you will need:
1. Oil pan – Since the process of changing your oil consists of removing the old stuff, you need a pan of some sort to capture it. A sturdy plastic or metal oil pan will allow you to catch with a minimum of spill.
2. New oil – Most vehicles use five quarts of oil to refill the system. Check with your owner’s manual to make sure you have the correct type and amount of oil.
3. Wrench – You will need the proper size wrench to remove the oil plug at the bottom of your oil pan to remove it from the car’s engine.
4. Ramps/Lift – As the access to the oil plug is at the bottom of your car’s engine you will need a way to be able to get under there. A set of ramps can be purchase from most auto parts dealers.
5. Rags –This can be a messy job. Keep rags nearby to clean up spills and wipe your hands.
Changing your oil
So with all of your tools in place, you will need to find the spot where the oil goes in and the place where it comes out. The oil is poured into your engine through the oil cap somewhere near the top of your engine. This should be easy to find and have the word “oil” printed on it. Next you need to locate the oil plug at the bottom of your engine. With your car raised on ramps you can crawl under there, look for a bolt located at the very bottom of your engine. It should be alone and not connecting your engine to the rest of the car in any way.
Once you have located these things, get your wrench and oil pan ready and crawl under your car. Place the oil pan directly under the bolt. Loosen the bolt. Be careful because as soon as it is removed, oil will immediately begin pouring out. Let the oil drain into the oil pan. All enough time to go by in this step, because the oil is viscous and the last bits will take some time dripping out.
After the oil is gone, be absolutely certain to replace the oil plug bolt on the bottom of the oil pan. Remove the oil cap on the top and pour the new oil into the hole. Replace the oil cap. Take the used oil to a recycling center. You are done.
Sound a bit complicated? A professional garage can help if you don’t have the supplies or the time to handle it on your own. Be sure and ask us about magnaflow exhaust system and general automotive repair Austin TX questions too.

About the Author: Brandon Adams is the author of man popular articles on the automotive repair industry.

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