Changing Engine Oil and Oil filter

Last time, my bro had shown me how to change engine oil and oil filter my self. Unexpectedly, it is not that difficult if you have right tools. In Brunei, it is not that expensive to get your car serviced. In other countries, it is expensive because of expensive labour. If you have plenty of time and want learn and save some money, please read on.

Before you even decide on servicing yourself, make sure you have all the tools and know the location of the oil filter as different car have different position. If you are not confident on changing it your self, I suggest not to attempt this. Just buy the engine oil and oil filter and send your car to the workshop. Easier. However, if you really wanted to know how, here are the steps that I know on how to change engine oil and oil filter:

Step 1: Buy the right engine oil and oil filter for your car.

Make sure you check your engine oil level regularly at least once a week to make sure you have enough. Engine oil is the life of tyour car. If you are running on low engine oil (maybe there are leaks or it is being burnt which produces white smoke and black carbon form around your exhaust), you need to refill it to the right level. If you dont have any engine oil inside, it will produce white smoke which comes from the engine due to friction of the piston. You then have to replace a new engine which will cost you alot of money. Use smoke stopper if you notice white smoke coming from your exhaust (especially for older cars).

Step 2: Park your car and position the front wheels on something that allows the car to be raised. You will need the space to get under the car.

Step 3: Allow the engine to cool down.

Step 4: Get all your tools ready

Step 5: Locate the nut that drains the engine oil. It is normally underneath the car below the engine. Once you find it, place a container which you use to collect the old engine oil. You can use old engine oil bottle and cut it in half.

Step 6: Open the engine oil cap. Then open the nut using wrench and drain the engine oil. Wait until all old engine oil is drained.

Step 7: Open the oil filter. You might need the right tool which you can find in your local car products shops.

Step 8: Put on the new oil filter and tighten it using hand only. Not too tight because it will expand during operation and it may be difficult to loosen next time you replace it.

Advice: Try to avoid running on low fuel. Low fuel means the fuel is dirty and makes your oil filter and fuel pump clot ( Let me know if I am wrong). Having alot of fuel means your fuel is less dirty and protects your fuel pump and oil filter.

I recommend leaving it over night, allowing most of the old oil to drain and then refilling with new oil in the morning.

Step 9: Tighten the nut using wrench that allows the engine oil to drain.

Step 10: Place dry clean plastic funnel (make sure no sand and water) in the engine opening (there is always label say engine oil) and pour new engine oil slowly. Make sure you don't over fill your engine. New engine oil bottle normally in 5L container. You may use 4.5 L of it depending your car engine size. (check your car manual)

Step 11: Measure the new level. add more if the level does not reach at the mark line. Add until you have reached the mark line.

Step 12: Tighten the engine oil cap and clean all your equipments

Make sure you have someone to help and refer or car manual.

This is not the offical method on changing oil filter and engine oil as it varies with different car maker. It is just a guide and I will not responsible if something goes wrong.

Please leave comment if you want to add in this post.