Changing the engine oil yourself is a rare mechanical task that can actually save you money and keep your car running longer. This is not rocket science. But if you do it too quickly, you end up with hot sludge on the garage floor or worse, a seized engine. Let’s solve this problem.
First, gather your gear. You will need a socket wrench for the oil drain bolt, an oil filter wrench (more on this part later) and a sturdy collection container. Don’t forget rubber gloves, an old rag and newspaper to absorb the inevitable drops. Something simple.
Heat is your friend. take the car for a short drive. If possible, drive it on the highway as well. The oil needs to be hot and thin so it can drain quickly and carry more impurities. When you get home, park your car on a flat surface. Turn off the engine. Wait about 5-10 minutes. This break allows gravity to act and pull oil from the cylinder head and upper passages into the sump.
Now we need height. If you drive a truck or SUV, you might be able to fit under it. Sedans? Not so much. You need a ramp and jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a hydraulic jack. These can fail. If you must lift it, use the jack stands as your primary support. cheap insurance against spinal injuries. Place wooden blocks behind the rear tire as well. Turn on the parking brake. Safety is always a priority.
Locate the oil pan on the bottom of the engine. Locate the large drain plug nut. Usually it is the lowest point closest to the ground. If in doubt, check the user manual. This is the map that reveals the secrets of your car.
Take the socket wrench and loosen the plug. Have your catch pan ready underneath. Here’s a pro tip from Edmunds’ Scott Memmer: replace the sealing washer on the drain plug before you reinstall it. Old washers deform. New ones seal tight. This will prevent leaks that otherwise plagued you for years.
don’t try to catch it with your hand. Let it drop into the pan. The oil will be hot. Let it flow. It takes about 2 minutes for it to drain completely. Place newspaper around the pot to catch splashes.
If the flow stops, you’re halfway there. Changing the filter is half of the equation, but that’s a story for the next section.
车下：关键安全协议
如果你马虎的话，在升高的车辆下工作是有风险的。 误差幅度为零。
- 千斤顶支架是不可协商的： 工业千斤顶用于提升，而不是保持。 重力是有耐心的。 它将等待千斤顶泄漏。
- 塞住车轮： 后轮胎后面的木块或砖块增加了一层安全性。 如果驻车制动器失效，它会阻止汽车滚动。
- 水平地面： 一切都在斜坡上横向移动。 始终将车停在平坦、坚固的表面上。
- 驻车制动器： 使用它。 这是防止运动的最后一道防线。
如果您忽略这些步骤，您不仅会拿您的车冒险。 你正在拿自己的身体冒险。 去急诊室就诊并不会因为你跳过了 20 美元的支架而感到光荣。
