Changing Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Engine oil makes movement of engine parts smoother and quieter. It also acts as a cooler by disposing of fragments into the oil pan. As for the oil filter, it purifies oil and keep particles imprisoned in it. Of course oil and filters have their limits and that's when they need to be replaced or else the engine will not work properly and eventually will be destroyed.

Regularity:

It is usually recommended to change engine oil every 5000 kilometres (about 3000 miles) or every three months whichever comes first. As for the oil filter, I recommend replacing it every time oil is changed in order to maintain a healthful engine.

Items required:

• Engine oil (see owner's manual for type and amount of oil)
• An oil filter (see owner's manual or order from car agency)
• A funnel
• A clean rag
• A hydraulic jack and four car stands (or an even car ramp would be better)
• A wrench for the oil pan drain plug
• A torque wrench for the oil filter
• A suitable container for draining the used oil
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Procedures: 

1.  Jack the car on the four stands, so that it is even, and then warm the car engine for about 5 minutes then turn it off.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Put the container under the the engine oil pan and remove the drain plug. Be careful! Don't get in contact with the oil or the engine because they are still hot. Put the container under the the engine oil pan and remove the drain plug. Be careful! Don't get in contact with the oil or the engine because they are still hot.
4. Remove the oil filter with the wrench and make sure to remove the old oil filter gasket (O-ring seal) from the filter mounting surface on the engine compartment as leaving the old gasket there may cause oil leakage and thus damage the engine.
5. Clean the oil filter mounting surface with the rag properly.
6. After used oil has totally drained, apply a thin film of engine oil to the new oil filter gasket and fasten the filter until it reached the appropriate torque (see owner's manual for suggested torque).
7. Refill the engine with new oil to the appropriate level (see owner's manual for more info).
8. Put the oil filler cap on and start the engine.
9. Inspect around the oil filter gasket for leaks. If there is any, the filter need to be re-installed.
10. Stop the engine and check the oil level. If necessary, top up the oil to the appropriate level.

Article Source:  http://care4mycar.blogspot.com/2013/01/page-margin-2cm-p-margin-bottom-0.html