DIY Car Engine Service – A Step-By-Step Guide

Are you tired of paying for car engine services? Do you wish you could service your own car engine and save some money? Well, now you can! We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. We will explain what needs to be done and provide helpful tips along the way.

Change the Oil & Filter

The first step in servicing your car engine is to change the oil and filter. This is a fairly easy process that can be done with basic tools. The most important part is ensuring you have the correct replacement parts for your specific car model.

• First, locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the engine. It will look like a bolt with a hole in the center. Use your ratchet to loosen the plug and then drain the oil into a container.
• Once the oil has drained, replace the plug.
• Remove the old filter.
• Next, install the new oil filter. There is usually an instruction sheet with the new filter that will tell you which way it should be oriented. Screw it on until it’s tight.
• Finally, refill the engine with fresh oil. Consult your manual for the right oil and how much to use. Pour it in through the filler cap and replace the cap. Start the engine and check for leaks.

Change Spark Plugs

If your car has many miles on it, you might want to consider changing the spark plugs. Spark plugs have to be replaced every 30,000-50,000 miles. To change the spark plugs:

• Detach the spark plug wires from the plugs.
• Remove the spark plugs. There’s usually a socket or wrench that fits the plug size. If you’re not sure, consult your owner’s manual.
• Replace the spark plugs and reattach the wires in reverse order. Ensure the clips are properly fastened, so the wires don’t come loose.
• Start the engine and check for any problems. You may want to have a professional check it out after you’ve done the work yourself to be sure everything is in order.

These are some basic things done during a service. DIY car servicing is not as easy as it sounds, but you can do it yourself with patience and basic mechanical knowledge. Be careful, though, because you could damage your engine if you do something wrong.

Safety First

Before you start working on your car engine, it’s important to take some safety precautions:

• Ensure the car is parked on a flat surface and that the handbrake is engaged.
• Ensure the engine is not hot before you start work – if it’s hot, wait until it has cooled down.
• Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, to avoid getting oil or dirt in your eyes.
• Ensure you have a clear work area to avoid losing any screws or other small parts.

If you are in doubt, it’s best not to undertake this task. Instead, let our certified car technicians service your car the right way. Our dealership service center at Eastern Shore Toyota, serving Summersale, AL, will be happy to service your vehicle flawlessly. Schedule an appointment now.