Learn How to Safely Change Your Motor Oil

Want to know the easiest way to extend the life of your car? That's right, changing the oil every 3000 miles is the most important thing you could ever do. And now, you can do it yourself. You can change the oil and filter in you and your spouse's car without spending too much time and money.

1. Buy yourself a case (12 quarts) of motor oil and two filters from any local store selling automotive items. They will have manuals to help you choose the proper filter for your car. As for the oil, buy the cheapest brand available. BUT, make sure the oil is API (American Petroleum Institute) certified. All certified oils will say so on the label.

2. Grab an old pair of jeans and crawl under the front of your car. You will notice a relatively large tank with a bolt protruding from the bottom or side of it. That's the oil tank.

3. Place a shallow pan (wide enough to hold 4 or 5 quarts) under the discharge bolt of the tank.

4. Remove the bolt making sure not to round the edges. If you do round the edges of the bolt, use a vise grip in the future.

5. Drain all of the oil from the tank. It will easily flow out into the pan you placed under the tank.

6. Screw the bolt back in, making sure it is good and tight.

7. Now, locate the oil filter. It is normally within easy access somewhere on the side of your engine.

8. You will need a filter wrench to remove the filter. They are pretty inexpensive.

9. Place the filter wrench around the filter, and gently rotate in a counter-clockwise direction.

10. Remove the filter. There is oil in the filter, so try to pour it inside the pan under the car.

11. Screw in the new filter. This time rotating in a clockwise direction. DO NOT over-tighten. Once the filter makes contact with the engine, only rotate an additional 3/4 turn.

12. Pour the new oil into the engine. The cap is located on the top of your engine, usually marked "oil." Check your owners manual for the proper amount, normally 4-5 quarts.

13. After you add all the new oil, check the dipstick to assure the proper amount has been added.

14. Check under the car for any leaks.

15. Start the engine and check for leaks again.

16. Dispose of the oil at your local gas station or auto parts store. NEVER throw used oil in drains or anywhere else where it is harmful to the environment.

17. Note the mileage on the car and repeat every 3000 miles.

Basic car maintenance Tips to Maintain your Vehicle Like a Pro

Some people treat their cars better than they treat their own bodies. Others live by the adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." If you fall into the latter category, read these tips on maintaining your car, or you are going to be pissed the next time you break down on the way home from work.

1. Fan belts and hoses are usually the first parts to go on the typical car, even before the vehicle has covered 30,000 miles. Check them often by simply inspecting for wear and tear.

2. Check your oil every two weeks. Some of today's cars run hotter than ever. It is often normal to go through a quart of oil every 2,000 miles. Choose the correct oil for your vehicle. The owner's manual will recommend the proper viscosity for your car. Do not waste money on expensive synthetic oils. Will guide you through the tutorial on “How to change oil” in my next post.

3. To keep the cooling system unclogged, drain and replace the antifreeze at least every two years. It is a good idea to replace hoses and flush the cooling system with a radiator flushing solution before adding new antifreeze.

4. Replace the automatic transmission fluid and filter every 36,000 miles. Change earlier if the normally pink fluid takes on a brown tinge or smells burnt. If the fluid has a burnt odor, have the car's transmission inspected before an oil change.

5. Check your car's engine once a week for oil leaks and dirt. If you spot a grimy area, wipe it clean with a dry cloth. Recheck in two days to see if oil or dirt has reappeared. If so, take your car in for a checkup.

6. Do not try to clean the engine by hosing it down with water. Water may seep into electrical connections and trigger a short circuit.

7. Run your car's air conditioner for about 5 minutes each month, even during the winter. This will keep the system well lubricated and help prevent failures.

8. Run your car's heater for 5 to 10 minutes a few times during the summer to prevent the air distribution system from sticking or seizing.

9. Watch for brake fluid leaks. Try to park your car in the same place each night. If you have a slow leak, you will notice fluid in the same spot on the ground. Place a flat piece of cardboard under your car to help monitor leaks, and to prevent your garage floor from getting filthy.

10. To extend the life of brake pads and rotors, avoid making frequent sudden stops.

11. Check tires twice a month for abnormal wear. Rotate tires every 7,500 miles to preserve them.

12. Check battery terminals for white deposits. Use a wire brush to whisk off deposits, then clean the entire battery with a mixture of 2 teaspoons baking soda and 1 pint of water.

13. To extend the life of your car's transmission, come to a complete stop before shifting between reverse and a forward gear. If your car has a manual transmission, keep your foot on the brake and shift into neutral when at a stop. Riding the clutch will surely cause unnecessary wear.

14. Wax your car 3 times a year; summer, fall, and spring.

15. Lubricate door hinges and locks with a penetrating grease or graphite lubricant spray once a year.

16. Take your car for regular checkups to a competent and honest mechanic.