Most carmakers recommend that you do a car oil change every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes before. In most cases, people usually look for oil change services near them and get it done through professionals. However, you may change the car oil yourself to save on costs. Changing or replacing it yourself may seem daunting, but avoiding these common mistakes is possible if you’re a first-timer.

Not doing enough prep
Before you get down to replacing your car’s oil, you need to thorough your basics to the T. Firstly, you must go through the car’s manual for instructions. Then, make sure to read through the section on maintenance. This will provide information regarding your car’s oil type, capacity, and how frequently you must change the engine oil. Also, make sure you do some research and search for information on DIY engine oil changes.

Not having the right tools and equipment
Tools such as ramps or a jack stand and a jack will be needed to raise your car to a level that makes it comfortable enough for you to get under your car safely. Many people often miss out on purchasing an oil drain pan with a spout and a lid when they buy a new oil filter. This mistake can be easily avoided. A drain pan will help you pour your old oil back into containers and recycle it. In addition, you will also need to keep ready a wrench of the right size to remove the drain plug.

Not stocking up on basic necessities
When you visit any car oil change services near you, you may have observed that everything needed for an oil change is within the professional’s reach. Similarly, keeping a few basic necessities near you would be best. Firstly, get a pair of oil filter pliers to deal with stubborn oil filters. Then, grab some old rags, a couple of rolls of paper towels, or towels designed explicitly for auto mechanics. Finally, you should purchase a pair of safety glasses and a few disposable rubber gloves for personal safety.

You forgot to warm the engine
Oil flow is not smooth at lower temperatures or even at room temperature. So if your car’s engine is cold, it will take longer to drain the old oil. Moreover, there might be some residue of the old oil still left. This would have drained out if the engine had been warm. So before you begin the process of changing the oil, start up your car. Let the engine warm up for some time. Turn the engine off when it is close to its average operating temperature.

Using the wrong oil
Using the wrong oil is a mistake that can easily happen. Depending on the season, it is essential to get the proper viscosity. Warmer climates need thicker oil, while colder climates need thinner oil. Moreover, using synthetic or conventional oil in the wrong engine can be damaging. In addition, you need to use the correct type of oil. For example, a new engine can work with synthetic and conventional oil, but it is not worth experimenting with different types of oils for an older engine, which is used to one type of oil.

Not lubricating the oil filter gasket
This is a crucial step many people forget while changing the engine oil. This step needs to be done after you’ve drained the old oil and removed the old oil filter. Before you insert the new oil filter, clean the area of the engine where you will fit the gasket of the new oil filter. Ensure that the old gasket has come off with the old filter. After this, spread clean engine oil on the rubber gasket of the new filter. Make sure you do this before you install the new oil filter. Lubricating the oil filter gasket will ensure that it slides without any wrinkling when you tighten the oil filter.

Not tightening the oil drain plug
Another common mistake when replacing engine oil is forgetting to tighten the drain plug. Before installing the drain plug, you should remove the residual oil with a paper towel or a rag. Then make sure to check the washer. Most cars have a reusable washer. However, some cars may need a new washer. Once you have ascertained that the washer works, install back the drain plug. You will need to tighten it as per your car’s specifications. Ensure that it is not over-tightened, as this could cause damage to the oil pan of the car.

Not adding the correct quantity of oil
This is quite a common mistake which can often cost you a lot. Not filling up the correct level of oil can damage your car engine. If you have read your car’s manual, you will have a fair idea about the correct quantity of oil that the engine can hold. Once the new oil filter and the drain plug have been inserted, pour in the correct quantity of new oil. You can use the dipstick in the engine compartment to check the oil level, remove the old oil residue from the dipstick, and insert it back again. Then, pull it back and check whether the oil level is between the two lines near the tip.

Conclusion
Replacing engine oil alone can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t equip yourself with the right know-how and tools. If it is too daunting, you can always head to an official Ford instant oil change service or a Quick Lane oil change service near you. You can also check out other options, including Quick Lube oil change service nearby and VIOC or Valvoline oil change services near you.