There are plenty of places to get your used car’s oil changed in New Jersey, however you can save some money doing it yourself as well. This isn’t for everyone, however if you think you can handle it than we are here to guide you. Follow these steps in detail:
- Run the car for about 10 minutes, warm oil drains faster than cold.
- Park the car on a flat surface, turn off the engine, and engage your parking brake.
- Crawl under the car, locate the drain plug (can be found in your user manual). Place oil drain pan under drain plug, and loosen the plug with a socket wrench.
- Remove the plug by hand, REMEMBER the oil is going to come rushing out, and it will be hot.
- Allow all of the oil to drain into the pain, repositioning if necessary.
- Wipe off the drain plug, and opening.
- Replace the drain plug gasket.
- Replace the plug, start bolts or screws by hand to prevent cross-threading, then finish with your socket wrench.
- Find your oil filter.
- Place your oil pan underneath your old oil filter, unscrew the oil filter.
- Use a rag to clean the area where the filter is mounted to the engine. Be sure the filters’ rubber seal is not stuck to the engine.
- Using new oil, coat the new rubber seal of your new filter lightly.
- Screw the new filter in by hand.
- Locate your oil filler cap and remove it.
- Place a funnel in the opening and proceed to fill with new oil, check your manual for exact amounts, usually between 4 and 5 quarts.
- Replace the cap, run the engine for a moment, and check the dipstick. If you need more oil then add it.
- That’s it your done! Clean up your mess with old rags or paper towels, and properly dispose of your oil, either at a recycling center or your local mechanic.
