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How do you drain engine oil?

Published in Oil Change 3 mins read

Draining engine oil involves safely removing the old oil from your car's engine using a few key steps and tools.

Steps to Drain Engine Oil:

Here's a breakdown of how to safely drain engine oil, incorporating essential safety measures:

  1. Preparation:

    • Gather your materials: You will need a socket wrench, a new oil filter, new engine oil, a drain pan or bucket, old rags or newspaper, and safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection.
    • Warm up the engine: Run the engine for a few minutes. This helps to warm the oil making it flow more easily. Do not overheat the engine.
    • Position the Vehicle: Park your vehicle on a level surface. If you need to raise the vehicle for better access, use a jack, remembering that it is essential you always use a jack stand for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
  2. Accessing the Drain Plug:

    • Locate the drain plug: This is typically located at the bottom of your engine's oil pan. Consult your vehicle's manual if you are unsure of its location.
    • Prepare for draining: Spread the old rags or newspaper out underneath the drain plug and place the drain pan or bucket below it. This helps to catch any oil that might spill.
  3. Draining the Oil:

    • Loosen the Drain Plug: Using the socket wrench, carefully loosen the drain plug. Be careful not to overtighten or strip the bolt.
    • Remove the plug: Slowly remove the plug by hand. Watch out for a gush of oil.
    • Allow the oil to drain: Let the old engine oil completely drain into the pan or bucket.
    • Replace the drain plug: Once the oil flow has stopped, replace the drain plug and tighten it with the socket wrench. Do not overtighten it.

Safety Tips:

  • Always use jack stands: Never rely solely on a jack to support the vehicle.
  • Wear protective gear: Gloves and eye protection are important to prevent skin contact and eye irritation from oil.
  • Dispose of old oil properly: Old engine oil is a hazardous material and should not be disposed of in regular trash. Take it to an appropriate recycling center or auto parts store.
  • Be patient: Let the oil drain thoroughly to ensure all the old oil has been removed.
Step Description
1 Prepare the vehicle and tools
2 Access the drain plug
3 Drain the oil

By following these steps and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can effectively drain your engine oil.