One of the easiest maintenance procedures to perform on your vehicle is changing the oil and oil filter, however there are some important points to note;

• safety procedures as laid out in your reference manual;
• proper type of replacement oil and oil filter;
• tools needed;
• proper amount of replacement oil;
• remember to keep your work area and tools clean;
• use a proper receptacle for the old oil;
• take old oil to an authorized oil recycle depot;
• after removing the oil drain plug visually inspect for metal;
• drain plug is magnetic, if any metal is present, have oil analyzed, could be indicative of excessive wear of internal engine parts, knowing the type of metal will help point to problem area;
• if no metal, simply clean the drain plug and check seal;
• remove old oil filter with an oil filter wrench, careful to ensure oil in filter goes to oil capture receptacle;
• clean seal surface where oil filter came from with a clean rag or mechanics paper towel;
• remove oil filler cap and clean sealing area with a clean rag or mechanics paper towel;
• remove oil dip stick and clean with a clean rag or mechanics paper towel;
• when oil has finished draining, replace oil drain plug securely;
• next check new filter for any damage, especially the seal;
• use a small amount of new oil and spread evenly over the seal of new filter;
• install new oil filter, once the filter is snug by hand, tighten a quarter turn more;
• using a clean funnel add approximately half a liter of oil to engine;
• check for any leaks from the oil plug or filter;
• finish adding the first liter of oil, and check for leaks again;
• keep adding the recommended amount of oil checking for leaks after each liter is added;
• use dip stick to check oil level when nearing the recommended oil amount added;
• when oil level is full replace oil filler cap and dip stick;
• if no leaks can be found, start engine for approximately one minute run time;
• again check for leaks, a good time for an extra hand to assist you;
• if leaks are found tighten up the source of the leak;
• no leaks, check oil level again, remember filter it will take about half a liter of oil;
• top up oil as required to the full mark, never over fill your engine as damage will most likely result; and
• now you only have to clean up your work area, your vehicle is ready to drive away.

Note: I didn't mention how to get under your vehicle, this can be done by jacking your vehicle or with the use of ramps. With Jacks you will need safety stands and wheel chock's. With ramps you will still need wheel chock's. I prefer ramps but an assistant is required to guide you up the ramps.

I hope this helps you save a few dollars doing your next oil change yourself. Always refer to the reference manual for any automotive repair or maintenance. An assistant is always helpful plus good for your safety.

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