auto
6 Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Engine Oil
An oil change is a crucial auto maintenance job. While you can call an expert to change your engine oil, doing it yourself will save you money and help you understand how your automobile works. The procedure is pretty straightforward, but it’s best to be cautious and learn what it takes to perform an oil change successfully. Before listing the common oil change mistakes, let’s understand why changing car oil is essential. Why are car oil changes necessary? Engine oil circulates through the engine to keep its components lubricated. This lubrication helps the parts move smoothly and reduce friction as the car runs. Without oil, the higher friction between the engine’s components would quickly reduce mileage and performance, affecting the life of the automobile. However, the oil’s ability to reduce heat and friction reduces with time. It usually becomes darker in color and thicker, indicating it’s time for an oil change. Common mistakes when replacing car oil Here are a few mistakes to avoid if you’re changing your car’s engine oil by yourself without assistance from oil change services: Not using a drain pan A drain pan is a container into which used engine oil is drained. It helps avoid messy spills on your garage floor and allows you to transport the oil to recycling centers.