Regular oil changes are among the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks you can have completed for your car. If you are into DIY repairs at home, it's something you can easily do yourself.
At New Holland Auto Group, we're all about helping you keep your vehicle in its best shape in whatever way works for you. We've written this article to help you learn how to change your vehicle oil. With these instructions, you can complete your oil change and get back on the roads of New Holland, Lancaster, and Lititz, Pennsylvania, in no time.
Choose the Right Oil for Your Ride
Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine. Oil helps to lubricate the components to prevent overheating and allows them to operate at top speed, without interference from dirt and debris.
The right kind of oil for your vehicle will have the proper thickness and viscosity and will flow freely across the engine elements. Check your vehicle owner's manual to see which kind of oil is recommended for your specific model.
For example, a full synthetic oil will offer your engine maximum resistance to heat and oxidation. It's more slippery than mineral oils, which are useful for older engines. Semi-synthetic oil blends are a combination of full synthetic and mineral oils, and they offer the best qualities of each type.
Gather Other Supplies
Once you have the proper oil for your engine, you should gather all the other supplies that you'll need to complete your oil change. For one thing, you'll need a quality oil filter, as this should always be changed at the same time as the oil.
You'll need a jack and jack stand to safely raise your vehicle off the ground-you should never get under a raised car without a jack stand. You may also choose to use a blanket or a rolling cart to comfortably lie on. Making sure you're as comfortable as possible will help you to calmly and safely complete this task.
Other supplies that you'll need include a funnel, socket wrench, and oil filter wrench. Oil changes can get pretty messy, so you'll also want to have some cleanup supplies, including old newspapers or paper towels, rags, and an oil pan or bucket to catch drips.
Complete Your Oil Change
Now, it's time to jump into changing your oil! Start by running your car's engine for a couple of minutes to warm up the oil. This will help it to drain out more smoothly. Next, turn off the engine and jack up your vehicle.
Locate the engine's oil pan and drain plug. Position your newspaper and oil pan directly beneath it and drain out the old oil. Once this stream of oil slows to just a drip, you can replace the drain plug.
Remove the old oil filter and install the new one. Then, carefully add new oil to the engine using the funnel. Run your engine for a couple of minutes afterward to allow this new oil to distribute throughout the engine.
Save Cash by Learning How To Change Your Oil
Once you've learned how to change your car's oil, you've acquired a skill that will save you cash for years to come. That's money that you can put toward other forms of vehicle care, which we'll be happy to help you with at our service center at New Holland Auto Group.
Feel free to contact us now and make an appointment near New Holland, Lancaster, and Lititz, PA, for all your other vehicle care needs.
Make an Inquiry
* Indicates a required field
Contact
New Holland Auto Group
508 W Main St
New Holland, PA 17557
- Sales: 717-351-7639
- Service: 717-354-2900
- Parts: 717-354-4907
Hours
- Monday 9AM-8PM
- Tuesday 9AM-8PM
- Wednesday 9AM-8PM
- Thursday 9AM-8PM
- Friday 9AM-8PM
- Saturday 9AM-5PM
- Sunday Closed
AdChoices