How to Change the Oil in Your Ford Car

It is important to change your oil regularly to maintain your car and keep it running strong. You will typically want to do this every 3,000 miles, but thankfully it is an affordable and easy task. If you are new to the oil-changing process, check out the following step-by-step instructions.

Park Your Car Properly

Before you start to change your oil, it is important that you move your car to a level area such as a garage or flat driveway. Then put the car in park and place chalk blocks behind the tires. This will help ensure that when you jack up the car, it will not move and roll out of position or, worse, onto you while you are working.

Jack Up the Front

Next, jack up the front of your car with your car jack. But before aimlessly placing your jack on a level area and cranking it up, you need to locate the jacking points on your specific car. These are points on the vehicle that are safe for you to place the jack and will not bend or become damaged in the process. If you are not sure where these spots are, look them up in your Ford manual.

Drain the Oil

To drain the old oil, you will need a drain pan, rubber gloves, and a socket wrench. Remove the oil cap from under the hood of your cooled engine. Put your rubber gloves on, and find the drain plug underneath your car. Place the drain pan below the oil plug, loosen the plug with the proper sized socket wrench, and finish removing it by hand. Then let the oil drain. It will take several minutes for it to drain completely.

Replace the Filter

Again, if you do not know where your oil filter is located, check your car’s manual, as every vehicle is different. Just like a screw, turn the oil filter counterclockwise to loosen and remove it. Make sure the oil pan is nearby so it can catch any oil that spills from the filter. Then take your new filter and smear some of the new oil on the gasket ring. This step will lubricate the filter and allow it to seal properly. Then screw the new filter back in place, being careful not to cross the threads.

Refill Your Oil Tank

Clean the area around your drain plug hole before putting the plug back in. Replace the washer on the drain plug, and then screw it tightly back into place. Check your car’s manual for the type and amount of oil you need to put in the tank. Typically, you can use 10W-30 oil, but be sure to double-check your engine’s specifications. Fill your tank per those specifications, and check the levels before putting the cap back on.

Now that you know how to change your oil, you can save yourself a trip to the auto mechanic. Gather your supplies and get started; your car will thank you for it.

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