From racing cars to runabouts, engine oil changes are non-negotiable. Learn how (and why) it’s done!

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For many of us, a car isn’t just a vehicle – it’s part of the family. It’s there for the holidays, the daily grind, and the errands in between. On long drives and lonely business trips, it’s your trusted companion. To keep it running like a dream, show it some love – starting with a regular motor oil change. Not sure how? We’ll show you right here.

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For many of us, a car isn’t just a vehicle – it’s part of the family. It’s there for the holidays, the daily grind, and the errands in between. On long drives and lonely business trips, it’s your trusted companion. To keep it running like a dream, show it some love – starting with a regular motor oil change. Not sure how? We’ll show you right here.

Do you even need new oil? Isn’t the old stuff good enough? 

Absolutely not! Changing motor oil regularly is crucial for your car, and you should always stay on top of it. Otherwise, you risk unnecessary damage to your vehicle. And you don’t want that, do you? So, why should you change the motor oil? 

Fresh oil ensures many engine components operate properly, keeping everything smooth and free of unnecessary wear and tear. A perfect example? Pistons that are constantly moving inside the cylinders. Without oil, these parts would grind against each other and eventually break. 

Smoother engine operation also affects something that keeps drivers awake at night – fuel consumption. With less friction, your car won’t need as much fuel as it would without lubrication. 

Plus, driving with freshly changed oil makes everything feel a lot smoother. Why? That friction would otherwise create an incredible racket, and who wants to go deaf in their car? Oil helps eliminate that risk. 

Regular oil changes also extend your engine’s lifespan. How exactly?  

As you can see, oil changes are no trivial matter. They’re vital for keeping your engine in top-notch condition. 

Once a year or every 10,000 km? How often should you change the motor oil? 

Sitting behind the wheel, you’ve probably pondered this question more than once – and that’s a good thing! Knowing when to change your car’s oil saves you from the issues we just discussed.

Engine and oil manufacturers often provide guidelines on the ideal intervals. Some even claim their products guarantee flawless operation for 50,000 km! But we advise caution with such bold promises.

Adjust your oil change schedule to your driving habits. This makes sense because an off-roader’s engine faces different challenges than a city car’s. So, what do the numbers look like? When should you change the motor oil? 

Despite these mileage figures, many car mechanics agree it’s best to change motor oil once a year. Oil doesn’t just wear out while driving – it loses its beneficial properties over time. The same applies to other car parts, like the battery. Curious about how to replace a car battery? Check out our next post.

Not all oil is the same. Pick the right product for your engine!

The key to a well-functioning engine is the right oil. But what exactly does “right oil” mean? The countless brands and products on the shelves can give anyone a headache. So, what should you look out for?

Start by checking your vehicle’s manual for the fluids recommended by the manufacturer. This is a basic tip when buying new oil, especially for a used car where you don’t know what the previous owner used.

What if the original oil is no longer available? Compare the specifications of the original oil with other brands and choose one that closely matches. Key factors include low-temperature suitability, viscosity, and quality standards.

The first two values are written together, like 0W/30, 5W/30, or 10W/40. The “W” indicates suitability at certain temperatures. The smaller the number, the lower the temperature at which the engine will start. For example, 0W oil works at -35°C. These values increase by 5 increments (0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, etc.), each indicating a rise in operating temperature by 5°C. 

The second number in this code indicates the viscosity at high temperatures, or the resistance between the liquid and a surface. Simply put, thicker oils flow slower. Lower viscosity oils are energy-efficient, as they reduce operational resistance. However, for a racing car, they may not offer sufficient engine protection. 

You’ll also find quality symbols on the packaging: API (American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA (Association of European Automobile Manufacturers). Some oil manufacturers also use their own codes. 

Let’s focus on the most common ones. API codes use two letters. The first indicates the engine type – either C for diesel or S for petrol. The second letter shows the oil quality, from A to F for diesel and A to M for petrol engines. The further down the alphabet, the better the quality. 

The ACEA specification is more detailed, so it’s worth paying closer attention to it. Here, the code also uses two characters. The letter indicates the engine type: A for petrol, B for diesel, and C for petrol or diesel engines with additional emission controls, like particulate filters or three-way catalytic converters. The number refers to the specific requirements for the engine.

How much does an oil change cost? 

The cost of an oil change varies widely. It depends on several factors, with the most important being the car model. As mentioned, your vehicle’s technical data will indicate the appropriate oil type. The price varies by quality and brand, ranging from £4 to £30 per litre! The choice is yours.

Another factor is the oil filter, which should be replaced along with the oil. This typically costs a few pounds. You might also need a new drain plug or at least a new gasket, adding a bit more to the cost.

Finally, there are labour costs. Having your oil changed at a garage can cost around £100. If you do it yourself, you save that expense. If you don’t have a garage or workspace, renting one might cost about £20.

Invest in a higher-quality oil from a trusted brand to avoid worrying about your car later. After all, you don’t want to save money on oil only to spend it on costly repairs, like replacing a car’s clutch.

What tools do you need for an oil change? 

Before starting, ensure you have all the tools needed for the job. A set of spanners in various sizes, a torque wrench, and an oil filter wrench are essential in any workshop.

Prepare a container for the old oil. Make sure it’s slightly larger than your car’s oil capacity. To avoid spills, consider using specialised oil pumps, which allow you to safely drain the oil from the engine.

Don’t forget about your personal safety. Oil is hard to clean off your skin and clothes, so wear gloves and work gear. Looking for other workshop equipment? Check out our guide on how to set up your own DIY workshop and what you’ll need for it.

Time to get your hands dirty! How do you change the motor oil? 

Got everything you need? New oil and the right tools? Then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and change your car’s motor oil.

Step 1: Prepare the car and the area

Before draining the oil, bring it to the right temperature (around 80°C) so it flows smoothly. Warm up the engine by driving for about 5 to 10 km. Then park your car on a relatively flat surface. For easy access to the drain plug, it’s best to park over a pit or use a car lift. 

Step 2: Unscrew a few things and solve your problem! 

To access the drain plug and the filler cap, remove two covers: the engine cover and the underbody cover. Depending on the car model, the engine cover may be clipped on or screwed in. Use a spanner if it’s screwed in. For the underbody cover, you’ll likely need a Torx screwdriver.

Once the covers are off, unscrew the filler cap to create airflow, which speeds up draining the old oil. Then remove the drain plug with a socket wrench. Position a container or oil pan beneath the plug. Estimate the angle the oil will flow to avoid splashing it everywhere. 

Step 3: Smoothly does it!

Once you’ve fully unscrewed the drain plug, wait for all the oil to drain out. This won’t take long, so no need to find something else to do in the meantime. After the last drop, pour the old oil into a sealed container, like a bottle. Important: Do not dispose of it in the rubbish or pour it down the drain. It’s harmful to the environment. Take it to a waste disposal site. 

Step 4: After the oil, change the filter 

Along with replacing the motor oil, you should also change the oil filter. This prevents contaminants in the old filter from mixing with the fresh oil. Clear the area around the filter by removing any pipes or hoses blocking access.

Use a suitable wrench to unscrew the filter cover. If it’s tightly sealed, use a wrench extender. Once removed, place the filter somewhere safe, ideally wrapped in a cloth, as it may still contain some oil.

The filter cartridge is pressed into the cover. Pull firmly to remove it. Dispose of the old filter like the oil. Before fitting the new filter, apply fresh oil to the gasket to make installation easier. Use a torque wrench to avoid overtightening, which could damage the thread or gasket. 

If your car uses a metal canister-style filter, the process is just as straightforward. Unscrew the old canister, apply oil to the gasket of the new one, and screw it in place. Done!

Step 5: Who ordered fresh motor oil? 

With the old oil drained and the filter replaced, it’s time to add the fresh oil. Ensure easy access by using a funnel if needed. Be careful not to spill oil on the engine. Start by pouring slightly less than the manufacturer’s recommended amount. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. This allows the oil to circulate through the new filter and system. Turn off the engine and top up the oil to the correct level. 

Step 6: Wrap it up for the day! 

Your engine now has fresh oil circulating through it. Replace the oil cap, reattach both covers, and hit the road knowing the job’s been done right.

Oil changed. See you next year! 

As you can see, changing motor oil is a simple process. You can do it yourself without needing professional help. But remember, your responsibility doesn’t end there! Check the oil level occasionally. To do this, turn off the engine, remove the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a cloth. The stick has two markings – reinsert it, pull it out again, and read the current oil level. It should be above the MIN mark. 

Want to make oil changes easier? Get the right accessories, like diesel pumps. These let you precisely refill motor oil, petrol, or diesel. Both tasks become more efficient and hassle-free, reducing the risk of spills.

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