Top Dos and Don’ts of Changing Engine Oil

Have you ever considered changing engine oil by yourself? Although changing oil is not difficult, there are still a lot of things to consider causing engine problems. So, be careful and thorough when changing engine oil. Also, know the dos and don’ts of changing engine oil.

When it is time to change the engine oil, most of it, you’ll have to bring it to a mechanic. Although it is worth bringing your car to an auto repair shop, it can become too costly too. Aside from paying for an engine oil change at the shop, you will also have to pay for upgrades or automobile repairs that you didn’t know you need. So, changing the engine oil yourself can be an option. However, before considering such an option, here are the top dos and don’ts of changing engine oil:

Do determine the required type of car engine oil and weight by checking the owner’s manual.

• Do choose the best engine oil for your car. Try reading reliable engine oil product reviews to learn more.
• Do warm-up your car’s engine by running it for at least 5 minutes. This is a must when changing oil, especially during colder months or the car had been sedentary for several weeks. When the car had not been in use, the engine oil thickens, causing your car’s engine to perform poorly.
• Do cool down your engine before changing the oil to avoid accidents and wasting your engine oil. If you have driven the car and you need to change oil, wait for at least 10 to 30 minutes. Also, make sure to wear rubber gloves to accidents from possible split oil.
• Do not use an adjustable socket or wrench when loosening the drain plug; instead, use the correct tool with its correct size. Also, make sure to use the correct drain pan to avoid oil spillage.
• Do fill the engine oil tank with the recommended amount of oil.
• Do not forget to install an oil filter but before doing so, make sure to lubricate the top seal or gasket of the oil filter to ensure the filter is well-fitted and won’t cause an oil leak.
• Do not use any tools to tighten back the filter; you need to use your hand to tighten it back to its place.
• Do notover-tighten the filter; if you do, it’ll be hard for you to remove the filter in the future. Also, do not leave the filter seal dry; removing it in the future may also become a hassle.
• Do dispose of the drained oil properly. Use the container of the new engine oil to keep the used oil. And then, bring it to a motor oil recycling location near you.
• Do not use engine oil additives when changing oil; it will only cause engine problems.
• Do read the car user manual for thorough instructions on how to change oil for your car. Also, you may try asking your trusted mechanic how to change the oil and which engine oil is ideal for your car.