When and How to Change the Oil in Your Car

DIY Oil Change in Johnson City TN

If you want to keep your car’s engine in optimal condition, you need to pay attention to the engine oil. Besides maintaining the recommended level of engine oil, you need to also get the oil changed when needed. One of the questions that trouble most car owners is when to change the oil. If you are looking for an answer to this question, we have tried to provide the right answers.

When to Change the Oil in Your Car?

There are many misconceptions surrounding when to change your oil. Many people recommend an oil change every three months or after every 3,000 miles. This does not apply to most modern cars as automotive technology has evolved over the years. Newer car models do not need as many frequent oil changes and it is ok to change your engine oil after 5,000/7,000 miles or after six to seven months. This differs with every car as every engine has different specifications.

The right advice about oil changes can be found in your car owner’s manual. The car manufacturer mentions the suitable engine oils and the time period for an oil change. You should follow the car manufacturer’s instructions regarding oil changes as they know the car’s engine better than any mechanic or person advising you.

According to auto experts, there are a few signs that also tell you when an oil change is needed. For example, if the engine oil is dark black in color and thick, you should get the oil changed without any further thinking.

If you feel the engine oil is coarse, you need to get the oil changed. If you are doubtful about changing the oil in your car, you can always drive your car to the garage you trust and seek a mechanic’s opinion about changing the oil.

How to Change the Oil in Your Car?

Changing the engine oil is easy. Before you proceed to change your oil, read the car owner’s manual to know the recommended oil type and amount of refill needed. Also, get a new oil filter before starting. You will need an adjustable wrench for the oil drain plug and a tool to remove the oil filter. Once you have everything mentioned above, you can proceed to change the oil in your car.

Auto experts recommend starting the engine for a while before the oil change. This is necessary to warm up the engine oil to ensure easy drainage of the old oil.
Park your car on ground level and jack it up to a level where you can easily access the oil drain plug located under the car.
Place a drain pan or recovery pan just under the oil drain plug.
Locate the oil drain plug and use the adjustable wrench to loosen the plug. Remove the oil drain plug and let the oil drain into the recovery pan. Wait until all the old oil is drained completely.
Then locate the oil filter and unscrew it. Remove the old oil filter.
You need to prepare the new oil filter before fitting it. Pour a small amount of new oil into the new filter and also apply some oil to the gasket. Now you can fit the new filter in its place.
Remove the oil cap. Refill with the recommended quantity of oil and put the oil cap back on and tighten it.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.