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When to change the oil in my car
I just got my first car and I totally love it but I don't really know anything about cars. I know that from time to time there is work that needs to be done to them like oil changes (and more than that, I'm sure).
Anyway, how do I know when my car needs an oil change?
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I know this is not the answer you're looking for, but I think you might be interested.
okay, here's how I do mine: go down to the auto parts store, grab some of the engine oil in the purple containers my engine takes 10w 30, check your owner's manual for the right type of oil for your car, or better yet, buy a chilton's manual, it shows you how to fix anything on your specific model of car, I just changed my brake rotors without anything but that manual and a pile of tools. anyways, so you go back down to your house and put your car on jacks(if needed) and slide yourself under the car with an adjustable wrench, and a large drip pan, your car has around a gallon or more oil in it, so be prepared. once you get under the engine, there should be a lone bolt on the bottom of the engine, start with the adjustable, get that thing loose, then undo it the rest of the way with your fingers. once you're almost fully backed out, get that drip pan in place to catch the oil. back it out the rest of the way and don't lose that damn bolt. once the oil has completely drained, unscrew the oil filter (really hard to miss, its a little cylinder on the underside of the car about four inches in diameter and about six inches long). and set it aside so it won't drain oil everywhere. then replace the filter with a new one(shoulda put that up at the top, sorry), and screw that thing in as tight as you can. replace the bolt, then start filling the engine, your manual will tell you how much to put in. check for leaks, fix any, stick the dipstick in to double check the level, and you're set. the oil will have to be disposed of properly of course, but self reliance is the point of this excercise. there's one thing I've learned about oil changes, is that the car will tell you if its gone too long without an oil change. the engine will make a light clitter clatter sound, this is from the oil getting too thick and not lubricating the mechanism thats opening and closing the valves at the top of your engine. if you let it go on too long it will damage your engine permanently. the purple bottle engine oil is made for high performance, and I've noticed a nice change in gas mileage from using it.
enjoy your new car, never hesitate to tinker with it, and get a Chilton's manual, its the picture book for adults, and it will tell you just about everything you need to know to fix your car, except things that require serious know-how and special tools.
-gunner
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The oil needs to be changed in a car every 3 months or every 3000 miles. Its better to do it every 3000 miles because its not guarentees how many miles you will drive in 3 months. Oil changes generally cost about $20 to $30 and only take about 15 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the place your having it done at is. But you do want to make sure you get it done every 3000 miles because doing so improves the quality and performance of your car.
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