The prospect of doing maintenance, even a seemingly basic chore like car oil change service in Dubai, may be intimidating, if not plain difficult. Changing your own oil, on the other hand, can be more convenient and less expensive than visiting a local express lube store. When done in the right manner, the entire oil change process can turn out to be correct, safe, economical, and even enjoyable for you.
With that, here is a step-by-step compilation of all the necessary steps for you to undertake when changing the oil yourself.
Nature of Oil
It is quite common for car owners to be unsure of the car oil used. If you are also among them, just check out the manual’s technical specifications. You can also choose to visit the nearest service center and let some car experts do the job.
Along with that, you’ll also need some gloves to protect your hands; old-fashioned latex medical gloves will suffice. You’re all set to go now.
Jack it Up
First, you’ll need to elevate the automobile high enough to work underneath it. Make sure you’re completely safe while using a hoist, ramps, or jack stands. Working under a car that is solely supported by a floor jack is dangerous.
Moreover, a plastic undertray is installed on the bottom of most modern automobiles to increase aerodynamics and protect important engine components. Most undertrays are held on using a combination of bolts, screws, or plastic clips that can be undone with basic hand tools. Check the area for oil leaks before moving on to step two. Consider getting your car evaluated by a technician if any are discovered.
Disconnect it and Drain it
Place your oil receptacle—a five-gallon bucket, an oil drain pan (available at an auto parts store), an oil reservoir, or any other large liquid-holding container—so that the oil drains into it without spilling or causing a mess. Keep in mind that there will be a lot of oil: Most automobiles contain at least a gallon of fuel in their crankcase, and some have significantly more.
Remove the drain plug by loosening it (counterclockwise) and unscrewing it with the appropriate tool. Hold on to the drain plug as you draw it away from the oil pan; the oil will start to stream out as you pull it away. Allow five minutes for the engine to drain or until the oil flow stops.
Dispose of the Old Filter
Look for the oil filter. It’s a softball-sized cylindrical component that’s fastened into the engine. Loosen the oil filter (turn counterclockwise) enough so the oil drips down into your receptacle with your hand or an oil-filter wrench. Wait for the flow to stop before removing the filter. Make sure the old oil-filter gasket—a tiny rubber O-ring—wasn’t left behind before installing your new filter.
This is critical because if the old gasket isn’t removed, the new filter won’t seal correctly, resulting in all of your new, fresh oil pouring into the ground minutes after startup, potentially starving the engine and causing disaster. Before replacing the drain plug and oil filter, it’s a good idea to clean out any oil-covered surfaces.
Plug the Drain and Turn on the Filter.
Replace the drain cap and tighten it just enough to keep it from leaking: The oil pan and drain plug might be damaged by overtightening. Tighten it with considerable effort, but not all of your strength
Next, take your new oil filter and lightly cover the rubber gasket on the top of the filter with oil (from a dab on the end of your finger). As you tighten the filter, this will aid in creating a perfect seal. When installing the filter, use the same rule: don’t tighten it too much; instead, turn it until it’s “hand tight” and then a little more until it’s snug.
Replace the Oil in it
Reinstall your undertray and lower the car to the ground after replacing the oil filter and drain plug. Remove the oil cap, which should have an oil-can symbol on it, by opening the hood. Fill the engine with the manufacturer’s recommended oil volume using a funnel.
Check for Leaks and Check the Oil Level
Finally, after a few minutes of waiting for the oil to settle into the pan, use the dipstick to check that the oil level is correct. Remove the dipstick from its tube, wipe away any oil using a paper towel, reinsert the dipstick, remove the dipstick, and check that the oil is lined up with the full marking on the dipstick tip.
Finally, start the car and let it idle for a few minutes to warm up; look for leaks beneath the car and around the oil filter. During this, if you sight any problem, you can opt for car detailing in Dubai through maintenance checks.
Final Thoughts
We’ve finished. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes if you’ve done an oil change a few times and are familiar with your car’s quirks. When opposed to going to a mechanic, stockpiling oil and filters in your garage will save you both time and money. And after you’ve mastered the fundamental oil change, a plethora of other maintenance chores start to appear within reach. Doesn’t that feel fantastic?
