Toyota fans: Check out these oil change tips!

Review these Oil change tips and some unique oil change advice from a mechanic in reference to changing engine oil yourself. Changing your own engine oil has some advantages over going to a quick lube center but it is not right for everybody.

The oil change service is a simple operation on some cars and harder than it should be on others. Either way it is very important to your vehicle's longevity and should be performed as recommended by the manufacturer whether it gets done at a repair shop or in the driveway.

 

The quick lube center is in the business of doing oil change services extremely fast. This usually involves the oil change mechanic rushing to complete the repairs as soon as possible.

You on the other hand can devote an hour to change your own engine oil. This will result in an outcome based on quality not speed. When you're oil change service is done properly the engine will last longer and provide better trouble-free performance.

Not to mention the flexibility to use better quality materials if you choose to. Some lubricants claim and show proof that they can increase fuel economy for the life of the vehicle. The following oil change tips are things that I do myself on every oil change.

Oil change tips number one

When you are changing engine oil you want to make sure that the engine is warm. Not hot and not cold. What I do is I will run the engine for about 20 minutes or take a trip to the local convenience store for a Slurpee, then put the vehicle in the oil change area.

I will then let the automobile set for another 20 minutes and allow the engine to cool. This also allows the engine oil and deposits to settle into the bottom of the oil pan. Allowing the engine oil to circulate before an oil change is a good idea because it can remove some last minute dirt.

Before I remove the drain plug I will pull out the engine oil dipstick and carefully feel the temperature of the dipstick and the engine oil to make sure it's not too hot and not too cold. When the engine oil is cold it becomes thick and drains slowly. When the oil is hot it comes out fast but you run the risk of burning yourself during the oil change service.

Oil change tips number two

 

When I am changing my own engine oil on my Chevy Blazer or even my wife's Toyota Corolla. I do not lift or raise the vehicle. The main reason for this is safety concerns and convenience.

The most dangerous part of being a do-it-yourself mechanic is lifting your vehicle in your driveway without the proper equipment and safety precautions. If you can avoid dragging out your floor jack and your jack stands and remain safe at the same time. You're much better off. On the two cars that I own lifting the vehicle is not necessary for changing the oil.

Yes I do have to lay on the ground and reach under the vehicle to access the drain plug and the oil filter, but it can be done. This may not be possible on all vehicles, but you should certainly take a look and see if you can reach the oil filter and the drain plug without raising the vehicle. If you can, this is the best way to go.

Oil change tips number three

My third oil change advice to you is to have some patience and let the oil fully drain from the oil pan. After I remove my drain plug I allow the oil to drain for 20 minutes or sometimes even a half hour.

This is a good time to check and top off your fluid levels and perform a visual inspection of belts and hoses. The bulk of the oil comes out within a minute or two, but the oil will continue to drip from the drain plug area.

The dripping engine oil may be small in quantity, but has the highest concentration of dirt and debris. Because we have let the oil settle before we started the maintenance service most of the dirty oil and sediment has reached the very bottom of the oil pan.

 

This is one of the main advantages of doing the oil change service yourself at home. Taking your time and doing the best possible job while at the same time, enjoying some quality time with your beloved automobile. I call my car Christine!

A quick oil change center that works on volume will often just drain the bulk of the oil and then jam the plug back in and refill the fluids. This method winds up leaving the dirtiest of the oil in the bottom of the pan.

The undesirable remnants of the old stuff are then mixed with the fresh oil and reduce the quality of the oil change service. But since we are do it yourself mechanic's, we can take the extra time and allow the dirtiest of the engine oil to drain from our oil pan.

courtesy of auto-facts.org