How To Change Your Oil Upper Marlboro MD

1. Supplies you will need. Initially, you will need to buy a few tools and accessories that you will use every time you change your oil. These include an oil filter wrench, a socket set and ratchet, a drain pan, and a set of car ramps. The total cost for all of these items is under $100. They will become your trusted friends and pay for themselves over the life of the car. Each time you do an oil change, you'll also need a new oil filter, drain plug gasket and four quarts of oil. It's also a great idea to have some absorbent rags handy as the job can get messy.
   
   The best place to buy the oil and filter is at any automotive parts store. A typical 4-cylinder gasoline engine will need 4 quarts of 5W-30 oil, but it's always a good idea to check the car owner's manual or the spec book in the store to be sure about the specifications for your car. Motor oil is available from many different brands, so just make sure you see the "Starburst" symbol on the oil container--this symbol signifies the oil passes the engine manufacturer's specifications. The spec book will also tell you the correct oil filter to use for your particular automobile, as well as the correct drain plug gasket.
   
   
2. Make sure your car is warmed up by driving it around the block a few times. Once the temperature gauge on the dashboard is in the mid-range, it's warmed up sufficiently. Warming up your car before you change your oil is important because oil flows better when it's warm, and drains out of the engine more thoroughly. Driving the car around a bit will also cause more dirt particles to get suspended in the oil, which means they will be more readily removed when the used oil is drained out of the vehicle.
   
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Author: Victoria Miller