You’ve probably heard it a thousand times by now – changing your oil is the most important bit of maintenance you can perform on your vehicle. But knowing how to do it yourself and more importantly, why it matters so much, might help make it easier for you to keep up with this critical maintenance item, and Ruxer Ford Lincoln in Jasper is here to help.
Why Changing Your Oil is Important
Inside your engine are hundreds of metal parts, all moving at high speeds and all critical to the function of your engine. They are also built with zero tolerance, so lubrication is necessary to keep things moving the way they should. This is where your engine oil comes into play – it creates the lubricating layer that prevents direct metal-on-metal contact that can grind away at your engine’s critical internal parts and eventually leave you stranded. As you drive, your oil heats up, and when you stop it cools off again. This heat cycling breaks down engine oil so it is less able to properly coat internal engine parts and, if left for too long, results in damage that can render even a new engine useless.
How to Change Your Oil
To change your oil, first loosen the oil cap under the hood to break the vacuum inside your engine. Next, line up a catch can underneath the engine and then locate and remove the drain bolt underneath the vehicle, usually located on the back or side of the engine. This will start the old oil draining from your engine. Next, remove the oil filter and allow the oil to finish draining. Replace the old oil filter with a new one, and replace the drain bolt, ensuring that it is tight enough to seal without being too tight. Finally, fill your engine with the recommended amount of the proper weight oil and replace the oil filler cap before starting the engine to check for leaks.
Visit Our Dealership Today!
If you have any questions, are looking for the right parts, or just want our team of trained technicians to take care of your oil change job instead, visit our certified Ford and Lincoln Service Center in Jasper today!