How to Change Your Oil and Oil Filter

Summary

This instructional video offers a step-by-step guide on changing your vehicle's oil and filter, using a Ford F-150 as an example. The host advises checking the owner's manual for specific oil recommendations and change intervals. Key tools needed include a socket set, ratchet, oil filter wrench, gloves, and a jack. The process involves draining old oil, replacing the oil filter, adding new oil, and checking oil levels post-change. The video also highlights the importance of recycling used oil and provides tips for selecting premium oil and filters.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for the correct oil type, viscosity, and change intervals.
• 🛠️ For changing oil and filter, you'll need a socket set, ratchet, oil filter wrench, gloves, shop towels, funnel, oil pan, jack, jack stands, and a creeper or rail.
• 🚗 Make sure the engine is off and the vehicle is in park or first gear with the emergency brake on and the rear tires blocked before lifting the car.
• 🔩 Locate the oil drain plug and place an oil collection pan underneath to catch the draining oil.
• ⚙️ Remove the oil drain plug with a socket ratchet and let the oil drain completely before replacing and tightening the plug.
• 💡 The oil filter is typically found near the oil pan or under the hood; use a filter wrench to remove and replace it with a new one.
• 🛢️ Apply a small amount of fresh oil to the gasket of the new filter before installing it by hand and then tightening it an additional 3/4 turn with a wrench.
• 💧 After installing the new filter, fill the engine with the specified amount of oil as per the owner's manual and replace the oil fill cap.
• 📏 Check the oil level after letting the car sit for a few minutes and start the engine to ensure the oil pressure is correct before rechecking the level.
• 🧹 Clean up any oil spills with oil dry and recycle the used oil in an airtight container at an auto store or recycling center.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is how to change your vehicle's oil and filter, specifically demonstrated on a Ford F-150.

Why is it important to check your owner's manual before changing the oil?

Checking the owner's manual is important to determine the recommended oil type, viscosity, and minimum oil change intervals specific to your vehicle.

What are some factors to consider when choosing oil and a filter for your vehicle?

Factors to consider include following the guidelines in your vehicle's owner's manual for fuel type, viscosity, and oil change intervals. You might also consider upgrading to a premium product like full synthetic oil with an extended performance filter.

Where can you find premium oil and filters?

Premium oil and filters can be found at all major auto parts stores.

What tools do you need to change your oil?

You will need a socket set with a ratchet, an oil filter wrench, gloves, shop towels, a funnel, an oil pan, a jack, jack stands, and a creeper or a rail.

How should you prepare your vehicle before lifting it up to change the oil?

Ensure the engine is off, put the car in park or first gear for manual transmissions, set the emergency brake, and block off the rear tires. Also, check the owner's manual for safe jacking procedures.

What is the correct procedure for draining the oil from your vehicle?

Locate the oil drain plug, place an oil collection pan underneath, remove the plug with a socket ratchet, and allow the oil to drain into the pan. Replace and tighten the drain plug after draining.

How do you properly install a new oil filter?

Place the collection pan under the filter, use a filter wrench to remove the old filter, apply a bit of fresh oil on the new filter's gasket, and tighten it by hand until snug, then an additional 3/4 turn with the wrench without overtightening.

How do you fill your vehicle with fresh oil after the oil change?

Find the oil fill cap at the top of the engine, clean around the cap, remove the cap, place the funnel into the opening, add the specified amount of oil from the owner's manual, and replace the cap.

What should you do after changing the oil to ensure the oil levels are correct?

Let the car sit for a few minutes, start the engine and let it run for a minute to bring up the oil pressure, then recheck the oil level using the dipstick. If necessary, add more oil until it's between the top dot or fill line and the lower dot.

How should you dispose of the used oil after the oil change?

Use oil dry to clean up any spills, place the used oil into an airtight container with a screw-on cap, and recycle it at most auto stores or recycling centers.