Submitted by: G Jenkins

Changing the engine oil and oil filter of your car by yourself can be a great feeling! Not only do you get to pocket those few extra dollars, you also get the satisfaction of doing it yourself and doing it well. Why rely on a mechanic when changing your car s filter is not only simple but takes about ten minutes of your time?

I bet you want to keep that car of yours running as smoothly as it did when you had test-driven it! With time, the oil in your car fails and contaminants clog the filter of your engine. It even reduces the mileage of your car. Changing your car s oil and the filter is most essential for the proper functioning of your engine. So let us see how easy it is to overcome this task.

When?

The normal time to change your car s filter is when you change the oil. The filter is usually located near the oil pan, but if you have trouble locating it, just refers to the car s manual. They generally come with a labeled diagram of your car.

Accessories That Come Handy

Now the job can be a bit messy occasionally, so you need to prepare for that. Get yourself a pair of wrenches and some protective gear for your eyes and hands like safety eyeglasses and a pair of gloves. In most cases, you can pull out the oil filter with your hands. Nevertheless, due to grease and spills, it can get a bit slippery. Therefore, to avoid the mess you can resort to wearing hand gloves. You can also buy the specialized tools available for this process from your local hardware store or Sears.

How To Go About It

Use the wrench to take out the filter and turn it counter clockwise to remove the filter properly. After taking it out, drain out the used oil and discard it in a safe manner. The oil filter seal becomes very tacky and greasy, so you must clean that as well. Often, the rubber gasket of the old filter is forgotten about. That could lead to leaking when the fresh oil is poured in. replace the old gasket and tighten the new one in.

The placement of the oil filter varies with the car model. This makes it a little difficult to find it. It could be placed in the most oddest of places or can be hard to reach out to.

Changing the filter is not a grueling task. Just be sure to purchase the right replacement filter. They are many varieties. The store that you purchase it from will help you pick out the right one.

You are Almost Done

Check that you have looked into every single part of the filter area. Ensure that you have carried out every step mentioned above. After finishing with them, wipe the area clean and look out for leaks or any apparent damage.

And It Is Ready

Cleaning the oil filter and changing your car s oil is very important in order to maintain the health of your car s engine. Change them regularly and enjoy a smooth ride!

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