How to Change the Oil in Your Truck

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Changing the oil in one's truck can save money and time. One can change their own oil in about 15 minutes. Waiting for a service shop to setup an appointment and change the oil could take up most of the day.

Steps

1. 1
   Run the truck for a short amount of time so that the oil can warm up. Five to ten minutes should be adequate, as you don't want the oil to be too hot.

   
   
2. 2
   Make sure the parking brakes are applied.
3. 3
   Jack the truck up using the floor jack. Place the jack in the center of the brace located between the front tires. Be sure that the surface you are parked on is level, as well as stable, so that the jack is not going to move. Jack the truck up so that the front tires are lifted off the ground. For safety purposes, one should also place a jack stand under the brace that is located just inside of the two front tires. This ensures that if the jack does fail, the vehicle will not fall on the person changing the oil. Blocking the rear tires will also help eliminate the risk of the jack moving.
4. 4
   Get a wrench that is right for your drain plug, an oil filter, an oil filter wrench, a bucket to catch the oil, and the oil. Be sure to know what type of oil your vehicle requires. If you do not know, you can find this information in your vehicle manual, as well as the oil capacity.
5. 5
   

   Lay on your back and slide under the vehicle.
   Lay on your back and slide under the vehicle. In order to aid cleanup, paper towels and latex gloves are suggested. Locate the oil pan and unbolt the bolt located on the end of the oil pan. Before the bolt is completely screwed out place the bucket underneath the oil pan in order to catch the oil as it runs out. Be sure to have the latex gloves on during this step, as it is typically the dirtiest.
6. 6
   Drain the oil from the oil pan, and clean the bolt with a cloth rag and screw it back in with your fingers. After, take the wrench used to loosen the bolt, and tighten it another quarter to half rotation. This will ensure that the bolt it tightened enough, but not so tight that it is going to pinch the rubber seal.
7. 7
   

   Use the oil filter wrench to unscrew the oil filter which is located to the right of the oil pan.
   Use the oil filter wrench to unscrew the oil filter which is located to the right of the oil pan. If you run into problems locating the filter, reference the vehicle manual. Before the filter is completely screwed out, again place the container under the filter to catch any oil that is still in the filter.
8. 8
   Dispose of old filter and the new filter can be screwed in place. Be sure that you have purchased the correct filter, as sizes will vary depending on model and type of motor you truck has.
9. 9
   

   Take fresh oil and rub it around the rim of the filter.
   Take fresh oil and rub it around the rim of the filter. This is to ensure that there is a good seal once the new filter is screwed in.
10. 10
    Hand tighten the filter. Then take the oil filter wrench and tighten another quarter turn.
11. 11
    Gather the tools and move from under the vehicle.
12. 12
    Remove the two jack stands and lower the floor jack.
13. 13
    Pop the hood of the vehicle and unscrew the oil cap which is located on the left side of the engine. Be sure to remove any debris that could potentially fall into the oil reservoir. Pour the recommended amount of oil into the vehicle. Screw the oil cap back on and close the hood of the vehicle.
14. 14
    Dispose of the old oil properly and clean off all tools. If any oil has spilled onto the surface which you were working on, cat litter can be used to absorb the spill.
15. 15
    Run vehicle for ten minutes, then check oil levels with dipstick. Top off oil if needed. Do not forget to release the parking brake before the vehicle is driven again.

    
    

Things You'll Need

• Wrench or socket wrench
• Cloth rag
• Empty container/ bucket
• Oil filter wrench
• Oil filter
• Oil
• Latex Gloves
• Cat litter
• Floor jack
• Jack stands

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