Oil change tips

[zacspeed]

Hi.
I am wanting to change the oil on my Suzuki Vitara. I've never done this before & I'm not afraid of getting my hands too dirty.
I did a search on t'interweb & I think Halfords (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HalfordsProductRedirectionURL?storeId=10001&REDIRECT_URL=/259.asp) are a little bit confused regarding the diffrence between "checking" & "changing" oil!!
Any tips from you lot would be really handy :D

[tomstickland]

Buy oil & filter from motor factors, they often have good deals on a box of oil cans4. ie: £4 each.

Ideally engine is not cold when you do the change.

Drain old oil out via sump plug.

Swap filters (worth buying a decent tool for this for around £8).

Pour new oil in.

[zacspeed]

ty tom
:)

[balsingh]

Remember, the old oil has to be discard at the local rubbish tip where they have a section for oil. Dont pour it down the drain ... its illegal.

[vansboy]

I started to type an easy hints n tips response, but without being made to sound sarcastic, or 'funny', there is a LOT to consider, when carrying out this simple & important task, so I'll resist, for now.

Best advice, to start, is buy a Haynes workshop manual & have a read.

Then, when your OK with the instructions ther & understand there, not too technical, terms, have a go!!

VB

[Wig]

get engine warm, not hot

leave it to settle 5 mins,

Before starting try to loosen filter a tiny fraction by hand to see if possible, if it budges you won't have any trouble later on. *if not possible read on...

place suitable big tray under drain plug
with news paper underneath.
then undo drain nut

when it's finished dripping replace nut.

move tray to under filter (some cars if tray is big enough both can be done same time)

undo filter by hand (strong grip required) usually possible.
if it can't be removed by hand a particularly messy way to do it is to force a screw driver through it and turn it using this as a lever. A better way to do it is to use a rubber strap on a plastic handle (for opening jam jars and oil filters)

Allow to drain oil into tray

When finished dripping and wiped clean with rags, use your clean oil to smear a little of clean oil on the rubber seal on your new filter, fit and tighten BY HAND ONLY.

Tighten drain nut to correct torque, or if no torque wrench, fairly tight using a spanner. If a new copper washer comes with filter change it, don't worry if not present, just re use old washer (I have never had problem).
fill up with clean engine oil

You can consider also to flush your engine with flushing oil, after draining, and then drain the flushing oil before filling with clean oil. If I do this I have a spare clean "flushing" filter which I keep in the shed which I put on during the flushing phase then remove it and put on the new clean one. I also use "flushing oil" which is to be found at motor factors for about 6 - 9 pounds 5 liters. I don't use the small cans of "engine flush" which are added to the engine before draining the old oil. I think flushing oil is the better method. << Just my opinion.

Take old oil to civic amenity site, flushing oil can be re-used a few times.

[tomstickland]

Using cheap oil for a day or two is a good alternative to flushing oil.

[Wig]

Using cheap oil for a day or two is a good alternative to flushing oil.

With a low viscosity is better.

[Altarf]

Or for £10 you could keep your hands clean:

http://www.national.co.uk/promotions/specials.asp?bhcp=1

[highguyuk]

Thats quite a good offer!

[Wig]

"from" only £10, and you don't get a flush or the oil you prefer.

[the devil made me do it]

£10 is ok by me. I'm sure if ya asked about a flush, they'd only charge a few quid more anyway. Still worth it, I've been paying £30 + for oil changes with a flush.

[jjames]

AIUI if you go to the place with a container of your chosen oil they'll sort you for the tenner no problem (which I'd recommend if your car is not a banger rather than letting them put cheap oil into the engine).

Has to be worth the extra money over DIY.

[Altarf]

"from" only £10, and you don't get a flush or the oil you prefer.

I believe the "from" price depends on whether you want standard multigrade, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic.

They were previously doing Duckhams Hypergrade oil and Filter Change at £10, Duckhams semi-synthetic QXR oil and Filter Change at £15 and Duckhams Visco 7000 fully synthetic oil and Filter Change at £25. Obviously these prices may have varied by now.

[navid]

Hi,
found the below site by quick google search, its for Renault4 oli change but the site staes it applies to some extent to other cars
http://www.renault4.co.uk/oil-change.htm
There is a link at the site for "what happens if you don't change your oil".

[the devil made me do it]

yeah I think for a £10 or whatever, it's better than doing ya own oil change, and they get rid of the old oil too, which is something I've never fancied having to do.

[jjames]

> Duckhams semi-synthetic QXR oil and Filter Change at £15

That's not bad. I didn't realise they were using branded oil at that price.

Not that much more than you'd pay for the oil/filter itself. Has to be worth it.

[abomb1969]

A good use for old engine oil is to put it in the tank of your diesel car mixed with derv, worked a treat in my ZX. Almost free oil! Note you need a Bosch pump and a good fuel filter and not to care too much if you !!!!!! your car. This is also illegal. And makes your car smoke a touch. Apart from that worked a treat :D

[vansboy]

Can't agree with Abombs' idea.

You'll be contaminating your refined diesel oil, with a 'worn out' lubricant, which wasn't designed for burning, in the fuel system.

You'll do £$£$ of damage, more than save any pennies!

Better off going down the used cooking oil, route, than risk it this way!!

VB