Oil Change on a Car or Truck – Step by step DIY how to

Part of the maintenance your vehicle needs is regular oil and oil filter changes. Many people are intimidated by the process of changing their own oil, but it’s really not that difficult! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of performing an oil change on a car or truck.

Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. You’ll need:

• new oil filter
• Motor oil (The kind and amount will be specific to your vehicle- consult your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic)
• wrench or socket set
• drain pan
• funnel

Tools and Materials for an Oil Change

​If you’re planning on changing your own oil, there are a few things you’ll need to gather first.

Oil: Check your owner’s manual to find out how much oil your car or truck needs and what type of oil is best.
Oil filter: Consult your owner’s manual to find the right size and type for your car or truck.
Funnel: To help you pour the oil into your car’s engine without making a mess.
Jack and jack stands: You’ll need a jack to lift up your car so you can get to the oil pan.
Wrench: A wrench will be necessary to remove the oil drain plug and the oil filter.
Rags or paper towels: You’ll need something to clean up any spills.
Disposable gloves: Will help keep your hands clean.

Prepare Your Car or Truck for the Oil Change

​As the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to start thinking about routine maintenance for your car or truck. One of the most important things you can do for your vehicle is to change the oil regularly. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your car or truck for the oil change:

1. Park your vehicle on a level surface. This will make it easier to drain the oil and avoid spillage.

2. Warm up the engine for a few minutes. This will help the oil flow more easily.

3. Place a pan under the oil drain plug to catch the used oil.

4. Remove the oil fill cap and the oil drain plug. Be careful of hot oil and steam when you do this.

5. Let the oil drain completely. This could take a few minutes.

6. Replace the oil drain plug and tighten it.

7. Pour new oil into the vehicle, using the type and amount recommended in your owner’s manual.

8. Replace the oil fill cap and tighten it.

9. Check for leaks.

10. reset your oil change light or keep track of when you last changed your oil in your vehicle maintenance log.

Drain the Old Oil

It’s important to change your oil regularly to keep your car or truck running smoothly. Over time, oil breaks down and gets dirty, making it less effective at lubricating and cooling your engine. That’s why it’s important to drain and replace the old oil in your car on a regular basis.

1. Park your car or truck on a level surface and put on the emergency brake.

2. Place a drain pan under the oil drain plug, which is located on the bottom of the engine.

3. Unscrew the oil drain plug and allow the oil to drain into the pan.

4. Once the oil has finished draining, screw the oil drain plug back in.

Replace the Oil Filter each Oil Change

A clogged oil filter can cause all sorts of problems, including decreased fuel economy, engine overheating, and oil pressure problems.

1. Locate the oil filter. It’s usually located on the side of the engine block, near the oil pan.

2. Use an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter. You may need to use a little force to break it loose.

3. Clean the area around the oil filter mount. This will help ensure a good seal for the new filter.

4. Put a little bit of new oil on the gasket of the new filter. This will help it seal properly.

5. Screw on the new filter hand-tight. Again, you may need to use a little force to get it started.

6. Use the oil filter wrench to tighten the new filter an additional 1/2 to 3/4 turn. Be careful not to over-tighten it, or you could damage the filter.

Re-Fill the Engine with Fresh Oil

​The engine is the heart of your car, and it needs fresh oil to keep it running smoothly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing the oil in your car’s engine.

1. Lift the hood and locate the oil dipstick. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.

2. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the oil tube.

3. Pull the dipstick out again and check the level of the oil. If it’s below the “full” line, you’ll need to add more oil.

4. Find the oil fill cap and unscrew it.

5. Pour oil into the opening until it reaches the “full” line on the dipstick.

6. Screw the oil fill cap back on.

7. Lower the hood and you’re done!

Changing your car’s oil is an important part of routine maintenance. It’s a simple task that you can do yourself, and it will help keep your engine running smoothly for years to come.

Dispose of Used Oil and Filters Properly

Every year, millions of gallons of used oil are improperly disposed of, resulting in contamination of our soils and water resources. When disposed of properly, used oil can be recycled and used again. But when not disposed of properly, used oil can pollute the environment.

Here are some tips for disposing of used oil and filters properly:

1. Take your used oil and filters to a certified recycling center. There are many of these centers located across the country.

2. Do not pour used oil down the drain. This can contaminate our water supply.

3. Do not dispose of used oil in the trash. This can pollute our soils and ground water.

4. Instead of throwing away your used oil filters, recycle them. Many recycling centers will accept used filters for recycling.

By following these tips, you can help to keep our environment clean and safe.

Check for Potential Leaks

​If your car is leaking oil, it’s important to find the source of the leak and get it fixed as soon as possible. Even a small oil leak can cause big problems, so it’s best to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand.

To check for potential leaks, start by checking under your car. If you see any oil on the ground, it’s a good indication that your car is leaking oil. You can also check your oil level by opening the hood and looking at the dipstick. If the level is low, it’s a good indication that oil is leaking from somewhere.

If you think you might have an oil leak, the best thing to do is take your car to a mechanic and have them take a look. They’ll be able to tell you for sure if there’s a leak and can help you fix it. In the meantime, try to avoid driving your car too much to prevent any further damage.

A Regular Oil Change for Optimal Performance

The oil in your car is responsible for lubricating the engine. Over time, the oil breaks down and becomes less effective. This can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to serious damage. Fresh oil prevents this wear and tear, and helps keep the engine running smoothly.

In addition to preventing wear and tear, fresh oil can also improve your car’s fuel efficiency. When the engine is well-lubricated, it doesn’t have to work as hard to run. This means that it uses less fuel, which can save you money at the pump.

Finally, regular oil changes can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. When the oil isn’t changed regularly, it can cause build-up on the engine. This build-up can lead to clogs and other problems that can be expensive to fix.

So, how often should you change your car’s oil? It depends on the make and model of your car, as well as your driving habits. However, most experts recommend changing your car’s oil every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or so.

If you’re due for an oil change, or if you’re having any other car trouble, bring your vehicle to the experts at RadMan. We’ll be happy to help keep your car running smoothly.

Quality Oil and Filters for a Long-Lasting Oil Change

There are a lot of different brands of oil and filters on the market, so it can be tough to know which ones to choose. However, doing a little research can go a long way. Talk to your mechanic or do some research online to find out which brands are the best for your car.

Once you’ve found the right oil and filter, it’s important to make sure they’re installed properly. This means changing your oil according to your car’s specific instructions. Most cars need their oil changed every 5,000 miles or so, but it’s always best to check your owner’s manual to be sure.

If you use quality oil and filters and change your oil according to your car’s specifications, you’ll be well on your way to a long-lasting oil change.

Final Thoughts

You can also check for recalls with each oil change.  If you have an OBD scanner, you can also check for any problems you can’t yet see.   Find all the OBD codes here.

Is your car also stalling?  Engine light on?