Welcome to Midas Bredasdorp’s comprehensive guide on how to check and change your motor oil and filter. This step-by-step tutorial will not only help you save money but also empower you with the skills and knowledge to maintain your vehicle. Plus, who doesn’t find a little grease here and there attractive?
When to Change Your Motor Oil:
Regular oil changes are crucial to keep your engine running smoothly. While the conventional advice suggests changing oil every 5000 to 8000 kilometers, it’s essential to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific intervals. Newer cars may tolerate longer distances, but neglecting timely oil changes can lead to permanent engine damage.
Materials You’ll Need:
Before you dive into the oil-changing adventure, gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth process:
- Motor Oil: Consult your owner’s manual for the correct viscosity and quantity. Typically, it’s about 4 to 6 liters.
- Oil Filter: Remember, whenever you change the oil, change the filter too. Different cars require different filters. Contact your local Midas Swellendam for guidance based on your vehicle’s make and model.
- Socket Wrench: You’ll need a 6-point socket wrench to loosen the drain plug. Note that European and Japanese cars use the Metric system.
- Pliers or Oil Filter Wrench: Ensure you have the right size to easily remove the oil filter. Purchase it when buying the filter to avoid any sizing issues.
- Car Jack or Car Ramp: Lift your vehicle off the ground safely.
- Plastic Bottle, Funnel, and Drain Pan: The drain pan collects old oil, while the funnel helps transfer it into a plastic bottle for recycling. Remember, 1 liter of used oil can contaminate 1 million liters of water, so recycle responsibly.
- Old Rags/Cloths and Gloves: Keep old motor oil away from your skin, eyes, and mouth. It contains toxic contaminants, so use rags to clean up spills.
Let’s Get Started!
1. Drain the Motor Oil:
Warm up your car by idling it for 5 minutes to facilitate oil flow. Jack up your vehicle on a flat surface, ensuring it’s switched off and secure. Refer to your owner’s manual for the jacking point.
Remove the dipstick to allow air in for faster draining. Locate the oil pan and plug underneath your car. Place the drain pan below and slowly loosen the oil plug with your socket wrench.
Be cautious; the oil might be hot.
Allow about half an hour for all the oil to drain out, then replace the plug and add a new washer if necessary. Hand-tighten it, then secure it with the socket wrench.
2. Replace Oil Filter:
- Locate and remove the oil filter (consult your owner’s manual as its location varies).
- Clean the area with a rag.
- Lubricate the new filter with oil and screw it in by hand.
3. Add Clean Oil and Recycle the Old Oil & Filter:
- Use a funnel to add the correct amount of new oil (4-6 liters) into your engine.
- Replace the oil cap.
- Check your car for leaks.
- Clean up any spills thoroughly.
4. Administrative Tasks:
- Record the mileage and date of your oil change for future reference.
For more information on recycling your used motor oil, please follow the link: https://rosefoundation.org.za/
Congratulations, you’ve successfully changed your motor oil and filter! Now you can relax and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
Remember, at Midas Bredasdorp, we’re here to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. For more automotive tips, discounts, and offers, follow us on social media. (There are currently there are over 300 franchised outlets across Southern Africa, including Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.)
