How to Change Oil in a Car

ChrisFix

28 Feb 201210:16

Summary

TLDRThis 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.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Preparing for Oil Change on a PT Cruiser

The script begins with a tutorial on how to change the oil on a 2002 PT Cruiser, mentioning that the process is similar for most PT Cruisers and can be adapted for other cars. The presenter emphasizes safety by placing the car on ramps, engaging the emergency brake, and placing wood blocks under the tires. The car should be in park or first gear for manual transmission. The presenter lists the equipment needed, including an oil catch can, gloves, a funnel, and 5W30 regular engine oil. They also explain the location of the oil pan and filter under the car and give a visual demonstration of the process.

05:09

🛠 Draining the Old Oil and Preparing the New Filter

The presenter demonstrates how to drain the old oil by unscrewing the oil plug and catching the oil in a catch can. They explain the importance of letting the oil drain completely by tilting the car and waiting for it to finish. After draining the oil, they show how to clean the oil plug and reinstall it with a new gasket. The presenter then moves on to changing the oil filter, showing how to unscrew the old filter and prepare the new one by applying a thin layer of old oil around the O-ring for a better seal. They also discuss the importance of tightening the filter by hand without using tools.

10:10

🚗 Completing the Oil Change and Starting the Engine

The final paragraph covers the steps to add new engine oil and start the car. The presenter instructs to fill the engine with five quarts of 5W30 motor oil and to let it sit for a minute to check for leaks. They advise rolling the car down in neutral to avoid starting the engine with new oil and an empty oil filter. Once the car is level, they recommend starting the engine to check for oil pressure and to ensure everything is working correctly. The presenter concludes by reminding viewers to record the mileage and to repeat the oil change every 3 to 5,000 miles.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Oil Change

An oil change is a routine maintenance procedure that involves draining the old engine oil and replacing it with new oil. In the context of the video, the process is being demonstrated on a 2002 PT Cruiser, emphasizing the importance of regular oil changes for engine health and longevity. The script mentions using a specific type of oil (5W30) and an oil filter, which are essential components of this procedure.

💡Emergency Brake

The emergency brake, also known as the parking brake, is a safety feature used to prevent a vehicle from moving when parked or when the regular brakes fail. The script advises viewers to always engage the emergency brake when working on a vehicle, such as when changing the oil, to ensure the car does not roll away and cause injury or damage.

💡Oil Catch Can

An oil catch can is a container used to collect the drained oil during an oil change. It is designed to prevent oil from spilling on the ground and to make the process cleaner and more environmentally friendly. The script mentions using an oil catch can with a capacity to hold five quarts, which is suitable for the task at hand.

💡Funnel

A funnel is a tool used to pour liquids, like oil, into containers with small openings without spilling. In the video, a funnel is used to help pour the new oil into the engine without making a mess, illustrating its practical use in maintaining a clean work area and ensuring the oil goes where it's supposed to.

💡Oil Filter

The oil filter is a device that removes contaminants from the engine oil to prolong the life of the engine. In the script, the presenter demonstrates how to remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one, emphasizing the importance of this step in the oil change process to maintain engine performance.

💡Ratchet

A ratchet is a tool used to tighten or loosen bolts or nuts. The script specifies using a half-inch ratchet to remove and install the oil filter, highlighting its utility in automotive maintenance tasks where precision and torque control are required.

💡Oil Pan

The oil pan is the part of the engine that holds the oil. In the video, the presenter points out the location of the oil pan and explains how the oil is drained from it during the oil change, demonstrating the crucial role it plays in the lubrication system of the car.

💡Torque

Torque is a measure of the force that can cause rotation. In the context of the video, torque is mentioned when tightening the oil plug to a specific measurement (8 foot lbs) to ensure a proper seal without over-tightening, which could lead to damage.

💡O-Ring

An O-ring is a type of seal in the shape of a torus. The script describes applying oil to the O-ring of a new oil filter to ensure a good seal when it is installed, which is critical for preventing oil leaks.

💡Mileage

Mileage refers to the distance a vehicle has traveled, which is often used to determine when maintenance tasks like an oil change are due. The video ends with the presenter reminding viewers to record the mileage after the oil change, linking the procedure to the vehicle's service history.

💡Neutral

Neutral is a gear position in an automatic transmission that allows the vehicle to be moved without engaging the engine's power. The script instructs viewers to roll the car down in neutral after changing the oil to avoid starting the engine without oil in the filter, illustrating the importance of this gear for safety and proper engine function.

Highlights

Changing oil on a 2002 PT Cruiser touring, applicable to most PT Cruisers.

Ensure car is on ramps with emergency brake on and wood under tires for safety.

Shake the car to confirm it's secure before starting the oil change.

Car should be in park or first gear for manual transmission.

Use an oil catch can that holds five to seven quarts.

Gloves and a funnel are recommended to prevent oil from getting on hands and engine.

Use 5W30 regular engine oil, not synthetic.

An oil filter and ratchet are necessary tools for the oil change.

Demonstration of the car's underside to locate the oil plug and filter.

The oil plug is located at the back of the oil pan.

PT Cruiser's oil filter is positioned sideways, which can make changing it messy.

First step is to loosen the oil plug to let the oil drain.

Ensure the catch can is positioned correctly to collect the oil.

Tighten the oil plug after draining to prevent leaks.

Use a paper towel to clean up any oil residue before continuing.

Tighten the oil plug to 8 foot pounds of torque.

Remove the old oil filter and prepare to install a new one.

Apply a small amount of old oil around the new filter's O-ring for a better seal.

Hand-tighten the new oil filter without using tools.

Add 5 quarts of 5W30 motor oil to the engine.

Check for leaks before starting the engine.

Roll the car down in neutral to ensure proper oil distribution.

Start the engine and check for oil pressure to confirm successful oil change.

Record the mileage after completing the oil change.