Getting an oil change service is one of the most important maintenance things you can do for your vehicle. It reduces engine wear and buildup, which will make it last longer and help you get better gas mileage.
Scheduling maintenance can be a hassle and quite expensive. When you add in labor costs, swapping out a few quarts of oil can cost upwards of $100, depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
That is why a lot of people change their car’s oil on their own. But, if you don’t know what you are doing, this can be a messy task and even cause damage to your vehicle.
Fortunately, there is an easy way to ensure you have everything you need to change the oil in your car: an oil change kit. Keep reading to find out more about this product and the steps for how to use it. Changing your own oil can help save you a lot of time and money.
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Oil Kit Basics
Most oil change kits, like the Kawasaki Teryx Oil Change Kit, come with the appropriate amount of oil and the right oil filter and gasket to fit your vehicle. This means there’s no measuring or guessing about the right oil or component to install. Kits also usually come with a funnel, gloves, and towels.
Note that, to change the oil in your car, you also will need a drip pan, standard socket wrench, an oil filter wrench. These items are inexpensive and reusable. Together they will all cost less than a single oil change service.
DIY Oil Change Service
You will want to make sure that you haven’t driven your car for at least an hour before starting. This will ensure that the oil in the engine has had time to cool off.
For cars low to the ground, you will want to drive it up onto ramps or jack it up and brace it. Note that you should never work under a car that is supported by a jack alone. Also, make sure the parking brake is on.
Place the drip pan underneath the engine. Use the socket wrench to remove the oil plug. Once all the oil has drained, replace the plug.
Next, make sure the pan is underneath the oil filter (it is not always right next to the drain plug). Use the oil filter wrench to remove it. Some oil may spill out, but keeping the filter upright will minimize this. If the rubber gasket does not come with the filter, pry it off as well.
Screw a new oil filter and gasket into the engine. Tightening it by hand should be sufficient.
Finally, open the hood of your car and refill the engine with new oil. If you have not purchased a kit, you will need to determine what type and how much oil is appropriate. You can find this information in your car’s owner’s manual.
Give the Oil Change Kit a Try
Now that you have an idea of how an oil change kit works, you can pick one up today. You will be surprised at how easy it makes this job. You can avoid taking time out of your busy day to schedule or wait in long lines for expensive oil change service.
We hope this information was useful to you. If so, be sure to check out our many other automotive posts, as well as those on business, education, health, law, and many other topics.
