Why change your oil & filter?
Today's engines are marvels of high technology. But they still need protection from the rigors of stop-and-go driving, dusty or muddy roads, extreme temperature changes and other severe driving conditions.

Oil filters play a key role in providing that protection by helping to keep dirt, metal filings and sludge out of your oil, and out of your expensive engine. That's why experts recommend changing your oil and oil filter in your vehicle every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first, to maximize engine protection. (Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended procedures and maintenance schedules.)
Tools & Equipment

To change your oil & filter you will need:
  • Drive-on car ramps or jack with sufficient capacity for vehicle weight (optional)
  • Wheel blocks
  • Creeper (optional)
  • Wrench or socket to fit the oil drain plug
  • Drain pan
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Oil spout or funnel
Safety Precautions

Before changing your oil & filter:
Proper maintenance and service procedures are vital to the safe, efficient operation of all motor vehicles, as well as to the safety of the person performing the work - you.

Whenever you are working on your vehicle, we recommend that you follow these important safety rules:
  • Do have a first-aid kit handy
  • Do be careful when working around hot or sharp objects
  • Do follow the manufacturer's instructions for all products
  • Do use safety stands under the frame or drive-on ramps if you must raise your vehicle
  • Don't run the engine without proper ventilation
  • Don't smoke when working around the engine
Installation
To install your oil filter:
A spin-on filter is perhaps the most commonly replaced service part on your car or light truck. Timely, proper installation can help prevent internal damage and oil filter leakage. Most filters have instructions printed on them. Follow these five steps when changing any spin-on oil filter:

Step One
  • Warm up your vehicle to normal operating temperature to remove contaminants from engine.
  • Stop engine.
  • Secure vehicle (emergency brake, wheel blocks, ramps, etc.) to protect accidental rolling and to provide easy access to the oil filter.

Step Two
  • Slide drain pan under drain plug.
  • Loosen drain plug by turning it in a counterclockwise direction with a wrench or socket (see Figure 1).
  • Remove drain plug by hand, keeping inward pressure on the plug to avoid burning yourself with hot oil.
  • Allow oil to completely drain from engine.
  • Clean drain plug and drain hole.
  • Replace drain plug (finger-tighten to ensure correct threading, then finish with wrench or socket).
Step Three
  • Place drain pan under filter.
  • Remove filter by turning it in a counter-clockwise direction (see Figure 2) with oil filter wrench.
  • Be careful! Filter and oil will be hot.
  • Clean filter mounting base (see Figure 3), removing previous filter gasket if it's still attached to the base.
Step Four
  • Make sure gasket on new filter is securely in place.
  • Rub a thin film of clean motor oil over entire gasket surface (see Figure 4).
  • Spin filter onto filter mounting base, making sure gasket makes contact.
  • Tighten filter by hand only, following filter's installation instructions.
Step Five
  • Remove oil cap on valve cover.
  • Refill crankcase with recommended type, weight and amount of new motor oil (see Figure 5).
  • Replace oil cap.
  • Start engine and check immediately around filter and drain plug for leakage.
  • Properly dispose of used oil and filter.
Quick Tips
  • Follow these instructions carefully. Read and be sure you understand them before you begin.
  • Gather together all of your tools and supplies before you begin. · Allow plenty of time to do the job so you don't have to hurry.
  • Remember that these are general instructions. For more detailed instructions pertaining to your specific vehicle, consult an appropriate repair manual.
  • Safety is important whenever you're working around machinery. Beware of hot objects, sharp instruments and hazardous materials.
  • Don't substitute tools unless you're sure you won't compromise either your safety or the performance of your vehicle.
Proper Disposal of Used Oil and Filters Many federal, state and local laws and regulations exist regarding disposal of used oil and used oil filters. Proper disposal and recycling of these items just make good environmental sense