Changing the Oil Filter

Changing the oil filter in a car is a simple motor maintenance task and something every driver should know how to do, like adding break fluid, yet it is alarming just how many people never do it. Keeping an oil filter or sump plug on your car after it has already become corrupted leads to the slow degradation of your engine which can ruin your car. When you consider that manufacturers recommend checking your oil filter every six months, the importance of this small task becomes apparent.

How to Change your Filter

The first thing to do is make sure your car is ready. Don't go near your oil filter until at least two hours have passed since you were driving or the oil in your car will still be burning hot. As well as the obvious danger this poses, it will also make the dipstick reading inaccurate.

You can, however, rev the engine at a very low level for a couple of minutes just to let the oil thin a little but make sure the engine is off before you begin. Also, the car needs to be on a level, stable ground. You can't risk it shunting at the wrong moment.

You can now open up the bonnet of your car and find the oil filter cap. This should be a plastic cap somewhere on the top of your engine. If you have trouble locating it, have a look in your owner's manual. Once you find it, unscrew it gently and inspect it. If the vents on the cap are blocked in any way you will need a new oil filter cap.

Now you must locate the sump plug and the oil filter itself. The exact location of the bolt headed sump plug will also vary, but generally it's beneath the car, near the back of the engine. You may need to jack the car to get to it.

Place a large container underneath the sump plug and begin unscrewing the plug with a spanner. Be careful as you pull the plug free as oil will come spilling out fairly rapidly into your container. Under no circumstances lie under the plug with your face in the line of fire. Let the oil drain completely into the container, keeping an eye on it at all times as the speed with which it pours out will be erratic and could cause spillage.

When you're disposing of this oil you must find a designated area to get rid of it. Certainly it can't just be left out with the rubbish or poured down the sink. You'll need to drive it to a mechanic or to the nearest dump.

Now inspect your sump plug. Clean the tip off with a rag and check for metal filings. If there are any attached it means that your engine is degrading and you should be checking the oil filter more regularly. Next, unscrew the oil filter itself using a spanner. Take your new filter and coat its mouth with a thin layer of oil before gently screwing it on to the engine. The oil will ease it into place.

Now you can replace your sump plug and pour new oil into your car until you reach the right level on the dipstick. Then replace your filter cap and rev up your engine. Your car should be running smooth and clean again.

This simple, straightforward task will prolong the life of your car and keep it running well. Don't let your engine degrade. Keep checking your car regularly and changing the oil filter at the right time, not when it's too late.

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