10 steps to changing your oil

As the owner of one or more vehicles, you are no doubt aware that there are a number of servicing and maintenance tasks that you must perform regularly in order to maintain your safety, that of your passengers and other road users as well as your driving comfort. Among the various car maintenance tasks to be carried out, several require the intervention of professional and qualified mechanics, this is particularly the case for changing tires every season, wheel alignment or servicing the braking system and many others. On the other hand, some servicing is relatively simple and you can do it yourself, such as topping up the oil or windshield washer fluid or coolant or even tire pressure.

But what to do for changing the engine oil in your vehicle? You are wondering if you can do this maintenance yourself as many people seem to do or if you should go to a specialized garage.

Here is some information to guide you on changing your car’s engine oil.

Changing the oil in your car: what for?

To prevent wear and breakage of engine components, to prevent energy loss, to extend the life of the engine and mechanical components and to help you save fuel.

In order to preserve your engine components and optimize its operation, it is recommended to change the oil and filter every 6,000 to 8,000 kilometers, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. If you drive few kilometers, it is still recommended to perform at least two oil changes per year, generally each season at the same time as changing your tires.
Indeed, after a certain number of kilometers, the oil loses its viscosity, and therefore its effectiveness. It becomes saturated with contaminants and deposits that can accumulate in the engine, causing premature wear.

Additionally, if your vehicle is new, still under warranty, or leased, you must perform the oil and filter change according to the manufacturer’s recommendations in order to maintain the warranty on the vehicle.

The functionality of engine oil and filter

Engine oil helps your vehicle’s engine operate optimally by performing several functions such as:

• Lubrication of the various components of the engine in order to avoid friction and therefore wear of the parts.
• Protection of parts from oxidation and corrosion.
• Cleaning by capturing particles and guiding them to the filter.
• Cooling of places where the coolant does not render.

The different types of engine oil

There are 3 types of oil that are used for engines:

• Mineral oil

It is the oldest of the motor oils. It is derived from refined crude oil, contains between 10 and 25% of additives and is the least expensive on the market.

• Synthetic oil

It is an enriched product that contains fewer impurities than mineral oils. More efficient, it offers better protection to the engine by reducing friction and limiting deposits, which reduces wear and thus reduces fuel consumption. In addition, it is very resistant to low temperatures and is more suitable for modern engines.

• Semi-synthetic oil

It is a mixture between a mineral oil and a synthetic oil, which however remains less efficient than a synthetic oil.

In any case, you must use the type of oil suitable for your vehicle and recommended by the manufacturer.

Perform your quick oil change in 10 steps

1. Prepare yourself adequately

Obtain the correct engine oil for the model and make of your vehicle in sufficient quantity and with the correct filter.

2. Warm up the engine

In order to remove all particles present in the oil, it must be lukewarm. You must therefore drive your vehicle to warm the engine up to its normal operating temperature. Then to avoid burning yourself, turn off the engine and let the vehicle rest for about ten minutes before proceeding.

3. Secure and lift your car

Park your vehicle on a flat and stable ground. Then make sure to put your car in park or neutral and put the handbrake on. Remember to block the wheels of the vehicle then raise it using a hydraulic jack and maintain the elevation with appropriate supports.

4. Drain the old oil

First of all, if your car has a splash guard that protects the underside of the car, you will need to remove it in order to access the oil filler cap.
Make sure to place an oil drain pan or other suitable container directly under the cap to catch the old oil. Unscrew the cap with a wrench, remove it, and let the old oil drain into your container. You will need to wait several minutes for all the oil to drain completely and then replace the oil pan cap.

5. Remove the old oil filter

Locate and remove the oil filter and drain the remaining oil into your oil pan. Then clean the filter compartment using clean rags.
Removing the oil filter can be difficult since it is very greasy. You can use a suitable tool such as a socket wrench, a hose clamp wrench, filter pliers, a chain wrench or other tools to make the job easier.

6. Insert the new oil filter

To ensure a perfect seal, lubricate the round gasket of the new filter with new engine oil. Then put the oil filter on and screw it on.

7. Add new engine oil

Use a funnel to pour the new oil into the reservoir, according to the amount specified in your manual, then close and tighten the reservoir cap. Make sure you do not overfill with oil, as this can cause damage to your vehicle’s engine.

8. Start your car

Always run your engine for a few minutes after an oil change. This helps circulate the new oil throughout the engine, including the filter. Additionally, this process allows you to check for and detect any leaks. Also, make sure the oil light is off.

9. Check the oil level

After letting the engine run for a few minutes, turn it off and let it cool for a few minutes. Then check the oil level with the dipstick. Add some if it is low.

10. Dispose of used oil

Think about the environment and take your used oil to a recycling center.

Are you not sure you can successfully complete this process? Do you not have the necessary equipment or do you not want to waste time maintaining your vehicle? Call on the experts at Chez Pneus Groupe Unik , who offer you meticulous and quality service at a competitive price to efficiently change your vehicle’s engine oil.