Changing car oil is not really a difficult job as people mostly believe, but at the same time it is among the most important work for keeping a vehicle healthy. Fresh oil makes the engine smooth, parts get proper lubrication, friction becomes lower, and overheating happens less. Because of this, the life of the motor increases. The good thing is, you don’t always need a workshop and pay money. With little preparation and some simple tools, this work can be done at home, even if it is the very first try.
This guide is explaining step by step how oil can be changed, what mistakes are common, and also when it is more wise to leave the work to professionals like Complete Diesel & Automotive in Zachary.
Why Regular Oil Change Is Important
Oil is like the blood of an engine. With time it breaks down because of friction and heat. Dust, dirt, small metal particles, and carbon start mixing inside. Slowly it loses the ability to protect the motor. If ignored, a car can face problems such as:
- The engine is wearing faster than normal.
- Cars run hotter and fuel burns more.
- Sludge forming inside and blocking the passages.
- Very costly repairs, sometimes complete engine failure.
That is why most manufacturers recommend oil change after 3,000 to 7,500 miles. Still, this depends on what car you drive and the way you drive it.
Tools and Materials You Should Have
Before starting, it is smart to put everything ready in one place. Usually it is like this:
- Right Motor Oil (check the manual for type and viscosity).
- Oil Filter that matches with your car.
- Oil Drain Pan for collecting the used oil.
- Wrench set for drain plug.
- Oil Filter Wrench, helpful if the filter is stuck.
- Funnel for pouring new oil.
- Gloves and Rags for safety and cleaning.
- Jack with Jack Stands or ramps if the car must be lifted.
Tip: confirm always that the oil filter is the correct one, because a wrong filter can leak or not fit properly.
Steps for Changing Oil
- Prepare the Vehicle
Park on flat ground and apply hand brakes. If a car needs lifting, use jack but support with stands or ramps, never only jack. Let the engine become warm but not hot. Warm oil drains better, but hot oil can burn your hand. - Drain Old Oil
Keep the drain pan under the plug of the oil pan. Loosen the plug slowly with a wrench and remove it. Oil will start to flow, let it finish completely, maybe a few minutes. Clean plug and threads then tighten it back properly. - Replace Oil Filter
Find where the filter is placed, usually simple but manual can guide. Remove it by hand or wrench if tight. Always check if the rubber gasket of the old filter did not stick there. Before fitting the new filter, rub little oil on its gasket. Tighten by hand only, not too hard. - Add the New Oil
Open the hood, remove the oil cap. Put a funnel and slowly pour the fresh oil as the manual says for quantity. After done, close the cap tightly. - Check Oil Level
Start the engine for one or two minutes, then stop. After some minutes, remove the dipstick, wipe clean, insert again, and pull out. If the oil level is not up to full mark, add a little more. Always add slowly, never overfill. - Proper Disposal of Old Oil
Put drained oil in a sealed container, maybe the empty oil can. Do not throw in garbage or pour it on the ground, it damages the environment and is illegal in many places. Recycling centers, service stations, or auto shops accept used oil.
Mistakes People Often Do
Even experienced people can make mistakes. Few common are:
- Overfilling oil, which increases pressure and harms seals.
- Double gasket problem, when old gasket stays stuck, new filter leaks.
- Loose drain plug, if not tight enough, oil leaks on road.
- Wrong viscosity oil, reducing performance.
- Safety ignorance, working under a car supported only with jack.
How Often Should Oil Be Changed
This depends on the car and how it is driven. Some general rules:
- Around 3,000 miles for older cars or heavy work like towing.
- 5,000 to 7,500 miles for many new models using synthetic oil.
- Even 10,000 miles for few advanced vehicles with premium synthetic oil.
If the dipstick shows oil dirty and black earlier, then change sooner.
Why Complete Diesel & Automotive in Zachary Is Trusted
Doing oil changes by yourself is useful, but sometimes not easy. People want to save time, avoid dirty work, or want a perfect job. In Zachary, Complete Diesel & Automotive is trusted because:
- Mechanics have real expertise for both diesel and petrol.
- Always using the best quality oils and filters.
- Work is done quickly, without a long wait.
- Pricing is fair and clear, no hidden charges.
- The staff is friendly, they care about the safety of vehicles.
So, if you do not want the headache of tools and mess, giving the work to them is a smart step.
Final Words
Learning oil change is a good skill for every car owner. It saves money, helps to know your vehicle, and ensures the engine always has clean oil. For many people the work at home is easy enough, but for others who want fast and safe results, Complete Diesel & Automotive in Zachary is the best choice.
No matter what you choose, keeping oil changes regular is one of the simplest and smartest ways to protect a car or truck and make it run strong for long years.
