Lessons on how to give an oil change

[mrblueeze]

Can anyone teach me how to give my car an oil change from what i need to where to throw away the oil thanks

[Brian R.]

I suggest you enrole in an auto maintentance class at your local community college or high school.

[Bossman]

Also, your Toyota dealer has a rack of pamphlets in the Parts Dept/Waiting Room that explains "Do-It-Yourself" stuff like this. I'm sure one of the service writers would be happy to discuss it with you. You can dispose your old dirty oil at any oil recyling center throughout CA. I live down here in Orange County and there's one not more than 3 or 4 miles from me. You can check the internet, phone book, etc. and you'll find them.

[It is a car!]

Our local autoparts store here is MI, Murray's Auto, takes used oil.
also our township does the same several times a year.

[Daniel M. Dreifus]

Can anyone teach me how to give my car an oil change from what i need to where to throw away the oil thanks
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The oil should be warm or hot when drained. That way it carries off more impurities because they are in solution from the action of the hot oil inside the engine.
If you're doing your own oil changes, sometimes you can arrange to change the oil after driving some distance. Minimum should probably be around ten miles. The temperature sender is in the water jacket in the head, which heats up first, so it can take a while for the engine block to reach full operating temperature even after the temperature gauge on the dash reads normal.
I always like to buy a stack of oil drain plug gaskets and several oil filters at one time. The little round gaskets that seal the oil drain plug are very inexpensive and help insure no drips, plus make it easier to tighten the drain plug correctly without over tightening. You don't want to crank down the oil drain plug until the threads strip out of the pan. Just tighten gradually as resistance increases, then go back a few minutes later and double check the tightness. Often it can be tightened a little bit more.
For the oil filter you should get the kind of wrench that is used with a ratchet handle. Looks like a cap that fits over the top of the oil filter. You also need an extension for the ratchet handle. A good idea is to use a paint mark so you can turn the specified amount. For mine, it is 3/4 turn.
If you have the time, it is always best to let the hot oil drain over night. More will come out that way, and you will notice the new oil on the dipstick staying cleaner longer.
When you remove the oil drain plug it will be hot. Usually by pushing up until the last thread releases, you can minimize the amount of oil spilling on to your hand. Just have a bag of fresh shop rags nearby so you can use one when removing the drain plug.
When installing the new oil filter, dip your finger in the new oil and spread some oil around the gasket at the base of the oil filter. I also clean the mounting surface on the engine block and spread a slight amount of oil there also. Also clean the mounting surface on the engine oil pan before re installing the drain plug - but use no oil on that surface.
Most manuals list the amount of oil to re fill the engine. Try adding about 1/2 quart less then start the engine, check for leaks and let the engine sit for about fifteen minutes then add oil up to the full mark, adding gradually, and checking several times. Then check oil level again the next morning with the engine cold, and the car on a level surface.
Where I live, the AutoZone that sells the oil also accepts used oil. I keep a couple of one gallon coolant containers and fill them with old oil using a large funnel.
I happen to have a large metal oil drain pan and when done, I clean the inside with a few paper towels and the used rags from the oil change, that way it is clean and ready for the next time.

[Daniel M. Dreifus]

One more thing.
Drain the oil hot - remove the oil drain plug from the bottom of the oil pan - but wait a while before removing the oil filter.
If you decided to let the oil drain over night, when you remove the oil filter no oil will drip.
Also, if you leave the car with no oil, make sure no one else will try to drive it.

[ProMan]

The owner's manual normally will explain how to change oil. That may be a good start for you.

Besides the oil, oil filter, and drain plug washer, you need the following

1. Drive-on rail, lift the front portion of the car so you can get to the bottom.
2. A wrench that fits the drain plug size.
3. Oil drain pan.
4. Oil filter wrench that fits the size of the oil filter.
5. Funnel for adding oil.
6. Optional, latex gloves to keep your hands clean.

Most gas station with a garage should take used oil.

Daniel's post is very thorough! You are the man!!!

[mrblueeze]

thanks didn't know my dealer would give me a pamphlet on how to give an oil change, that way they make more money =) also is it ok to just to the lifting thing and leave it. Or do i have to buy those blocks that hold the car up? sorry for not using the correct vocabulary. =( 4give me just a newbie and trying to learn

[mrblueeze]

thanks i have a good idea now i have also seen it a few times but could anymore go more in detail all the things i need and step by step like pan under oil pan and where it is located

[Sunliner]

Daniels post + a Haynes manual for your vehicle ought to get ya rolling!
The manual has pictures & everything.

[rum runner]

Daniels explanation was right on the money......

Go to Wal Mart and get a Rino Ramp..$20... drive on carefully, pay attention

Get a metric socket 13mm I think for drain plug. Buy the whole set for under $10