05/06/2020 News
6 STEPS FOR AT-HOME OIL REPLACEMENT
Not only as engine’s lubricant, car oil also cools and repels dirt in the engine. Its role makes it important for oil condition to be maintained by replacing it regularly.
Oil life depends on your driving habit – this includes the routes and road condition you typically take. For those who are used to driving in congested roads, it is recommended to replace your oil after 5,000 kilometres, or even sooner. For daily use, replace after 10,000 km or 6 months – whichever comes first.
Oil replacement can also be done by yourself at home. It’s a useful skill to have, especially if going to an auto shop is a hassle, such as now during the pandemic when many shops would be closed while your car is just a few steps away in the garage.
Learn how and be your own reliable mechanic:
1. Get your tools
To start, prepare the tools you will need and put them within reach: a container or pan of five-litre capacity, two jacks, wooden blocks or rocks, a wrench, some used newspapers, and a funnel.
2. Jack up the front of your car
Jack up your car to create a comfortable space for you to get under your car and to open the drain plug. Make sure the handbrake is on and put wooden blocks or rocks behind the rear tires as a cautionary step to prevent the car from sliding down.
READ ALSO: CAN I BUY AN OFF-THE ROAD VEHICLE?
3. Warm up car, remove oil drain plug
Warming up your car for a short time will help the oil and any dirt to mix, thus easier to be drained.
Learn where the drain plug is – usually directly under the engine block. Use a wrench to open and don’t forget to remove the gasket, or ring. Make sure you have your container nearby; put it under the hole.
4. Drain the oil completely
Let the oil flow and wait until no liquid trickles out. This process usually takes over an hour.
5. Re-attach the plug
After the oil is completely drained, replace the old gasket with a new one, and then attach the plug back. Make sure you close the plug tightly.
6. Refill your oil
Once you’re done with the underside, the next step is to remove the jack, putting the car back on a flat position. Open your car’s hood and open your oil tank. Using a funnel, pour your new Total engine oil into the tank.
7. Check oil volume
Lastly, to know whether you have put enough oil, check oil volume using a dipstick. Ideally, it indicates that the oil is at maximum level. Make sure that you put the oil at the recommended amount, no less and no more.
Next, close the oil cap and you’re done! You can also ensure that there is no leakage by turning on your car’s engine.
RELATED ARTICLES