How to Change Your Oil

Changing your oil regularly is critical to maintaining your vehicle’s health. How often should you change your oil? It was once recommended that oil changes should be performed every 3,000 miles. However, this has changed in recent years as automotive and motor oil technology has advanced. Now, when it comes to oil change frequency, most vehicles can go between 7,500 and 10,000 miles between oil changes. Be sure to look at your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer suggests. Are you interested in performing an oil change on your own? Jackson Family of Dealerships has provided the steps you need to successfully complete this task.

Oil Change Steps

Before you can start performing an oil change, you will need to find the following items: Box end or socket wrench, oil filter wrench, oil drain pan, funnel, latex gloves, jack/jack stands, oil, oil filter, and replacement drain plug washer.

1. Check to see what type of oil your vehicle requires.
2. Get all of the necessary supplies together.
3. Prepare the vehicle. The oil in your vehicle should be warm, but not too hot. You will want to have the car cool some, but it should not be cold.
4. Find the drain plug and the oil filter.
5. Drain the oil in the vehicle. Place the oil pan under the drain plug. It should be at an angle and not directly under the drain plug. Put your gloves on before removing the drain plug.
6. Take a look at the drain plug to see if it needs to be replaced.
7. Tighten the drain plug.
8. Take out the old oil filter and the old O-ring.
9. Dab a bit of oil on the new O-ring.
10. Install and tighten the new oil filter.
11. Add the new oil and check the oil level.

Additional Oil Change Tips

Before you visit our service center near , check out these facts about oil changes.

• Oil breaks down over time, so even if you do not drive frequently, your car should still have an oil change at least twice a year.
• If you do a lot of off-roading, use your vehicle for commercial purposes, race, or tow heavy items frequently, your vehicle may need an oil change more often.
• Whenever you get your oil changed, they should replace the oil filter as well.

How Often Should I Check My Oil Level?

In addition to checking the oil level at the time you perform an oil change, you should also check the oil level at least once a month. This can help you catch any leaks before they cause bigger problems. At the time, you will also want to check the oil’s color and see if it has been contaminated with dirt and debris. If so, the oil should be replaced. Set up an appointment with Jackson Family of Dealerships today.

Turn to Jackson Family of Dealerships for Oil Changes

If you are still uncomfortable performing vehicle maintenance now that you know how to change your oil or want more information about oil change frequency, you can leave this task to the professionals at the Jackson Family of Dealerships service center. Contact us today with any questions. We also have details on tire rotation and how to perform this task at home.