 No matter what car you drive around Wakefield, Reading, and Danvers, routine oil changes are essential. If you've ever wondered how to change oil, just follow the steps conveniently outlined below. Our team at Ira Subaru is here to help make your next DIY oil change quick and easy!
Step 1: Raise Your Car
 You'll need to get underneath your car to change the oil, and that's usually easier when the car is raised. First, park your car on level ground and turn off the engine. Then, you can use a car jack to raise the vehicle and jack stands to keep it secure. Never get under a car with only a jack supporting it-have jack stands in place.
Step 2: Find the Oil Pan
Once the car is secured, put on some safety glasses and crawl under the car. You'll need to find the oil pan before proceeding. If you're unsure where it's located, you can use the diagrams in your vehicle owner's manual to get a sense for what it looks like.
Next, you'll need to find the oil drain plug. This plug is a long bolt head found at the bottom of the oil pan. Once you've unscrewed it, oil will start draining rapidly from the pan, so place an oil catch container large enough to hold the oil under the plug.
Step 3: Remove the Plug
 Now that you're ready to catch the oil, loosen the oil drain plug with a wrench or similar tool. Remove the plug by hand and give the oil some time (typically no longer than 10 minutes) to drain out. Keep in mind, the oil may be hot, so avoid touching it with your hands. Once it's all drained, reinstall the oil drain plug.
Step 4: Change the Oil Filter
The oil filter keeps your oil clean, so it works well as a lubricant. You'll want to change it every time you change the oil. At this point, find the oil filter and place an oil catch container underneath it. Loosen it and let any residual oil drain from the filter. Then, remove the oil filter completely.
It's important to lightly coat the new oil filter with new oil, so it seals well against the engine. Fit the new filter in place. You'll need to turn it clockwise to install
Step 5: Add New Engine Oil
 Now that you have a new filter in place, it's time to add new engine oil. Locate the oil filler cap under the hood and remove it to pour fresh engine oil into the oil pan. Replace the cap and let the engine idle for a minute or so to check for leaks in the system.
If everything checks out, shut off the engine and safely lower your car to the ground. You can use the oil dipstick to confirm that you've filled your oil to the proper level, but otherwise, you're good to go at this point. Congratulations: You know how to changeÂ
Need Help? Schedule Service with Us
At Ira Subaru, we want to help all Wakefield, Reading, and Danvers drivers perform oil changes safely and correctly. If you run into any problems during your DIY oil change, or you decide that you want the experts to handle it from the get-go, feel free to schedule service with us.
Our factory-trained technicians will make quick work of your next oil change and get you back on the road, sooner!
