oil change/ tire problem

[GMember]

Hey Guys,

My check engine light just came on so I need help with the following.

1)Guide me through changing the oil. (what should I do, i'm completly new at this)
2)What type of Oil should I buy (sae and brand name and anything else I might need to know)
3) Is there anything else that needs to be done (such as change the filters?)

Thanks a lot for you help

As well my front right tire seems to be leaking. I pump it to about 33 psi and can run for about 3 days (maybe about 200 km) on them and it goes pretty flat (less then 10 psi). I pumped it full a week ago, left on vacation for 5 days, came back and it was flat. Should I replace the tire or is there something i can do about it?

[ricebike]

check www.autozone.com maybe they have a free chilton-type manual online for u to read/ or just buy one.

some tips:
<shrugs> oil it better changed out when it's warm/not cold... depending on oil filter orientation, i'd put some oil into the filter to "precharge it" & dab the mounting gasket before installing it... oil drain plug gasket should be changed, but I got away w/ reusing it a few times before... make sure u have this tigtened to specs. too loose= well u know too tight=well u may have stripped the threads... know your fluid capacities & don't overfill it!<shrugs>

5w30 or 10w30 oil weight are good choices for a daily driver... www.bobistheoilguy.com for more info on what oils/filters/etc. are good/bad to use.

spray bottle of soapy water mixture to your tires to check for leaks... @ the valve stem or @ the bead or maybe a nail on the tread area of the tires...

[grfnkl]

For the check engine light, have the computer scanned for codes to see what the direct problem. It could be something simple like the gas cap, to something a little more serious.

As far as an oil change goes, I'm ashamed to say this but i've never done one myself, but it's a pretty easy procedure. Mainly you have to drain out the old Oil, always replace teh oil filter at the same time. Put the new filter and oil drain plug back in, and filll it up with the recommended oil. as far as brands theirs normally not much difference between them.

Your tire leak is most likely due to a nail or screw in the tire. Visually inspect the tire for any objects that may cause a leak. You can buy a repair kit (patch) for less then 10$'s or most gas stations and garages do it for about 10$'s as well. If you don't find something in the tire, there could still be a hole or a bad valve. Hope this helps some.