you can change your car's motor oil

by Juan Uflerbaumer


Change your car's oil yourself

Changing your car's oil yourself is a lot easier than you think, and you can save money, but remember, safety always comes first when it comes to automotive maintenance. Whether you are a first timer or experienced, this is a step-by-step guide to show you the safest and most efficient way to do this simple task!

You will need about 5 quarts of motor oil. (the proper SAE viscosity, API performance and quantity required for your engine as well as filter specs can be found in your owner's manual)

A new oil filter. Cars use a "spin-on" oil filter, it comes in various shapes and sizes.

A drain plug socket wrench or open-end wrench (exact size) and an oil filter wrench.

A large drain pan and a rag.

Change your motor oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. This strategy will give superior engine protection and longer engine life. (Check your owner's manual for special conditions and do not exceed warranty recommendations.)

Never use a bumper jack to hold your vehicle up because it is too unstable. Wheel ramps are ideal and much safer. Wheel ramps will tilt the car just enough to allow you to slide underneath. After making sure that you are on level ground, drive your vehicle up onto the wheel ramps so that the front tires are elevated. Set your emergency brake and brace both rear wheels with wooden blocks. Put your vehicle in park if you have an automatic transmission and in first gear if you have a manual transmission. If the oil is cold will not drain properly so idle your engine for about 5-10 minutes to bring it to normal operating temperature (never start your engine without oil). Then switch off the engine and raise the hood to locate and loosen the oil sump cap, this will allow the oil to drain from the bottom more freely.

Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of your vehicle. It should be located at the bottom rear end of the engine sump or oil pan.

Place the drain pan underneath the drain plug and slightly toward the back. Turn the plug counterclockwise using your wrench until it rotates freely. Finish removing the plug by hand. Be careful of the oil since it may release rapidly and is likely to be rather hot.

After that, loosen the oil filter - may be warm - turning it counterclockwise with a filter wrench. Complete the removal by hand, taking care not touch the hot exhaust manifold. The oil filter may feel slightly heavy because is filled with oil, so carefully ease it down and away from the engine and tip its contents into the drain pan.

Take your rag and wipe in and around the filter seat on the engine. Then take a new filter and use your finger to apply a light film of oil (new or used) to the gasket (the circular edge of the filter itself). This film will act as a sealant. Carefully screw the new filter onto the threaded oil line, turning it clockwise. Once aligned properly, the filter will thread on easily. Tighten the filter by hand, taking care not to overtighten. Clean the oil plug and drain set and then align and replace the plug. Screw the plug in by hand and finish by tightening it with a wrench. Take care to not overtighten.

On the top of the engine you will find a cap that says "Oil." Unscrew the cap and proceed to fill the engine with the required quantity of oil, checking with the dipstick to assure proper fill level. Then replace the cap and wipe off any spillage. The oil light should go out as soon as the engine is started. Run the engine for several minutes, then switch it off and check the dipstick once again to assure proper oil level. Last, but not least, check under the vehicle for leaks.

you can change your car's motor oil

by Juan Uflerbaumer


Change your car's oil yourself

Changing your car's oil yourself is a lot easier than you think, and you can save money, but remember, safety always comes first when it comes to automotive maintenance. Whether you are a first timer or experienced, this is a step-by-step guide to show you the safest and most efficient way to do this simple task!

You will need about 5 quarts of motor oil. (the proper SAE viscosity, API performance and quantity required for your engine as well as filter specs can be found in your owner's manual)

A new oil filter. Cars use a "spin-on" oil filter, it comes in various shapes and sizes.

A drain plug socket wrench or open-end wrench (exact size) and an oil filter wrench.

A large drain pan and a rag.

Change your motor oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. This strategy will give superior engine protection and longer engine life. (Check your owner's manual for special conditions and do not exceed warranty recommendations.)

Never use a bumper jack to hold your vehicle up because it is too unstable. Wheel ramps are ideal and much safer. Wheel ramps will tilt the car just enough to allow you to slide underneath. After making sure that you are on level ground, drive your vehicle up onto the wheel ramps so that the front tires are elevated. Set your emergency brake and brace both rear wheels with wooden blocks. Put your vehicle in park if you have an automatic transmission and in first gear if you have a manual transmission. If the oil is cold will not drain properly so idle your engine for about 5-10 minutes to bring it to normal operating temperature (never start your engine without oil). Then switch off the engine and raise the hood to locate and loosen the oil sump cap, this will allow the oil to drain from the bottom more freely.

Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of your vehicle. It should be located at the bottom rear end of the engine sump or oil pan.

Place the drain pan underneath the drain plug and slightly toward the back. Turn the plug counterclockwise using your wrench until it rotates freely. Finish removing the plug by hand. Be careful of the oil since it may release rapidly and is likely to be rather hot.

After that, loosen the oil filter - may be warm - turning it counterclockwise with a filter wrench. Complete the removal by hand, taking care not touch the hot exhaust manifold. The oil filter may feel slightly heavy because is filled with oil, so carefully ease it down and away from the engine and tip its contents into the drain pan.

Take your rag and wipe in and around the filter seat on the engine. Then take a new filter and use your finger to apply a light film of oil (new or used) to the gasket (the circular edge of the filter itself). This film will act as a sealant. Carefully screw the new filter onto the threaded oil line, turning it clockwise. Once aligned properly, the filter will thread on easily. Tighten the filter by hand, taking care not to overtighten. Clean the oil plug and drain set and then align and replace the plug. Screw the plug in by hand and finish by tightening it with a wrench. Take care to not overtighten.

On the top of the engine you will find a cap that says "Oil." Unscrew the cap and proceed to fill the engine with the required quantity of oil, checking with the dipstick to assure proper fill level. Then replace the cap and wipe off any spillage. The oil light should go out as soon as the engine is started. Run the engine for several minutes, then switch it off and check the dipstick once again to assure proper oil level. Last, but not least, check under the vehicle for leaks.

Tips for Success at Auto Auctions by Ashley Bigham

A car auction can be thrilling if you have the right equipment going in. There are a few things you should know about auto auctions to tip the scales in your favor and allow you to find the best possible value. Buying an auction car always come with a bit of risk; you won't be positive it's a good car until after you've bought, and by then it's too late to take it back. If you want a risk-free car the only option to you is buying a brand new one. If you're into saving money then you can find a quality vehicle at an auction and be fairly sure you're getting quality if you play your cards right. Whether you're looking to attend a live auction or join the new wave of online buyers, these tips will aid you in getting the best deal and a quality car to boot.

Live Auctions 1. Inspect the car on preview days if possible. Many auction hold a preview or inspection day the day before the actual auction. If at all possible, go to it! You'll get a good idea of what's being offered and the option of checking out the car before bidding on it. Also if possible, bring along someone who knows cars pretty well to help you 'see' potential problems. Ask to look all over the car, under the hood, and hear it start up. You probably won't be able to test drive any of the selections, but if you can do a thorough check you'll be much better off.

2. Arrive early on auction day. Arriving early lets you observe other buyers, see what cars they are going for, and also another chance to check out the cars you're interested in. If the auction you're attending didn't have a preview day, use the time before the auction to inspect the cars as thoroughly as possible.

3. Pick more than one car as 'interests.' If you are setting all of your hopes on only one car, you might be very disappointed when someone goes over your budget. There is a lot of variety at auto auctions depending on which you choose to go to. A good number of interests is 3. You can favor one more than another, but try not to get your hopes up. Having more option increases your chances of getting a good deal on a car.

4. Know the worth of a car. You can look up the retail value of the different cars offered to make sure you're truly getting a good value. If you have no idea what a car is worth, how do you know if you're overbidding or not? Depending on the age and make of the car, the value can range a lot of over its lifespan.

5. Stick to your budget. You should always go to an auction with the mindset that you will not go over a certain price. Be realistic, but stick to that number!

Live auctions can be a great way to find a used car. If you don't hit big at one keep in mind that there are many many more out there that you can attend.

Online Auctions 1. Find cars that are in your area. When you look online for auctions, you are going to be surprised at how many cars are listed. Private owners can also auction off their cars, not just the government. You might have a better chance at getting a specific car you want if you search for it. By staying in your area you won't have to pay for the car to be delivered and you can take advantage of some other tips.

2. Ask to see the car before you buy. Staying your area will allow you to do this. Always see if you can inspect the car before buying it. See if you can get the car checked out or bring someone who knows cars with you if they let you. Some dealers won't let you do this, but you've lost nothing in asking.

3. Ask questions about the car. You have the chance now to find out anything you can about the car before you buy. Don't be shy; ask whatever you want to know and decide if you believe their propaganda or if they give you truthful answers.

4. Know the retail price of the car and stick to a budget! Same as live auction, never overbid or go over the price you're willing pay.


About the Author
Ashley writes on how to find the best deals at online and live auto auctions. For more information and useful auction sites visit her blog Car Bargains and Auctions.

Tips for Success at Auto Auctions by Ashley Bigham

A car auction can be thrilling if you have the right equipment going in. There are a few things you should know about auto auctions to tip the scales in your favor and allow you to find the best possible value. Buying an auction car always come with a bit of risk; you won't be positive it's a good car until after you've bought, and by then it's too late to take it back. If you want a risk-free car the only option to you is buying a brand new one. If you're into saving money then you can find a quality vehicle at an auction and be fairly sure you're getting quality if you play your cards right. Whether you're looking to attend a live auction or join the new wave of online buyers, these tips will aid you in getting the best deal and a quality car to boot.

Live Auctions 1. Inspect the car on preview days if possible. Many auction hold a preview or inspection day the day before the actual auction. If at all possible, go to it! You'll get a good idea of what's being offered and the option of checking out the car before bidding on it. Also if possible, bring along someone who knows cars pretty well to help you 'see' potential problems. Ask to look all over the car, under the hood, and hear it start up. You probably won't be able to test drive any of the selections, but if you can do a thorough check you'll be much better off.

2. Arrive early on auction day. Arriving early lets you observe other buyers, see what cars they are going for, and also another chance to check out the cars you're interested in. If the auction you're attending didn't have a preview day, use the time before the auction to inspect the cars as thoroughly as possible.

3. Pick more than one car as 'interests.' If you are setting all of your hopes on only one car, you might be very disappointed when someone goes over your budget. There is a lot of variety at auto auctions depending on which you choose to go to. A good number of interests is 3. You can favor one more than another, but try not to get your hopes up. Having more option increases your chances of getting a good deal on a car.

4. Know the worth of a car. You can look up the retail value of the different cars offered to make sure you're truly getting a good value. If you have no idea what a car is worth, how do you know if you're overbidding or not? Depending on the age and make of the car, the value can range a lot of over its lifespan.

5. Stick to your budget. You should always go to an auction with the mindset that you will not go over a certain price. Be realistic, but stick to that number!

Live auctions can be a great way to find a used car. If you don't hit big at one keep in mind that there are many many more out there that you can attend.

Online Auctions 1. Find cars that are in your area. When you look online for auctions, you are going to be surprised at how many cars are listed. Private owners can also auction off their cars, not just the government. You might have a better chance at getting a specific car you want if you search for it. By staying in your area you won't have to pay for the car to be delivered and you can take advantage of some other tips.

2. Ask to see the car before you buy. Staying your area will allow you to do this. Always see if you can inspect the car before buying it. See if you can get the car checked out or bring someone who knows cars with you if they let you. Some dealers won't let you do this, but you've lost nothing in asking.

3. Ask questions about the car. You have the chance now to find out anything you can about the car before you buy. Don't be shy; ask whatever you want to know and decide if you believe their propaganda or if they give you truthful answers.

4. Know the retail price of the car and stick to a budget! Same as live auction, never overbid or go over the price you're willing pay.


About the Author
Ashley writes on how to find the best deals at online and live auto auctions. For more information and useful auction sites visit her blog Car Bargains and Auctions.

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