v style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 15pt">Automobile manufacturers recommend changing your engine oil every 3000 miles. Over the years, that interval has moved from every 10,000 miles to every 6,000 miles to now every 3,000 miles. Is that because the technology of engine oil has eroded over time and that we just can't make engine oil last as long as it used to? Really? Do you really believe that? Isn't it more likely that auto manufacturers and oil companies are learning that the basic American automobile consumer doesn't even know how to change the engine oil and consequently will shell out $35 every 3,000 miles to the oil change place and profits go through the roof? And they can upsell an air filter, wiper blades, coolant flush and several other worthless services? Probably a bit more likely. Well, in actuality, it is a good rule of thumb to change your engine oil every 6,000 miles and your oil filter every 12,000 miles. And guess what? It's easy!
How to Change Your Oil
by Kevin on Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Steps
Jack up the car
Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan
Place a container on the ground under the oil plug
Remove the oil plug
Wait while the oil drains out
Reinsert the drain plug
If you are changing the filter, find the filter and unscrew it.
Take a little bit of oil and rub it on the gasket of the new filter
Under the hood, unscrew the oil cap from the top of the manifold.
Refill with the recommended amount and type of oil. (remember if you changed the filter you will use more oil than if you didn't).
Close the cap.
Drop the car off the jack.
Start the car.
Check the oil level and you're done!
Tips and Tactics
Be sure to read the owners manual on how to reset service indicators
Buy cheap oil. Don't get fooled by marketing. Buy cheap oil.
Dispose
of
Dispose of your used oil appropriately
