Oil & Filter Change
The single most important maintenance job. Fresh oil keeps the engine smooth, reduces wear and extends its life. Check your handbook for the correct oil grade and capacity, then it's the same process on every modern car.
Universal — same process on virtually any car. ChrisFix is the gold standard.
Remove the oil filler cap before draining — lets air in for a faster, cleaner flow.
Always use the oil grade and quantity in your handbook. US guides often quote different specs from UK / European cars.
Use ramps or axle stands for ground clearance. Never crawl under a car held up only by a trolley jack.
Write the date and mileage on the new filter with a Sharpie — proof of when it was last changed.
Warm the engine for 5 minutes — suspended contaminants drain out cleaner
Park on level ground, handbrake on, chock the rear wheels
Open the bonnet and remove the oil filler cap (lets air in)
Locate the drain plug under the engine and position the drain pan
Loosen the plug with the correct socket, then remove by hand. Drain ~10 minutes
Remove the oil filter with the appropriate wrench — be ready for spillage
Wipe the filter mount, oil the new filter's gasket, hand-tighten plus ¾ turn
Refit the drain plug with a new crush washer to handbook torque
Fill with the correct grade and quantity per handbook (use a funnel)
Run the engine 30 seconds, check the drain plug and filter for leaks
Wait 3 minutes for oil to settle, then check the dipstick
Reset the service indicator if your car has one
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