How to change engine oil

Unless your car’s oil filter and/or oil drain plug is impossible to reach, you can save money by changing your oil and oil filter yourself (your car’s manual should tell you how much oil to get and how often to change your oil). Look under your car to find the drain plug.

If you enjoy doing minor work on your car, then it can be worth it to save that money. If you have an auto repair shop or a mechanic that you trust that does oil changes for $20, I would suggest having a professional do it. Not only can they check the oil, but they can also look for any other problems as well.

In addition to oil, you’ll need an oil filter, an oil-filter removal wrench, a wrench to remove the drain plug, a funnel, a drain pan and some gloves. You may also need to raise the car to gain access, in which case you’ll need a floor jack and safety stands, or a pair of purpose-made steel ramps.

If you just add oil to your car’s engine periodically, that’s far better than letting your car run out of oil, but you’re still going to create a lot of problems if that’s all you do. You have an oil filter that needs replacing. So, again, let’s say you keep adding oil to your engine – but you never replace it.

It is understandable that some car owners would prefer to just add oil, rather than get it changed. If you just add oil to your car’s engine periodically, that’s far better than letting your car run out of oil, but you’re still going to create a lot of problems if that’s all you do.

Adding New Oil To Old Oil

Adding new oil to old is perfectly okay and is an accepted practice for maintaining correct oil levels between oil change services. Generally, oil change intervals for more modern cars running fully synthetic oil is between 10 and 15,000 miles. Older cars may be as little as 3,000 miles.

Yes, you can add oil to your engine while it is hot. Cold oil will not hurt a hot engine. You should check your engine oil when it is cold, before you start the engine. Hot oil expands a bit and the dip stick will have oil splashed all over it from the engine running, so your reading won’t be exactly accurate.

You might notice a few oil spot in your garage or under your car because using the wrong oil can lead to leaks, or you might become aware of a burning smell while driving. If the oil isn’t working as it should engine parts might not be lubricated well enough and cause friction, which can burn the oil.

If you use 10-w-40 instead of 5-w-30 specified by the manufacturer then the viscosity of 10-w-40 used by you will be higher and oil thicker than what is specified during winters. Similarly the oil viscosity will be higher and oil thicker than specified during summers.

What would happen if I use 5w30 oil instead of 5w40 in my car engine? So long as the oil pump can produce enough pressure to get the oil flowing into all the important areas properly, there should be no problem. If the oil pressure light does not go on at idle you are likely not causing any damage.

A: Yes. This is a practical method to improve oil pressure in an older, high–mileage engine. The slightly thicker oil film from the heavier base weight oil — 10W — can help protect worn engine bearings as well.

High mileage oil is designed for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles. Such oil features additives that help protect seals. This leads to less leakage and oil burn-off, which can be common in older cars. If your vehicle is high–mileage and high performance, it’s suggested that you go with this type of synthetic oil.

5W-30 motor oil is the top viscosity recommendation by automakers over the past four decades for use in many vehicle types. Furthermore, high–mileage 5W-30 motor oil is specially formulated for late model vehicles or newer vehicles with over 75,000 miles/120,000 kilometers.

There are two schools of thought about using high–mileage oils. The first is to switch when your vehicle reaches 75,000 miles. The second is to switch if your older vehicle is beginning to show signs of engine loosening. If you notice an oil drip, that’s a sign you should start using high–mileage engine oil.

​5w30 or 5w20 for high mileage

5w-20 or 5w-30 oil can work effectively with a high mileage car. The former is more appropriate in cold weather, while the latter is advisable during a warmer temperature. The trick for high mileage cars to use an oil that is desirable and won’t be affected by extreme temperatures.

In general thinner oils flow faster and lubricate better, and keep the engine parts cooler. using a thicker oil is asking for trouble. So if your original specification calls for 5W30, I wouldn’t change it.

It needs 5W30 or something close to it. Read the manual. You CAN mix oil grades, as long as the viscosity (weight) of the oils mixed is within the range recommended.

Myth: Full synthetic oil is not good for high mileage cars or older vehicles. Synthetic oils will enhance the engine protection in older vehicles with higher mileage, just as they do for new engines.

Using synthetic oils in older models

The synthetic oil could leak out and the vehicle could burn or lose oil. Because synthetic oil does a better job of cleaning out sludge, it could remove deposits that are acting as seals. It’s not accurate to say that you should never use a synthetic oil in an older car.

The short answer is… yes. If you don’t have a choice, adding synthetic oil to regular oil can help you out in a pinch. Since motor oils are generally made from the same ingredients (base oil and additives), they are typically compatible when mixed.