Guide to DIY Engine Oil Change for Automobiles

Changing your car's engine oil is an essential maintenance task that every driver should know how to perform. Most vehicle owners take their cars to authorized service centers for oil changes. However, many people choose to do it themselves to save time and money. In the article below, Huynh Chau will guide you through the specific steps to change your car's engine oil yourself.

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You Can Change Your Car's Engine Oil at Home to Save Time and Money

1. Oil Change Schedule

Manufacturers always provide a recommended timeframe for changing your car's engine oil. However, the actual timing depends on your driving habits, environmental conditions, usage intensity, and other factors.

New cars should have their oil changed after driving 3,000 - 5,000 km or approximately every 3 months. For older vehicles, oil changes are typically needed twice a year.

However, vehicles using higher-grade oil may have longer intervals between changes. Many manufacturers recommend oil changes every 12,000 - 16,000 km or once per year. Still, if you drive frequently and extensively, check and change your oil as soon as possible to prevent oil degradation, which can reduce engine performance and lifespan.

You can check your oil using the dipstick in the engine. If the oil on the dipstick appears black or shows unusual signs, you should change your oil. Additionally, the proper oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick—too much or too little is not ideal.

Vehicle owners should thoroughly research their car and oil specifications to change the oil correctly.

When it's time for an oil change, you should carefully research and select the correct engine oil for your vehicle. Currently, vehicles use one of two engine types: gasoline or diesel engines.

Gasoline engines use gasoline fuel and generate power through spark plug ignition that combusts fuel in the cylinders. Engine oil suitable for gasoline engines must meet API standards followed by a quality grade designation beginning with the letter "S," such as API SL, API SM, API SN, etc.

Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines have no spark plugs but generate power by compressing fuel in the cylinders. Oil for diesel engines is classified by API grades and contains the letter