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3 Tips to Help You Change Your Own Oil Effectively If you are getting ready to change your own oil, then chances are good that you feel pretty handy and capable of many types of car maintenance. Changing your own oil can save you a good bit of money - and can keep you out of those waiting lines at the body shop. In order to effectively and efficiently change your own oil, there are some tips that we would like to share. Drain the Oil Safely When it comes to draining your used oil, be sure that you follow all of the safety precautions possible. Not only should your car be securely mounted on jacks or on an elevated surface (such as a curb), but you should also be sure that your engine is turned off and your parking brake is engaged. Also, when you remove the drain valve, be sure that your face is not directly underneath the valve. The oil may be hot, so it should not come into contact with your skin. Make sure that the oil does not splatter when you drain it. Coat the Rubber Seal of the New Filter When you install a new filter, be sure that you coat the rubber seal of the new filter with a small layer of oil. This layer of oil will help to make a tighter bond between the engine and filter. Be sure that you put the layer of oil on a clean surface around the seal. Dispose of Your Oil Properly When it comes to disposing of your used oil, it is important to remember that oil is toxic to the environment. Therefore, do not pour it down a drain or put it into a trash can. Instead, put the oil in a sealed container and take it to a recycling center or auto body shop that handles oil changes. Also, if you put the oil into a plastic container, make sure that the oil has cooled before transferring it to the container. Hot oil can quickly melt a plastic container. Remember: when it comes to car maintenance, safety should always come first, especially if you will be working on any engine parts or crawling underneath the car. Be sure to follow all safety measures so that you stay safe while changing your oil. Contact us today for more car maintenance tips and how-tos! |
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