The oil change on any vehicle, is one of the most important jobs that are performed. An oil change helps a vehicle run smoother. So, let’s explore the mistakes and benefits of an oil change. Let’s explore the possible engine problems after oil change maintenance.
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“OK- What Am I Doing Wrong When I Change My Car’s Oil?”
We’re glad you asked! Check out some the most common mistakes that take place, during a DIY oil change!
You Didn’t Prepare For The Oil Change
While we applaud your efforts of a DIY oil change, you want to prepare for the oil change. When you go to a “Quick Lube” oil change place, you will notice that all of the components needed for an oil change are hung on the walls, or even located near each bay. There are even hoses and filters that are nearby at the “Quick Lube” places. You can pull up in one of those bays, and see how organized each bay is, as each attendant is ready to change your oil. Your DIY workspace should also have all you need to perform your oil change. When you have to walk back and forth, stop and then start during your oil change, you waste time. When you change your own oil, you may not be wasting your money, but wasting time to find the correct tool or filter can make the day and the oil change longer. So, have all that you need, in arm’s reach.
You Failed To Warm Your Engine
You want to keep engine problems after oil change jobs at bay? Then make sure that you warm your engine. Oil will not flow well when it’s cold. Therefore, you trying to drain out the oil of the engine when it’s cold, is going to be difficult and cause engine issues. So, be sure to start your vehicle and allow it to run for 5 or 10 minutes- in an effort to get it to a normal operating temperature. Should you need something to do while you wait that ten minutes for your oil to warm, make sure that have all of your oil change tools around you, ready to go. You can refer to point number one on our list, that is just above this one.
You Dropped The Oil Drain Plug Into Your Oil Pan
Dropping your oil drain plug into your oil pan is quite easy to do- especially if your vehicle’s drain plug is very hot. Lots of times, it is not a matter of the temperature being too hot. But it is a matter of the plug being too hard and small to hold. So, the easiest way to keep a good grip on the drain plug, is to keep slight pressure on it as you push it into the pan, while you are threading out of the oil pan. Once you get to the last thread on the plug, you should be able to feel it become loose. Then, you can easily pull it away once you are ready to drain your vehicle’s oil.
You Overtightened Your Vehicle’s Oil Drain Plug
When performing a DIY oil change, there is always a question of how tight your oil drain plug has to be. While you never want a drain plug that is too loose, and you then loose the drain plug. So, a good rule of thumb to follow, is to tighten the drain plug to “finger tightness”, where the gasket is able to touch the drain pan surface.
You Forgot To Replace The Drain Plug Gasket
The kind of gasket that is outfitted for your vehicle’s oil pan drain plug, could be designed for just a single use. Or, you may have a reusable one. If your vehicle’s gasket is a thicker kind of plastic, it may be designed for reuse- and you cannot find the time to replace it each time that you change your oil. Lots of vehicle manufacturers are choosing to use a gasket or a copper washer that is able to deform, once tightened around the drain plug. If you have a copper washer, then it is not designed to be reused. So, each time you perform an oil change, you will have to replace it. Replacement copper washers are not that expensive and you can even find them at your local auto parts store, or even online.
You Didn’t Lube The New Filter Gasket
Once you spin the new filter on, the gasket will make contact with the engine surface. The objective is to continue to tighten the oil filter, with a bit more rotation. The dry gasket will tend to tear, which can cause a small leak. Just dip your finger into the new bottle of engine oil, and then lightly coat the gasket with that fresh oil.
You Put the Wrong Viscosity Oil to Your Engine
Your vehicle’s engine is designed with specific oil passage sizes and bearing clearances that are a must for a certain engine oil viscosity. If your vehicle manufacturer recommends a 5W30 oil, then you should probably decide upon a 5W30 weight oil unless you have a valid reason to utilize another viscosity. Using a different viscosity may alter how well the oil protects your engine. Of course, this is among many engine problems after oil change jobs. You certainly want to stick with your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. And for Heaven’s sake, PLEASE do not add diesel engine oil in replacement of gasoline engine oil!
You Added Too Little Oil
Even though you added too little oil, you can easily fix this issue. Too little engine oil will cause your engine to run hot, and fail to obtain the correct amount of lubrication and protection. But you also don’t want to add too much oil. This will lead you to having to drain out some oil though your drain plug. Keep in mind that you want to avoid engine problems after oil change jobs- by steering clear of too little lubrication and protection, with too little oil. When you add engine oil back into the engine, take the time to run the engine for a few minutes. Then you want to see if the engine does have the correct oil pressure on the gauge, within the instrument cluster. You want to ensure that you have no leaks from the oil filer or the new drain plug.
What are the Benefits of Oil Changes to My Engine?
Check out some of the advantages of an oil change where your engine is concerned.
Your Engine’s Parts Have Sufficient Lubrication
Like we mentioned above, one way to avoid engine problems after an oil change job is adding sufficient oil. The correct amount of oil helps to lubricate, clean and even cool your engine and its moving parts. In fact, the oil is what keeps those metal engine parts from rubbing and interacting with one another. The oil also cools those same parts, as the friction creates heat. An oil change also helps to collect debris and dust- and carry those materials away -so they can be trapped in the oil filter. Throughout time, the oil will degrade while losing its capacity to perform all of these vital functions. This is why it’s so crucial to receive regular oil changes- whether you do them yourself, or get them done at a “quick lube” facility.
Oil Changes Extend the Life of Your Engine
An engine that receives routine and fresh oil, will last a lot longer. Dirty oil and oil with debris in it, will cause friction to increase between an engine’s moving parts. As time marches on, that dirty oil will wear down those precision-engineered engine parts- that should fit perfectly and work in unison all of the time. Dirty oil can lead to leaks that formulate in the pistons. Once leaks are a factor, not much can be done to overhaul the engine. So, keep those routine oil changes as a part of your vehicle maintenance so that you help to preserve your engine and extend its life. You certainly don’t want to pay for an engine rebuild job, do you?
Oil Changes are Not That Expensive & Good for Our Environment!
An oil change can “change” the condition of your car, and keep it in working order. Thankfully in the grand scheme of car maintenance, they are not that expensive. Additionally, when you get you oil change, you can also get a change in your filters, wiper blades and other car components. When you think about the importance of an oil change and how they can help you avoid engine problems, you can clearly see that oil changes are beneficial and helpful.
Don’t forget that oil changes are also eco-friendly. Over time, heat can break down engine oil, while releasing gases in the atmosphere. This also helps to facilitate builds up of sludge in various car components. As a result, those discharged gas from your vehicle, will have lots of harmful toxins and hydrocarbons, which are hazardous to our atmosphere and environment. Changing your car’s oil regularly helps you to pollute far less.