A car oil change is one of the most important operations in preventive vehicle maintenance.
In addition to lubricating the engine, oil reduces wear and prevents serious breakdowns. Ignoring this maintenance can therefore result in severe damage and high repair costs.
Discover in this complete guide when to change it, how to do it and which tools are required.
What Is The Importance Of a Car Oil Change?
Over time, oil loses its properties, becomes thicker and contaminated. When this happens, the engine begins to operate with greater wear.
Therefore, it is important to change the engine oil so that it can perform its four main functions:
- Lubricate internal components;
- Reduce friction;
- Dissipate heat;
- Clean impurities.
What Are The Different Types Of Car Oil?
The types of engine oil for cars are:
1. Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is obtained from the separation of petroleum components.
Although it is the cheapest compared to the others, it is a “dirtier” oil for vehicle lubrication.
2. Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is produced in a laboratory and allows better control of its properties. It is also the most customizable oil in terms of performance characteristics.
Despite its advantages, it has a higher cost compared to mineral and semi-synthetic oils.
3. Semi-Synthetic Oil
Semi-synthetic oil is a mixture of mineral and synthetic oil produced in a laboratory. Its goal is to balance the lower cost of mineral oils with the improved properties of synthetic oils.
How To Know The Right Oil For Your Car?
To know which type of oil is suitable for your car, read the vehicle’s owner’s manual. This will indicate the correct viscosity, standard (API or ACEA), and other specifications that the oil must meet.
What Happens If The Engine Has Too Much Oil?
Excess oil is also dangerous and can cause:
- Increased internal pressure;
- Damage to seals;
- Foam formation;
- Smoke from the exhaust.
To avoid problems caused by too little or too much oil, ensure that the oil level is always between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.
How To Know When To Change The Car Oil?
Signs that it is time to change the oil include:
- Oil warning light on the dashboard;
- Louder engine noise;
- Burning smell;
- Very dark oil on the dipstick.
If the warning light appears on the dashboard, the issue should be addressed as soon as possible.
What Happens If I Skip An Oil Change?
Failing to change the engine oil can lead to:
- Accelerated wear;
- Engine oil filter clogging;
- Lack of lubrication;
- Irreversible engine damage
In extreme cases, the engine may seize.
How To Change Car Oil?
Changing the oil is essential maintenance to ensure proper engine operation and extend its lifespan.
Currently, there are two ways to perform an oil change:
- Oil drain plug (traditional gravity method);
- Oil extractor (suction method).
Before starting any procedure, always consult the manufacturer’s manual to confirm:
- Recommended viscosity;
- API or ACEA standard;
- Specifications suitable for the engine.
1. Oil Change Through The Drain Plug
This is the most common and traditional method and is performed as follows:
- Safely raise the vehicle using a hydraulic jack and safety stands or a lift ;
- Drain the old oil while the engine is warm. Place a container under the drain plug, loosen it and allow the oil to drain completely;
- Replace the sealing washer and tighten with the correct torque;
- Replace the oil filter using the appropriate filter wrench;
- Add new oil (around 90% of the total capacity), start the engine for a few seconds and check the level on the dipstick.
2. Oil Change Using An Oil Extractor
To replace oil using this method, suction equipment is required to extract the oil through the dipstick tube.
Using the oil extractor, the process should be carried out as follows:
- Remove the dipstick and insert the extractor tube through the dipstick channel until it reaches the bottom of the oil pan;
- Activate the manual or electric extractor to create vacuum and maintain the process until oil stops flowing through the tube;
- Carefully remove the tube and replace the old oil filter with a new one, ensuring the old gasket is not stuck to the base;
- Lubricate the new filter gasket with a thin layer of oil before installation and add about 90% of the total new oil capacity;
- Start the engine for a few seconds and turn it off. Wait a few minutes and check the level on the dipstick.
What Tools Are Needed To Change Car Oil?
To safely perform a car oil change, you will need:
- Oil filter wrench;
- Oil collection container;
- Platform or lift;
- Funnel;
- Protective gloves.
What Tools Are Available In The Kroftools Catalogue For Changing Car Oil?
To change car oil efficiently and conveniently, KROFtools offers several solutions in its catalogue designed to improve workshop productivity.
Discover which ones they are and how they can simplify work processes.
12V Transfilling Pump
This 12V transfer pump is used to transfer oil (or other similar liquids) easily.
It provides adequate suction flow for maintenance and transfer tasks.
Click on the image to learn more about the 12V Transfilling Pump (ref. 3285).
Oil Vacuum Extractor With Measuring Cup 90L 3 Drawers 61pcs
This oil extractor combines efficient extraction with organization.
The transparent sight glass allows the process to be monitored in real time, while the three integrated drawers allow accessories and tools to be stored.
The 61-piece set makes it versatile for several maintenance applications.
Click on the image to learn more about the Oil Vacuum Extractor With Measuring Cup 90l 3 Drawers 61pcs (ref. 9715).
Oil Vacuum Extractor With Measuring Cup 90L
This model combines the extractor function with a 90-litre tank and a drain pan. This means it can both remove oil and store it in an organized way before disposal or reuse.
The sight glass helps monitor the oil level during the process, making it more efficient.
Click on the image to learn more about the Oil Vacuum Extractor With Measuring Cup 90L (ref. 9730).
Is It Worth Changing The Oil At a Specialized Workshop?
Yes, especially if you do not have the proper tools, a lift, or experience.
Having the oil change done at a workshop ensures correct torque settings and proper disposal of used oil.
How Much Should An Oil Change Cost?
The price of an engine oil change ranges from tens to hundreds of euros, depending on the brand and model.
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