The automotive industry has changed a lot since the beginning of the 21st century. Back in the day, cars required regular oil changes, but that old method no longer works. Today, cars have evolved – and so has the way we look at oil changes. Nowadays, cars can last months, even years between oil changes, which makes it more convenient to grab your car every week or every other week for an oil change rather than every 3,000 miles or every six months like we used to do. It’s all about priorities. However, oil changes are still important, so let’s take a look at how to do it right.
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Make Sure Your Engine Is Purged
When we change oil in our vehicles, the first thing we need to do is make sure that the oil has been completely removed from the engine. Otherwise, we’ll be making the engine work harder than it needs to in order to move the vehicle. There are several ways to accomplish this task. You can either leave the oil cap off while changing the oil or you can use thinner oils, like synthetic or bio-diesel. The former is better because it allows for quicker oil changes and helps keep the engine clean longer.
Change The Oil And Re-lube The Gear Box
Once we’ve purged the oil from the engine, it’s time to change the oil and re-lube the gear box. The gear box is a part of the vehicle’s drivetrain that connects the engine to the wheels. It’s what allows the engine to turn the wheels in order to move the vehicle forward or backward. This is where a lot of friction can take place and cause wear and tear if not changed regularly. Changing the oil and re-lubing the gear box regularly can help prolong the life of these components and ensure smooth operation time after time.
Change The Oil And Replace Filters
Now that we’ve replaced the old oil with new oil and re-lubed the gear box, it’s time to change the oil and replace the filters. The oil filters are usually located at the top of the oil tank, and they’re a good place to start when it comes to cleaning and lubricating the engine. Be sure to change the oil and the filters at the same time, because if you wait to change the oil filters until later, it will be difficult to remove the old oil from the engine and replace it with new oil. Once the oil filter is secured in place, it’s time to push down on the lever and drain the excess oil out of the bottom of the tank. When the oil has been drained, it’s time to replace the oil cap, disconnect the negative terminal on the battery, and re-connect the terminal with the positive terminal on the battery. Be sure to use a multi-use tool in order to open up all of the fasteners and disconnect all of the battery cables at the same time. It’s the least amount of work when done with a tool.
Give It A Good Flush
With all of the oil changes out of the way, it’s time to give the engine a good flush. When we’re driving down the road, cars and trucks naturally accumulate dust and debris inside of them, which over time can increase the chance of a vehicle breakdown. It’s best practice to flush the engine regularly to remove this debris and keep the engine in good working condition.
Give It A Final Check
Once all of the oil changes have been completed and the engine has been flushed, it’s time to give the vehicle a final check. Before we shut down the engine and remove the key, it’s a good idea to make sure that all of the tires are properly inflated, that the breaks work, and that the headlights, turn signals, and hazard lights function properly. It’s also a good idea to check the oil level in the tank, and if necessary, add a bit more oil. Then, it’s time to give your car a quick wash down and take it for a test drive before leaving the lot.
The above steps will get you well on your way to having an engine that runs like new. Make sure to do your research and take the time to find a good tool for the job. As long as you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll be able to change the oil in your vehicle any time that you want without having to worry about the engine breaking down. Thanks for reading! I hope this article has helped you.