More people want to start to change their own engine oil and filter in this day and age then ever before because of the poor economy. For more than 20 years, it’s been customary to go to an oil change place or perhaps the dealer or someone having an oil change special, but people have to do what is necessary to save money.
I have begun to notice oil change kits in the auto parts house. A drain bucket, cheap oil filter wrench and a few rags and some hand cleaner. Of course this prompts the question from many non mechanical people of: how to find an oil filter on car engine.
I have to say it’s a good question. If it was still in the 60’s, 70’s or ’80’s, I might consider that a silly question. Engines were so simple and uncluttered, the oil filter was easy to find and remove. If nothing else, there were very few objects that even looked like an oil filter, so making a good guess was accurate almost 100 percent of the time.
Times have changed and even I have trouble finding the oil filter at times. With all of the clutter and components under the hood now, guessing is not a good option. It’s possible that there is a part on the engine that the oil filter wrench fits, but is not the oil filter.
I’m saying that on some cars the oil filter can’t be scene from ordinary view points. It’s on a portion of the engine where you have to “feel” it with your hands, without actually seeing it. With that thought in mind, it’s a good idea to ask someone qualified where the oil filter is. You certainly don’t want to unscrew the wrong device and have an expensive emergency, like a blown engine.
What I would recommend if you are not absolutely sure where your oil filter is, is to ask the parts person at the auto supply store. and don’t forget to ask what weight oil the car uses. And, allow me to recommend synthetic engine oil. Most of the nationally branded parts companies are happy to assist you with that type of info.
Another way to find out is to call GotEngines.com @ 1-941-269-8284. Although our main business is selling replacement engines, information is free, so don’t worry about it, take a minute to call and find out where your oil filer is.
The folks I have spoken to who are new to doing their oil changes tell me they feel very fulfilled knowing they did their own oil change, saved some money and kept their car engine maintenance up to date. Another item I noticed is that people who do their own maintenance have less engine problems and car problems in total.
Good luck, this is just one article in a series of helpful maintenance ideas that will add life to your car, cut down on unexpected problems and make your life better. Courtesy of GotEngines.com. @ 1-941-269-8284. Rebuilt engines, remanufactured engines, used engines, JDM engines, crate engines for sale. “Where our customers send their friends”.