Someone explain oil change please?

  • Thread starter Thread starter uLemon
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uLemon

uLemon

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I know to change oil every 3000 miles, but does this mean top up? make sure your not low? or actual let it all out and replace it?

Also, every time I do a full change of oil, do I have to replace and oil filter?

And how often should I check to top up my oil? check in between oil changes?
 
Actually let it all out and replace it.

Yes replace the oil filter.

You can check for leaks whenever you wash your car. If it isn't leaking, it shouldn't be losing any oil.

Two things: you should find someone who can show you the steps and has your best interests in mind. You should also grab some type of service manual (not owners manual). They can be invaluable to beginners. Not all cars have one, what type of vehicle do you have?
 
seanyb505
You can check for leaks whenever you wash your car. If it isn't leaking, it shouldn't be losing any oil.
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There is more than one way to loose oil mate, cars can also burn oil. If your car is known to go through oil then I'd check fairly often - like every time you fuel up. If it normally doesn't change then you can afford to just give it a random check every few fill ups. Mine doesn't use any but I still check mine weekly (my tank of fuel can last a while since I only really drive it on weekends) along with the other fluids but that's because I love my car!

Drain the oil when it's due, remove the filter and make sure when you install the new filter that you smear some oil around the seal and pre fill it with some oil so that it works straight away.

Don't over fill either. Change the oil with the engine slightly warm (this will allow the oil to drain easier). Once you've changed the filter and put in new oil you should drive the car around the block, park it and wait 10 minutes and check it again, top up if necessary.

At the same time check every other fluid and change / top up if necessary. Your coolant should be flushed and replaced every year or so depending on mileage and condition of your cooling system. Brake fluid, power steering fluid, clutch fluid, transmission fluid, air filter, fuel filter, etc all have shelf lives and need to be replaced when necessary not just oil - this is why if you aren't confident with these you should find a mechanic you trust.

By all means change the oil yourself though as that is the most common service needed and is very easy to change.
 
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