If you've ever wondered how you can perform a DIY oil change, this post by ALF Marketing in Hagerstown focuses on the most common doubts regarding this topic. Learn more about this and take notes as you scroll.

If you're going to perform a DIY oil change, it'll be sensible to pick the most reliable products to perform the task. To do this, call ALF Marketing in Hagerstown at (301) 416-0575 and purchase AMSOIL products tailored to your vehicle's needs.

The advantage of performing car maintenance tasks arose from the first moments that vehicles existed in everyday life. Although initially derived more from the limited supply of specific labor found during the first years of using motorized vehicles, it became a necessity instead. It has become an activity that transcended generations as a hobby. The level of maintenance you can give the car will depend on the knowledge you may have about cars and will mirror what you can do in terms of care; this can range from a simple wash to disassembling an entire engine. However, in the specific case of an oil change, one could say that this is somewhat of an intermediate-level task, so knowing the engine components and using some tools will be necessary to perform an oil change correctly.

First, Identify When an Oil Change Is Necessary

The first thing you must recognize in your vehicle is the right time to do an oil change. In reality, there's no wrong answer; you could do the oil change every week without harming the engine. However, this would be extremely expensive, and the goal is to save up on unnecessary expenses. Also, the oil does have a useful life, and its properties depend on the type of lubricating oil that equips your car, motorcycle, or vehicle in general. When talking about synthetic oil, you may know that it has a longer life than mineral oil, but when should you give a top-off for your car?

Pay Attention to the Signs

When the oil loses its properties, two circumstances happen that you must be aware of. First, the oil changes significantly in color, from an amber to a dark brown; And secondly, the viscosity of the lubricating oil changes abruptly. Instead of having the consistency of honey, it will look much more fluid.

If you realize that your engine is due some new oil, call ALF Marketing in Hagerstown at (301) 416-0575 and browse AMSOIL’s online shop to place an order on the most effective synthetic oil formula before you perform a DIY oil change.

How to Change the Oil?

Changing the oil is simple. It would be best if you started by emptying the lubricating oil you'd like to replace to make room for the new one. Run the engine for about 5 minutes and allow the temperature to rise, not to the sweet spot, but halfway through. Then, with the engine off again, place a container under the oil reservoir to "catch" the old motor oil. Then, locate and begin to loosen the screw cap at the bottom of the tank. Sometimes it's helpful to reduce the top plug of the motorhead to ensure the emptying process is faster. It's not necessary to remove the cover so that nothing gets into the head of the motor. Once the oil stops coming out of the bottom, remove the oil filter. It will be beneficial to place napkins or paper towels around the filter area to prevent any old oil that will drain from staying in the engine. When putting in the new oil filter, make sure that you won't overtighten the thread, and moisten the gasket with the oil that you are going to discard, as well as for the new seal of the tank screw. Once everything is closed to the lower one, add the new oil through the upper nozzle without overfilling the tank, which can cause smoke from your exhaust.

Get Rid of Oil Waste

Finally, to dispose of the old oil, it would be best to refrain from doing this in your house's drains or sewers, fill the cans with new oils and take them to a mechanical workshop. They'll know what to do with it. If you want more tips on maintenance tasks for all types of vehicles that you can do yourself, visit ALF Marketing's blog.

Care for your engine perfectly with AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, the most effective synthetic oil formula. It can help you keep it in top working condition longer.

Before giving your car an oil change, be sure to stop by the AMSOIL website and place an order.  Call ALF Marketing in Hagerstown at (301) 416-0575 and let them advise you to perform a DIY oil change.