How to Change the Oil in Your Vehicle

 

Changing your oil isn’t as hard as you might imagine. Basically, all you’re doing is unscrewing the oil plug and filter, letting the oil drain, replacing the plug and filter, and adding fresh, new oil. It’s pretty simple, unless of course, you can’t reach various parts; that’s when it’s better to trust an expert mechanic, like the ones at Peruzzi Nissan.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A jack (optional) to raise the car up to help the oil drain out
• Adjustable wrench
• A pan lined with a plastic bag to catch the oil (make sure its big enough to hold it all)
• Disposable plastic gloves
• Oil filter wrench (just in case you can’t loosen it by hand)
• Screwdriver
• Newspaper to hold the dirty oil filter
• New bottle of oil (check your owner’s manual for the right grade/viscosity)
• New oil filter
• New oil drain plug gasket
• Funnel
• Clean, lint-free rag

 

OK, so now that you have the tools for changing your oil, start with one critical safety measure: make sure the car is in level ground, the gearshift is in “Park” or “Neutral,” and your parking brake is on. Warm the car up for a few minutes (but not so hot that it will burn), then shut off the engine.

You can jack up the car a little bit to ensure that the oil drain plug is at the lower end of the drain pan. On the bottom of the engine, look for a large nut or plug located on the oil pan. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen it.

Place the plastic-lined pan under the oil pan. Wearing a plastic glove, unscrew the drain plug by hand, ensuring that you move out of the way in time to avoid getting oil all over yourself.

After the oil has drained from your engine, time to unscrew the oil filter. This item looks like a tin can and sits atop your engine. Start by loosening the cap atop the filter. You should be able to remove the filter by simply turning it counterclockwise, but if not, use the oil filter wrench; it will have oil in it, so do this carefully.

Punch a hole in the filter with the screwdriver to allow it to fully drain into the pain. This can take a few hours. Afterwards, wrap it in newspaper to make it easier to transport to your nearest recycling center.

Now, install a new oil filter on the engine. Start by lightly moistening the gasket with a little bit of the new oil. Put the filter in place and turn it gently until it settles into place. Unless you can’t reach it, avoid using the oil filter wrench to tighten it; you don’t want to overdo it and crush the gasket.

Replace the oil drain plug, installing a new gasket if needed. Use the adjustable wrench to tighten.

Now, using the funnel, pour all but ONE quart of fresh oil into the oil filler hole (example: if your car requires five quarts, pour only four). Replace the oil filler cap, and run (don’t rev) the engine for about a minute. This helps the oil to circulate. Check for leaks around the filter and oil drain plug.

In about 10 seconds, the oil pressure light or gauge should either go out or move from “Low,” as the filter fills with new oil. If it doesn’t, continue to check for leaks under the car and around the engine.

Now, shut off the engine and wait about ten minutes to let the oil settle. Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag and check the level; keep adding the remaining oil a little at a time until the dipstick reads “Full.”

Remove the drain pan, and prep the old oil to be taken to your recycling center (this is where that plastic bag comes in handy).

Drive around for a few minutes, let the oil settle some more, then recheck your dashboard indicator and dipstick until everything reads “normal.” Now wash your hands, and you’re ready to ride!

If this all seems too complicated for you, or you’re not interested in doing it yourself, you can trust the experts at Peruzzi Nissan to handle it for you. Bring your vehicle in to our Nissan service center. In addition to changing your oil, our service experts will check many other parts of your vehicle to make sure it is running correctly. If you’re looking to purchase a new Nissan vehicle, Peruzzi Nissan also has a huge selection of over 240 new Nissan vehicles in the Levittown, PA and Trenton, NJ areas in stock and ready to purchase. If you’re looking for a used vehicle, we also have a selection of over 500 pre-owned vehicles from every major manufacturer. Visit Peruzzi Nissan today at 165 Lincoln Highway in Fairless Hills, PA or give us a call at 877-580-8282 to schedule an appointment or learn more.

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