Oil changes are among the most routine forms of car maintenance. They are also one of the most important. They help keep a vehicle performing well and ensures the engine is functioning properly.
Failing to change the oil regularly can lead to many problems, including damage to parts and expensive repair bills. Read on to find out more about oil changes, why they are so important, and get a quick overview of how to complete one.
Here’s What Car Mechanics Should Know About the Importance of Oil Changes
An oil change consists of removing the old oil from a car’s engine, and replacing it with new, clean oil. Many auto mechanics recommend that you change a car’s oil every 5,000 kilometers, although this can vary greatly depending on the model and the type of oil used. In auto technology school you will learn about preventative maintenance, such as oil changes. The reason oil changes are so important is because a car engine is made up of many parts that are moving and rubbing together, which creates fiction. This friction produces heat and heat can damage parts if good oil is not circulating through the engine to absorb it.
When the oil is fresh, it lubricates the engine and absorbs heat. That way, the parts can move without causing too much friction. But, over time, the engine oil wears out and becomes less effective, which can damage parts and the engine and lead to a costly repair bill.
If the oil in a car is changed when it needs to be, it will improve the car’s overall performance, and make individual parts last longer. Regular maintenance is key because it removes dirt and sludge from a vehicle’s engine. If the engine is clean and healthy, it will last much longer.
How to Change a Car’s Oil if You’re in Automotive Technology Training
Here is an automotive technology training step-by-step guide to oil changes:
- Remove the old oil. Unscrew the drain plug, which is located at the bottom of the engine, and empty the oil into a container.
- Remove the filter and clean. Remove the oil filler cap located at the top of the engine and unscrew the oil filter. You may need a wrench to do this. Empty the oil that is in the filter into a drain pan and remove any rubber leftover from the filter that might have stuck to your engine.
- Replace the filter. Dip a finger in the new oil and use it to lubricate the gasket on top of the new oil filter. Screw the new filter in place. The new filter will have directions about how to do this.
- Put in the new oil. Put the drain plug back in position. But before you do this, make sure that all the oil has been emptied. Use a funnel to pour 1L of new oil into the filler hole. Do it slowly as oil takes time to move and settle. Put the cap back onto the oil filler hole.
- Verify. Start the engine and let it run for about a minute. Check to make sure that there are no leaks. Turn off the engine and check the oil dipstick. Slowly add more oil until the dipstick indicates that the level of oil is full.
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