How to Change Oil in a Car

Summary

This video tutorial guides viewers through the process of changing the oil on a 2002 PT Cruiser, a task applicable to most PT Cruisers. It emphasizes safety measures like using ramps, emergency brake, and wheel chocks. The host demonstrates how to use an oil catch can, gloves, a funnel, and the appropriate tools to drain old oil and replace it with 5W30 motor oil. The video also covers removing and replacing the oil filter, ensuring proper sealing with oil on the O-ring, and checking for leaks post-oil change. The process concludes with starting the engine to record mileage and ensure oil pressure is good.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Always ensure the car is on ramps with the emergency brake engaged and a piece of wood under each tire for safety.
• 🚗 Shake the car to confirm it's secure before starting any work.
• 📍 The car should be in park or first gear for manual transmission to prevent movement.
• 🧤 Use gloves to avoid getting oil on your hands.
• 🍽 Use a funnel to prevent oil from spilling over the engine.
• 🛢️ An oil catch can is used to collect the drained oil, which holds up to five quarts.
• 🔩 A ratchet and a half-inch socket are necessary tools for removing the oil filter.
• 🛠️ The oil filter is located sideways on the PT Cruiser, which can make changing it a bit messy.
• 💧 The oil drain plug is where the old oil is drained out.
• 🔄 After draining the oil, the drain plug is tightened back to about 8 foot pounds of torque.
• 🛑 Before installing a new oil filter, coat the O-ring with a bit of old oil to ensure a good seal.
• ⏳ After installing the new oil filter, fill the engine with fresh 5W30 motor oil, which is specified for this car.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to demonstrate how to change the oil on a 2002 PT Cruiser, providing a basic guideline that can be applied to most PT Cruisers and potentially other cars as well.

Why is it important to use ramps and emergency brake when changing the oil?

Using ramps and the emergency brake ensures the car is stable and secure during the oil change process, preventing any accidental movement or rollaways.

What tools are necessary for changing the oil as described in the script?

The necessary tools include an oil catch can, gloves, a funnel, a ratchet, and a half-inch ratchet for the oil filter.

What type of oil and filter are recommended for the 2002 PT Cruiser in the video?

The video recommends using 5W30 regular engine oil and a new oil filter, which is tightened by hand without the use of tools.

Why is it important to shake the car back and forth after placing it on ramps?

Shaking the car back and forth after placing it on ramps helps to ensure that the car is secure and not going to move during the oil change.

How does the car's position on the ramps assist with the oil draining?

The car is tilted on the ramps to help the oil drain more effectively to the back of the oil pan, ensuring a complete oil change.

What is the significance of the oil plug and how is it handled during the oil change?

The oil plug is significant as it is where the old oil is drained. It is loosened to allow the oil to drain out and then tightened back to the recommended torque after the oil change.

Why is it necessary to apply a small amount of old oil around the new oil filter's O-ring?

Applying a small amount of old oil around the new oil filter's O-ring helps to create a better seal and prevents oil leaks.

What is the procedure to ensure the oil filter is installed correctly?

The procedure involves threading the oil filter on by hand, tightening it by hand until it can't be tightened further, and then inspecting to make sure it is properly seated.

Why is it recommended to let the car roll down in neutral before starting the engine after the oil change?

Letting the car roll down in neutral before starting the engine ensures that the new oil is distributed properly without the engine running, which is important for the oil pressure system.

How does one check for oil leaks after the oil change?

After the oil change, the car is started, and it is allowed to run to check for leaks. The oil pressure light should go off, indicating proper oil pressure and no immediate leaks.