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When it comes down to getting extra life out of your vehicle, changing your oil every 3,000 miles is one of the best things you could do. And after reading this short blog, you will be able to do it yourself. All it’s going to take is around $20.00 – $50.00 depending on what oil you use and if you have the tools to do it. Add around an hour and a half and you’ll be able to change your oil and your oil filter like a pro. Except you are not a pro and you have to get on your back to do it.

Here you go:

1.) What you’ll need is a filter wrench, an oil filter, and 4-5 quarts of motor oil and a drain pan. You can sometimes save by buying a case of motor oil (12 quarts). You can find these items at any local automotive store. NAPA, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone and Pep Boy’s are some of the well known and trusted shops to purchase automotive supplies from.

2.) Now you’re ready to get started. Put some old clothes on that you don’t mind getting dirty and slide yourself under the front of the vehicle. When you’re under the vehicle, you’ll will see a large tank that has a bolt sticking out on the side or on the bottom, this is your oil tank.

3.) Place a shallow pan large enough to hold around 5 quarts under the bolt on the tank (this is the bolt located on the side or the bottom as described above).

4.) Remove the bolt making sure not to strip the bolt. If by chance you strip the bolt on accident, you’ll want to use a vise grip to remove the bolt.

5.) Empty all of the oil into the pan you put under the oil pan.

6.) Grab the bolt, put some thread sealer on it and screw it back into the oil tank until it’s tightened.

7.) Next, open up the hood and find your oil filter. It’s usually easy to get at and positioned on the side or bottom of your vehicle’s engine.

8.) Take your filter wrench and position it around the oil filter. Next, turn the wrench in a counter clockwise direction until you gain access to the oil filter.

9.) When removing the filter, take notice that there will be some oil in the filter. While being careful not to spill or make a mess with the oil, pour the oil into the pan under the vehicle.

10.) Put the new oil filter in by turning it clockwise this time. You don’t want to tighten the filter too much. When you feel the filter hit the engines surface, just give it a little over a half turn to tighten the filter into place.

11.) Next you’ll find a cap on the top of your vehicle’s engine. In almost all cases the cap actually says oil on it. Refer to the vehicle’s owners manual to determine the recommended amount for your particular vehicle. It will usually be around 4 to 5 quarts.

12.) After pouring in the new oil, make sure to check your dipstick. The dipstick will help you determine if the correct amount was added.

13.) Now do a double leak check. Peek under the vehicle and make sure there are no leaks, then hop in your vehicle, start it up, and take one last peek for any leakage.

14.) Now you’re good to go until the next 3,000 miles are put on your vehicle! Just be sure to dispose of your old oil properly. Usually you can safely dispose of your motor oil by taking it back to the automotive store that you bought you new oil from.

Now that your done think about taking your car to an oil change place next time.

Personally speaking, you can get a full engine oil change from a certified lubrication shop for anywhere from about $20.00 (conventional oil) to $90.00 (synthetic oil), depending on the oil used. Meaning synthetic or conventional oil. Plus a trained mechanic will do it and also check your radiator, rear differential do a grease job and check all of the various fluids you never look at.

You decide. Don’t hesitate to call GotEngines.com for any advise. Or, check out our full Gotengines.com Blog for all sorts of helpful tips.