Oil Changes: How To Change Oil In Your Own Driveway

Author:Tim LaGanke, Jr.

Changing your vehicle’s oil regularly is the single most important thing you can do for your car. Regular oil changes will extend the life of your vehicle and enhance its performance. Because contaminants are regularly deposited into your car’s oil resulting in sludge that decreases your engine’s performance (and that will over time cause engine failure) frequent oil changes are a mandatory maintenance procedure.

Most people know that they should get an oil change approximately every three months or 3,000 miles, but less know that an oil change is something that can be done in their own driveway. Doing so can save about a hundred dollars per year, and is a great way to be active with and knowledgeable about your own transportation.

Oil Change Equipment

Before getting started with your oil change, make sure you have the following materials on hand. Many of these items are sold inexpensively and are great to have handy in any garage.

3/8-drive socket set

Combination metric wrench set, including both closed and open ended wrenches.

Oil filter wrench

Oil receptacle such as a pail or old kitchen pot

Two plastic milk containers with screw on caps.

Oil funnel

Plastic Ziploc bag – 1 quart.

Several newspapers / old rags

Two pair latex gloves (optional)

A few bricks, concrete blocks or boulders.

New oil filter (see owner's manual for specifications)

New oil to refill the engine. (The back page of your vehicle’s manual should indicate grade and number of quarts.) Quick Change Oil recommends the use of synthetic oil for oil changes, such as Castrol GTX.

Before you begin, be sure to have a planned method for disposing of your dirty oil. It is illegal to dispose of used motor oil improperly. Most oil change locations will accept dirty oil for disposal free of charge.

Oil Change Step 01: Warming Up

Identify a flat space to work in your drive way or garage for you to perform the oil change once you’ve driven your vehicle for a short distance. Driving around just enough to heat up the engine will liquefy the oil for an easier emptying.

Oil Change Step 02: Stationing

Turn off your engine, put the car in Neutral and set the emergency brake firmly in place. Place several bricks in front of each of the four tires to prevent them from moving.

Oil Change Step 03: Locating the drain plug

If there is not enough room to slide under your vehicle comfortably, you’ll need to jack it up using a hydraulic pump and settle it on jack stands. (Never mount your car on a jack only – you must use jack stands.) While beneath your vehicle, identify the drain plug by searching for the lowest piece to the ground. This piece will most commonly be the nut of the oil drain plug. To avoid confusion with the transmission fluid drain plug, feel the metal around it – the oil plug will usually be much hotter than the transmission plug. In some cases the drain plug is actually labeled. Call a friend or a local oil change company for direction if you’re still unsure.

Oil Change Step 04: Draining the oil

Set out several newspapers underneath your car, focusing more on the area directly beneath the oil drain. Once you’ve located the drain plug, choose the correct socket from your set by experimenting with each until you’ve found one that nicely fits over the nut. Then, using a lot of force, turn the socket counter clockwise to crack the nut. If a socket doesn’t work, try a closed end wrench. Once the nut is cracked, loosen it carefully, using caution. Loosening the nut too much or too quickly will cause the oil to spill out. Place your oil receptacle underneath the plug making sure it is straight making sure the plug points sideways rather than straight down. A sideways pointing plug will cause the oil to empty all over instead of into your receptacle. Once correctly positioned, loosen the plug entirely. Most of the oil should drain in about two minutes.

Oil Change Step 05: Loosening the oil filter

Look up into the engine and locate the oil filter, which should look like an inverted cone. Retrieve your oil filter wrench, remove the socket from the socket wrench and set it next to the drain plug. Slip the oil filter wrench onto your socket wrench (it’s best to use a socket wrench with a short extension) and set it up to grab the filter in a counterclockwise motion. Tug on the filter slightly to loosen it. Again, caution is important because loosening the filter too quickly will spill out hot oil. Loosen a bit more using the wrench, and use your hands to remove it entirely. Make sure your face is clear of the area and pour the contents of the filter into the receptacle.

Oil Change Step 06: Removing the oil cap

Slide out from under your vehicle and open the hood. Locate the oil cap and remove it so that the oil can drain more quickly. If you have the time, wait an hour or so for all of the old oil to drain completely. This isn’t necessary, but is a good practice if you’re willing to wait.

Oil Change Step 07: Threading the new oil filter

Underneath your vehicle again, dip one gloved finger into the oil receptacle and coat the rubber edges of the new oil filter. This will help it adhere to the engine. With a clean rag, wipe off the round metal circle on the engine where the oil filter fits and put the new filter in place. By hand, tightening it should take about 1/2 or 3/4 of a turn. If it doesn’t tighten simply fit the wrench back onto the filter and tighten it the same manner it was loosened, but this time tightening in a clockwise motion.

Oil Change Step 08: Re-attaching the drain plug

At Quick Change Oil, we recommend using a new sealing washer on the drain plug when performing your own oil change. If you must use the old one, be sure to clean it prior to use. Put the washer in place and thread the drain plug back into its hole. Tighten it up with the socket set, but not so tight that removal will be difficult for the next oil change.

Oil Change Step 09: Replacing the oil

Before pouring the new oil into the spout underneath the hood, pour the content of the old oil into your milk bottle using the funnel. Wipe the funnel clean and seal the milk carton with its lid. Place the old oil filter into your Ziploc bag and set both aside for later disposal at your nearest recycling center such as your nearest Quick Change Oil location. Now place your clean funnel over the oil spout underneath your hood and deposit as many quarts of oil as directed by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Once the oil is emptied, replace the oil cap and close the hood.

Oil Change Step 10: Checking for leaks

Start your engine and let idle for 5 minutes. Make sure to look underneath your vehicle for oil leaks. If your vehicle is leaking, it’s probably best to have it corrected by an oil change station.

Remember that safety is paramount. If you have a friend who will accompany you, it’s best to perform your first oil change in the company of another person. Changing your own oil is a rewarding experience, but if you prefer to have it taken for you, make sure it’s done right. Choose an oil change company that uses high quality Castrol synthetic motor oil, the best oil, engineered for extreme heat extreme cold, frequent stop and go driving, towing heavy loads, and high speed.

About Tim LaGanke, Jr.

Tim LaGanke, Jr. is president of QuickChange Oil, a 10 minute oil change center, with locations across Cleveland, Ohio. QuickChange is currently seeking applicants interested in the oil change franchisingbusiness. http://www.quickchangeoil.com

Why Should You Spend The Extra Money On Synthetic Oil?

Author: Vincent Platania

Americans love their cars. The fascination with the automobile started with the very first models and continued to grow as people learned to modify their cars to increase performance. Style and performance is the main category on which cars are judged today, originating from the days of prohibition, where moonshiners would modify their cars to outrun the cops, to competing against each other later. Racing is part of America’s culture.

Today’s hot trend is the “import tuner.” The “tuner” is the modern-day version of the muscle car, except the muscle car was based on pure power. The import tuner car is a beautiful, fast car that is built to perform in a variety of ways. They handle great. They look great. They have awesome sound systems, fast, and expensive. Experts estimate that the average tuner car has about $15,000 worth of modifications invested into it. Not all of that money is sunk into the engine, like in the days of old, though. It is usually divided evenly between looks, sound, and performance. There is a lot of money invested in today’s performance vehicles, and lubrication is important to the life of those vehicles.

People normally assume that when they see a tuner, it is a regular car with a fancy paint job and loud stereo. That isn’t normally the case, actually. A study done by SEMA shows that the tuner crowd usually focuses on the performance of the vehicle before concentrating on the looks and sound. That means there are a lot of cars that look “normal” that are actually works in progress. This is just a hint of how important performance is to these people.

Like the Camaro and Mustang of the '60s, Honda and Nissan dominate the market today. That doesn’t mean that only Hondas or Nissans can be tuner cars. Other popular models include Chevrolet’s Cavalier, Mitsubishi’s Lancer, Mazda’s RX-7, and Toyota’s Supra. Actually, the list practically never ends. People will modify and race any car, and in the tuner world, any compact car can become a show-stopper.

When most people see a Honda, they think it is just your average, everyday car. An enthusiast sees that same car and understands the potential it has with aftermarket upgrades to style and performance. The aftermarket tuner industry is a multi-billion- dollar-a-year business. There are companies that make performance flywheels, turbo-chargers, exhaust systems, and cams, just to get an idea. Tuners know what performance they want from the components in their cars, and they aren’t scared to spend the money to obtain it.

This niche has exploded in recent years, and it shows no sign of stopping. These tuner vehicles need top performance from their lubricants. It is understandable to assume that these guys are probably do-it-yourselfers and change their oil on the weekend in the driveway, but that isn’t always the case. A lot of these guys actually don’t want to bother with the trouble of changing and then disposing of the oil. Making an effort to market to this crowd gives you an enormous opportunity to sell synthetic oils to them. These guys know what performance means to their car, and if you can teach them about the superior performance given by synthetic blends, it is a for-sure sale. If they bring up cost, show them that the cost is actually less when you factor in other variables, such as engine performance, longevity, and economy.

About Vincent Platania

Vincent Platania represents the Amsoil. Source of the World's Best Synthetic Lubricants - Motor Oil and Filters Visit http://www.synthetic-motor-oils.com

Should I Change My Oil Every 3,000 Miles?

Author: Theodore Olson

For decades mechanics have been telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles. Interestingly, no automotive manufacturer agrees with this maintenance schedule – not in the last 20 years any way. So why are we being told to change our oil every 3,000 miles if it’s unnecessary?

First, let’s look at the auto industry’s argument. It makes 5 primary points.

1) Oil breaks down after 3000 miles

2) Oil changes are great preventative maintenance

3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the car repair customer to remember

4) The 3,000 mile interval is traditionally viewed as best by mechanics

5) It’s necessary due to the elements, driving patterns, and weather conditions.

It’s important to note that those telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles (the automotive industry) are the same folks who will profit most. This is not to say that oil changes aren’t important – they are. They’re just not as frequently needed as we’re made to believe.

Here are the 5 truths about the 3,000 mile oil change

1) Quality motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer does not break down after 3,000 miles

2) Yes, changing your oil is great preventative maintenance, but it needs to be done in accordance with manufacturer service intervals

3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile interval actually creates more confusion as to the real maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it is easier to follow factory guidelines, more economical, and more appropriate.

4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best for your car is old school, wasteful, and fails to appreciate today’s mechanical and oil technologies

5) Unless you’re in a constant high-speed police change in the dead of winter – your oil will be just fine

How often do you really need to change your oil? While it depends on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, it’s clear that for today’s vehicles it’s not every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago this was true of many vehicles. However, this is virtually obsolete as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500, 10,000, and even 15,000 mile oil service intervals.

So just what is motivating the auto industry to push 3,000 mile oil changes? Let’s look at it in real life. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, and like most, you average 15,000 miles per year, then you’ll be in the repair shop 5 times in only 12 months. Do you really need to perform maintenance on your car 5 times per year? Seems excessive doesn’t it?

The average oil change price is $30.00. $30.00 X 5 = $150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000 miles, you’d only need 3 oil changes per year = $90. That’s a $60 savings.

For the most part oil changes are cheap, as it’s a very competitive market. They’re also not very profitable for repair shops (see the article “Why an Oil Change is Never Just an Oil Change @ RepairTrust.com). However, the more times your vehicle is in the shop, the more chances said
shop has the opportunity to sell you something else – an alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes, shocks, fuel cleaning services, transmission services…etc – these are money-makers. This is not to say that these services aren’t needed, but they should be performed according to manufacturer guidelines only.

A detailed manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (this is separate from your manual) is the best and most accurate guide. You may stumble across one in all the unnecessary paperwork you find in your glove box, but ask your repair shop or dealer for a detailed print out of your entire maintenance schedule. If the service center can’t produce one quickly – you’re in the wrong place for your car’s needs.

Finally, have a little fun: the next time your local mechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000 miles, ask him what the manufacturer recommends. It’s fun to watch him stumble through the answer or tell you, straight-faced, the wrong answer.

About Theodore Olson
Ted Olson Founder - Repair Trust Making Sense of Car Repair Prices

Can You Find Used Rims and Tires for Sale?

Author: Jerry Dickens

New rims and tires can be very expensive. Modern rims can incur an incredible cost and the tires that mount on those rims can cost almost as much as the rims, themselves. However, while new rims and tires may cost a small fortune, used rims and tires for sale give you access to tremendous savings. What can you find on the market? How can finding used rims and tires for sale help you?

Tires Only - Used tires are a tremendous way to save money over purchasing a new set of tires. These can offer you an excellent amount of remaining tread, as well as a price far below a new set of tires. You will also find that you can purchase some of the top brands in the market at very reasonable prices.

Rims Only - Purchasing used rims is a fantastic way to get the look that you want for your vehicle, without spending a ton of cash on new rims. Used rims offer the same looks and benefits as new ones do, but the price is drastically reduced. Whether you want a set of rims for low profile tires, a set of racing knockoffs or are just looking for a quality OEM replacement option, used rims offer you the choices that you need.

Tire and Rim Combos - Some tire resellers offer used rims and tires for sale in combo forms. That is, rather than purchasing rims and tires separately, you can purchase the entire set and save even more money. Many tire resellers will mount the tires on the rims for you, or you can have them left separate. This is the best option for those seeking a no-hassle buying experience.

Before you rush out and buy the first set of rims and tires you come across, you should ensure that you have the right reseller for your needs. You will find that not all tire resellers offer the same quality components. All rims should have been thoroughly inspected by the reseller for damage, potential cracks and other issues, while all tires should likewise be inspected for damage. Resellers offering used tires and rims for sale can be very beneficial, but you must ensure that you find the right option for your needs. The wrong choice can leave you with a purchase that does not hold up or does not provide you with the benefits you thought you were getting.

About the Author

DiscountTiresShop.com is your one stop shop for tires, wheels and rims. Whether you're looking for Goodrich, Goodyear or specialty tires, you can find them online at DiscountTiresShop.com.

Auto Maintenance Tips For Saving Gasoline

Author:Brenda Williams

Some owners keep their automobiles running like finely tuned Swiss watches. They carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual. They buy premium grade oil, order regular check-ups and rush to the repair shop when they detect any unusual noise.

However, most of us are inclined to skimp a little on maintenance and some of us never see the repair shop until the car quits. Sometimes this is due to finances but most of the time it is a matter of convenience. We need our cars to take us where we have to go and we’re reluctant to give them up even for a short period of time.

But, now that gasoline is still at astronomical prices, we need to re-think our maintenance practices. Letting some things go can cost us money in extra fuel consumption. For instance, repairing a faulty oxygen sensor can result in a 40% improvement in gas mileage. Tuning an engine can increase mileage by 4%.

You should be sure that your air filter is always clean. If your engine is fuel injected, airflow regulates the quantity of fuel that is burned. The process of mixing air and fuel is quite precise so the filter needs to be clean to ensure an efficient mixture. The air filter also protects your engine from impurities, extending the life of the engine as well as saving on gas.

It is also important to check oil regularly and change dirty oil. An engine with clean oil operates at maximum efficiency, which translates into gas savings. You should definitely use the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer. Using one weight oil in an engine designed for a different weight can lower gas mileage up to 2%.

You can also realize greater efficiency from using a high-quality multi-grade oil but if there is a price difference you need to compare the costs involved.

And when your tires are not properly inflated, your gas mileage decreases by 5%. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that millions of American cars run on tires that are not correctly inflated. Correctly inflated tires will also last longer and are safer.

The owner’s manual always states the correct pressure for the tires. If you are driving a pre-owned car with no owner’s manual, you can call a local dealer or research the information on the net.

Radial tires are supposed to improve gas mileage by 5% when driving in the city and by 7% when driving on a highway. So if you don’t already use radials, you might consider switching.

Another benefit of radial tires is that they last longer. However, you should be careful not to mix radials with conventional tires unless the owner’s manual clearly states that this procedure is acceptable for that model car.

In addition, tires need to be properly balanced. Properly balanced tires reduce road friction thereby increasing fuel efficiency.

You also need to check wheel alignment to ensure that wheels are properly aligned. Wheels that are out of alignment also cause your car to burn extra fuel.

Although the savings from each practice might be small, the overall savings is worth the extra effort.

About Brenda Williams

1965 Mustang and Car Shipping Auto Transport for 1965 Classic Car

Basic Vehicle Maintenance You Need to Have Done Regularly

Author:Richard Crittendon

In our modern hectic schedules cars play an integral part in taking us to our destination. Many of us cannot imagine a day without our cars and since they happen to so important in our way of life their maintenance should be a priority. Regular servicing and proper care is essential for every type of vehicle and any sort of ignorance in this can cause hassle at a later time. We have listed down some crucial maintenance tips for various components which will come handy in keeping your car in good shape.

Engine: Any vehicle derives its life-force from the engine. A robust engine will make your vehicle run smoothly without any hiccups. Since there are many building blocks in it, so they have to be tackled individually. Air filter is the important part of it that keeps check on the dirt from outside. Clogged air filter results in poor starting of the vehicle, less mileage, noise issues etc. Normally air filter should be replaced after 3000 miles but you should check it regularly even before it reaches the limit. Jammed or black colored air filter must be replaced as soon as possible.

Brakes: Malfunctioning brakes can be one of the major causes of accident, so examine that how long it takes for the vehicle to stop, after you apply the brakes. Check for the brake fluid. The first indication of lesser brake fluid is the noise that vehicle makes when it stops. The brake pads are often the root cause of many vehicle related issues. Just replace them and you are over with hassles you might have in the future from the brakes.

Tires and Gear Systems: Tires are responsible for the smooth running of the car and aged and wearied ones must be changed at the earliest. Next in line one must take care of the gear system which many people tend to neglect. Oily dust which creeps in the wires and grooves is detrimental for the speed and life of the engine. Wipe it off with the cloth.

Always keep the tire pressure at optimal level. It should be neither too high nor too low.

Fuel tank: Fuel tank generally leaks due to rust or creak in the lid of the cover. Take precautions so that fuel should not leak down on the ground. Also if you are not sure about how to take care of the fuel tank, do not hesitate to take your car to a service center.

In addition spare parts should be kept in the storage capacity of the vehicle. In case of emergency you must have access to them. Also it is necessary to rub off the rust from the surface of the vehicle if there is any. Also one must look out for loose bolts and door joints are they happen to be a matter of great concern. Finally one must also make it a point to take their vehicle at regular intervals to the service center for a proper upkeep.

About Richard Crittendon
Article written by Richard Crittendon of Automobile.com. For related information, see the recent article on the 2008 Grand Compass Limited review.

10 Tips on How to Save on Car Maintenance

Author: Alex Noeton

In general maintenance works consist of cleaning, refueling, providing proper lubrication, fixing, checking, adjusting wheels and car parts. Proper maintenance is the guarantee of a long life of your vehicle. However if you want to save on car maintenance, follow these helpful tips and discover how to have it up and running for lower costs.

Tip #1. Buy a newer car.

Does it sound rather vague to you? Some new cars from a manufacturer can last for years without any repairs. It mostly depends on your driving habits indeed. Once you have a new car you can forget your mechanic’s address for a while even though regular maintenance is still required. But if you already have an old car… well, see below.

Tip #2. Get good auto insurance.

Good car insurance is the best way to save on car maintenance when it comes to breakages and failures. Try to do some research and find such car insurance which best fits your needs. When you get car insurance with a low deductible payment it will help you reduce your technical maintenance expenses considerably. If you already have auto insurance with a high deductible… hm, continue reading.

Tip #3. Do it on your own.

In case you have a mechanical breakdown, try to fix it by yourself. There are many online support services that can help you check your car and discover the fault. If you still need to take it to a repair service keep in mind that they get new car parts to change the broken ones with a high markup. Thus in some cases buying spare parts by yourself (if you know exactly what you need) will help you reduce the expenses by 4 times! Just shop around and look for better offers online.

Tip #4. Prevention is better than cure.

You can save money and prolong your car’s working capacity if you take some preventive measures. By changing oil, charging batteries in time as well as doing total check-up of your car once a month, you can help your vehicle last longer.

Tip #5. Use your car wisely.

You’ll be surprised how much you can save if you give some thought to the ways you use your car. One should stop the engine at red traffic lights and in the jams.

Tip #6. Maintain your speed level.

From my own experience I can say that when I speed up and pull up fast, it does good neither to my brakes nor my fuel economy. One should stick to some certain speed level. That way one can achieve the lowest fuel rate and save the brake pads from wearing out. Using deceleration technique to make your car come to a halt is better than applying the brake.

Tip #7. Check your tires.

Partially deflated tires do not help save money at all. First of all if there isn’t enough air in the tires they can wear out faster. Secondly underinflation increases fuel rate by 4-6% which makes you spend more fuel than usual. You can read technical characteristics and check the best tire inflation pressure for your car.

Tip #8. New spark plugs every once in a while.

Statistics show that changing old spark plugs in time cuts fuel costs down by 25-35%. Moreover new spark plugs also help improve car’s performance and capacity.

Tip #9. Wash it in time.

At first blush one could say that washing doesn’t reduce maintenance costs at all. However cleaning your car in time will help you prevent if from corrosion which is caused by accumulation of mud and dust that stay wet and stimulate corrosive wear.

Tip #10. Read the manual.

When you know your car as the back of your hand you are definitely aware of what it needs, when its engine has to be tuned-up or what oil it’s better to use. It’s always helpful to read the owner’s manual and look under the hood once in a while.

About Alex Noeton

http://www.carssure.com/

Are Used Tires Right for You?

Author: Jerry Dickens

Money is tight in today's economy. The prospect of shelling out several hundred dollars for a set of new tires can be quite daunting. However, it need not be problematic. Used tires offer you a viable alternative to spending a wad of cash on your tire needs. Used tires can be reliable, offer tremendous durability and even give you a long-lasting solution to your needs. What options can you find in used tires? How can they benefit you?

General Used Tires - You will find many different types of used tires, but the majority fall into the "general" category. The most common source of these tires is other consumers, but you will also find used tires from dealerships in the mix, as well as tires from rental cars and more. Of course, the less use a tire has seen, the better, but a quality reseller will offer a guarantee of at least 50% remaining tread.

Of course, used tires from consumer vehicles will usually have the least amount of remaining tread. On the other hand, tires from rental cars and those from dealerships often have an enormous amount of tread left on them. This gives you an excellent way to spend less on your tires, but still get the maximum life out of them. Regardless, you must look for several things when purchasing used tires. These include:

•Tire tread - The more tread remaining on the tire, the longer it will last. Most resellers offer at least 50% remaining tread on their used tire stock, though you will find tread percentages up to 90% remaining.

•General Condition - The used tires that you choose should be in good condition. This means no cuts in the sidewall and no damage to the tire bead. Tires with significant damage should be rejected in favor of ones with less damage.

Retreads - Retreaded tires have long been an option for both consumer and commercial needs. For instance, retreaded truck tires constitute the bulk of tire sales in the heavy truck category. However, you will find that retreaded tires are also available for consumer vehicles to an extent. A retreaded tire can be an excellent way to get full tread on your used tires, without paying the price for new tires. In addition, retreads are safer today than they once were, thanks to advances in remanufacturing technology and retreading methods.

About the Author

DiscountTiresShop.com is your one stop shop for tires, wheels and rims. Whether you're looking for Goodrich, Goodyear or specialty tires, you can find them online at DiscountTiresShop.com.