The most effective way to ensure long life for your vehicle's engine is to change the engine oil frequently. Keeping the oil in good condition is critical because it reduces the amount of friction on the engine's moving metal parts, preventing them from overheating. Over time oil breaks down and accumulates particles that will damage engine parts. Recommendations for frequency vary, but to err on the side of caution, change your oil about every 3,000 miles -- or every 5,000 if you drive mostly on the highway. Materials: Floor jack and jack-stand or ramps; wheel chocks
Socket wrench
Catch basin
Oil-filter wrench - Before you begin, warm up the engine. Having the engine warm but not hot allows the old oil to flow out freely and helps ensure that any impurities are suspended in the oil so they'll be flushed out as well.
- To raise the vehicle so you can work under it, you have several alternatives. The ideal choice is a hydraulic lift that raises the vehicle overhead. Most amateur mechanics, however, rely on a floor jack and jack-stands or ramps. If using a jack, park on level ground and engage the parking brake. Jack the vehicle enough to place jack-stands under the vehicle's frame (figure A). A less costly method is to use ramps. Make sure the ramps are rated to support the weight of your vehicle. Whether using a jack or ramps, chock the rear wheels as added insurance against rolling.
Important: Never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use the jack in combination with jack-stands. - Underneath the vehicle, locate the oil pan, drain plug and oil filter (figure B). Don't confuse the transmission pan for the oil pan. The oil pan is directly beneath the engine and will be close to the oil filter; the transmission pan is usually farther back and has a square or a rectangular shape.
- Position a catch basin (figure C) underneath the oil pan. Various styles of catch basins are available. Some have a large screw-on lid in addition to a side-spout, to allow for easy disposal at a recycling station.
- Use a socket wrench to remove the drain plug (figure D). Let the oil drain out into the basin. While the drain plug is out, check and clean the threads. If the threads are damaged, you may need to replace the drain plug. Check the drain-plug gasket, if there is one.
- Once the oil has finished draining, clean the area around the drain opening with a shop rag, then insert the drain plug (figure E). Be careful not to cross threads. Tighten the plug with a wrench, but don't overtighten.
- To change the oil filter, you'll need a band-type oil-filter wrench (figure F) or a cap-type designed to work as an attachment to your socket wrench. Use the wrench to break the filter loose, then turn it by hand to remove it (figure G).
- Prepare the replacement filter by pouring some fresh oil into it, then rubbing a film of oil around the filter gasket (figure H). Treating the gasket helps ensure a good seal and prevents the filter from sticking to the engine block when the engine heats up.
- Screw the new filter into place by hand. Once it's snug, tighten it about another three-quarter turn, using a filter wrench.
- Replace the oil at the oil-refill port (figure I). Use a funnel to avoid spilling onto the outside of the engine. Check your owner's manual for the appropriate quantity and weight of oil to use.
- Once you're done, take the vehicle for a drive, then check the oil level with the dipstick. Also check for leaks.
Remember that used oil must be recycled. Most auto-parts stores will accept it.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
How Cars Work
Author: Tom Newton
ISBN: 0966862309
Publisher: Black Apple Press
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
Saturday Mechanic
Model: 0688178081
Author: Popular Mechanics Staff (Editor)
(2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
William Morrow Books / Hearst Books
Website: www.harpercollins.com
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