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Even a seemingly simple maintenance task, such as changing the oil, can seem intimidating, if it is not impossible. It can be cheaper and more convenient to change your oil yourself than take your car to an express lubricant shop. In the short videos below, we’ll show how to do it safely and correctly. Even if you enjoy working on your vehicle, it’s likely that we will too.
Refer to your owner’s guide for the service or technical specifications if you are unsure of what type of oil or how often it should be changed. This six-step guide will show you how to perform a standard oil-change on an Acura TSX. The process is the same whether you drive a Hyundai or Hummer.
Consult your owner’s guide (or the internet) before you begin to determine how much oil to purchase to replace what you have drained. You’ll need an oil-filter, too. You’ll need to visit an auto-parts shop or a large retail outlet in order to purchase what you require. If you don’t have them, pick up an oil filter wrench and a wrench of the right size for your oil drain plug. You’ll also need gloves to keep them clean. Old-fashioned medical latex gloves will do. You’re now ready to go. You can change your oil yourself by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Open it up and Jack it Up
You’ll need to raise the vehicle high enough so that you have room to work underneath it. Use a hoist or ramps to lift the car. Under no circumstances should you work on a vehicle that is only supported by a floor-jack. Our subject vehicle was raised on the lift at the ZOYZ Auto Services garage so that you could see our work. Modern cars have a plastic undertray that improves aerodynamics while protecting vital engine components. To access the oil pan on the TSX you will need to remove the cover. Most undertrays are secured with a combination of screws, bolts or plastic clips, which can be easily removed with hand tools. Be sure to check the area for any oil leaks before moving on to step 2. Consider having your vehicle checked by a mechanic if any leaks are discovered.
Step 2: Drain it, unplug it
Situate your oil receptacle–five-gallon bucket, oil drain pan (available at an auto-parts store), oil reservoir, or any other sizable liquid-holding container–in such a way that the oil will drain into it without getting all over the ground or otherwise making a mess. There will be plenty of oil. Most cars contain at least one gallon, but some have much more. Remove the drain plug using the wrench to loosen it in the opposite direction. As you remove the drain plug, you will see oil pouring out. Allow the oil to drain from the engine for at least five minutes, or until it has reduced to a trickle.
Step 3: Remove the old filter
The oil filter is located on the engine. The oil filter is the cylindrical softball-sized component that’s screwed to the engine. (Some engines use a housing into which you can insert a cartridge). You can loosen the filter with your hands or by using an oil-filter tool (you will likely need this). The oil should start to drip out the top of the filter. Once the oil has stopped flowing, remove the filter. Be sure that you have removed the old gasket, which is a thin rubber O ring. If the old gasket has not been removed, your new oil filter will not seal properly. This can lead to the oil starving out of the engine and causing a catastrophe. Before replacing the oil filter and drain plug, it is a good idea to wipe any surfaces that have been oily.
Step 4: Plug Drain Plug In, Filter On
Tighten the drain plug until it is snug but not too tight. Overtightening the plug can damage the oil pan. Don’t use all your strength to tighten it. You can use a torque wrench to follow the torque specs of some manufacturers. Do not attempt to remove the drain plug head. If you are reinstalling the drain plug, there may be a washer that is behind it. Check your owner’s guide to determine if the washer must be changed. Apply a thin layer of oil to the rubber gasket at the top of the oil filter. It will create a good seal when you tighten your filter. When installing the filter, follow the same rule: Do not screw too tightly, but instead turn it until “hand tight”, and then a little more so that it is snug.
Step 5: Refill it with oil
After you’ve replaced the drain plug and oil filter, install your undertray. Lower the car to the ground. Remove the oil cap. It should be marked with an oil-can icon. Fill the engine using the volume indicated by the manufacturer.
Step 6: Check oil level and for leaks
After a few moments, wait for the oil in the pan to settle. Then, using the dipstick, check that the oil level is correct. It’s easy to check your oil: Remove the dipstick tube from the tube, wipe off all the oil with a piece of paper towel, insert the dipstick again, remove the stick, and verify that the oil line up with the entire marking on the tip. Start the car and let it warm up. Check for any leaks around the oil filter and under the vehicle. For more details about – oil change services in Auckland.
