Instruction
Oil is essential for the survival of an automobile since it lubricates the moving parts to avoid wear and tear. Oil also transfers heat from the combustion cycle, holds all by products, and sends them to the oil filter. When considering changing the lubricant of an automobile it is best to choose between crude and synthetic oil. The local auto parts house has many lubricant, some of which are synthetic oils. The production of synthetic oils takes place in the laboratory (Naikan and Kapur 187). This oil applies high-tech refining and has contaminants in the oil that can damage the car after a long usage. The buildup occurs in an isolated area in the engine that clogs oil passages and eventually leads to a reduced engine life. The benefits of synthetic oil include its higher viscosity than crude oil at high temperatures that can affect the gas mileage. It is important to check often whether a car has sufficient oil.
Most automobiles cover 10000 miles to necessitate an oil change (Naikan and Kapur 188). Car manufactures install a computerized cluster that calculates the oil useful interval. The exception to this rule includes driving frequently in a dusty environment that demand oil change interval to be frequent.
• Prior to changing the oil, it is important to consult the manufacturers’ manual to confirm the type and amount of oil to purchase. Match the oil viscosity to the car’s engine.
• To change the oil one needs the following items gloves, a jack, ramps, open end wrench, oil filter wrench, oil catch, funnel, a new oil filter, a clean towel, drain plug washer, and the new oil for replacement.
• Ensure that the vehicle is on a level ground and safely jack up the car. Place a bucket underneath the vehicle to avoid oil spill. Ensure that the vehicle has cooled off for at least two hours before initiating the process since oil can burn.
• Take off the aerodynamic covers to enable one to see the engine drain plug and filter. Put on the gloves to unscrew the bottom-mount oil filter and drain plug to remove the old oil. Ensure the bucket is underneath to collect the old oil.
• Use an end wrench to open the drain plug that is usually in the range of 14-17mm (Naikan and Kapur 191). It requires extra force to open the drain plug; one can also use a drive ratchet to open.
• Remove the oil filler cap to enable the smooth flow of oil. As the oil is draining, inspect and clean the oil plug. One can replace a drain plug washer if need be.
• Tighten the drain plug by use of drive torque wrench. One can also use a drive ratchet to tighten it properly.
• Remove the oil filter by use of an oil filter wrench slowly then unscrew with the hand. Reposition the drain pan and use a towel to wipe the oil on your hands.
• Position the filter downwards over the pan so as to drain all the oil in it. Use a towel to clean the oil on the sealing surface.
• Lubricate the rubber gasket on the end of the filter with some new oil
• Smear the new oil on the new oil filter in the o-rings. One can remove the gloves during the installation of a new filter to enable a good grip. Spin the filter gently as the o-ring makes contact with the sealing surface.
• Confirm that oil drain bolt and filter are in place and tightened. Add oil in accordance to owner’s manual by use of a funnel and the new oil for replacement.
• Replace the oil cap and run the engine for a few seconds for the new oil to circulate and check underneath for any leaks.
• Once everything is all right, lower the car off the ramps. Remove the dipstick to confirm the level of the new oil. The oil level should appear at the upper hole (Naikan and Kapur 192).
• Dispose the old oil and the old filter one can take the old oil to the auto parts dealers at no cost.
The entire process takes thirty minutes and it is an inexpensive way of maintaining your own car. It is important for a person to have new oil and filters in the garage to save time and money.
Works Cited
Naikan, V N A, and S Kapur. "Reliability modelling and analysis of automobile engine oil." Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part D: Journal of Automobile Engineering 220.2 (2006): 187-194. Print.
Starr, Andrew G, and Raj B. K. N. Rao. Condition Monitoring and Diagnostic Engineering Management (comadem 2001): Proceedings of the 14th International Congress, 4-6 September 2001, Manchester, Uk. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science Ltd, 2001. Print
