Oil Change

The following write-up is for those who don't know how to change oil.  You've got to start somewhere.

Use a 14mm socket wrench to remove the oil drain plug under the car.

I usually buy high mileage oil ($6.00 for 5 gallons at Walmart) and a Fram Oil Filter.  The reason why I use Fram is that they have a nice grip on them that makes it easy to take off.  Part number PH3682.

Jack the car up.  Make sure to use jack stands just in case.  Please refer to the manual if you're not sure where the jack points are.

A close up shot.

Using the 14mm socket wrench on the drain plug.

Another shot of the jack with the oil catch box.  You'll need this to catch all the oils that pours out after you unscrew the plug.  (Don't mind the coolant, that's something I have to take care of :))

The oil filter.

Another shot of the oil filter.

If you're nimble like me, you can actually unscrew the filter from above the engine compartment.  If not, you can always go from the bottom.

Get the new oil filter and put new oil around the gasket to create a good seal when you first put it on.  When you put the new oil filter on, make sure you turn it only enough to make is snug.  Too much is bad, and will make it hard to take off. Now lower the car back to the ground to take accurate measurements.

Put in about 4 quarts of oil. Then turn on the engine (don't rev it at all) and let it idle for about 30 seconds.  Then check the oil level again.  Keep adding oil until it's at the "F' level for full.

It's hard to see, but this is on "F".  Stop here.  Don't put too much oil in.  You could blow your head gasket!!  A little more than normal is okay.  I knew someone who put in 11 quarts because he didn't know what he was doing.  Bad idea!