Check your Oil: Comma's guide to basic car maintenance

Oil Advice

It's one thing trying to explain exactly what to do and another thing to show you how to do it. So we've decided to do both with our step-by-step guide and an advice video.

How to check oil level

ensure engine is cool and vehicle has been stationary for a while

withdraw dipstick and wipe clean with tissue to ensure a clear reading

insert dipstick and withdraw slowly and smoothly

check oil level line against minimum and maximum lines on dipstick - oil level should be between the two

if level is below or close to minimum line, top up

Click here to download a printer friendly version you can take out to the car with you!

Be careful not to overfill your car with oil - always fill a little at a time, using a jug or funnel. Allow the oil to gather in the sump and check the level again before checking and adding more if needed. Overfilling can cause these major headaches

serious damage to main crankshaft seals
oil spilling on to clutch
damage to catalytic converter

How to change your oil

When changing your oil, always position your vehicle in a safe, level place where there is no possibility of any other vehicle coming into contact with it. NEVER undertake an oil change in the roadway. You will be working underneath your vehicle, so follow exactly the jacking-up instructions in the handbook. Better still, support the vehicle on axle stands or wheel ramps. If using ramps, make sure the vehicle is in gear with the handbrake fully applied and substantial chocks placed behind the non-ramped wheels.

Step 1 - Check Comma Oil Guide

Check the Comma Oil Guide for the correct oil for your vehicle. Make sure you also select the correct oil filter for your model. Never change the engine oil without also changing the oil filter, as a significant amount of tainted oil will be retained in the old filter and instantly pollute any new oil.

Step 2 - Use Comma Engine Flush

Before changing the oil, your vehicle's engine will derive significant benefit from the use of Comma Engine Flush to remove all harmful deposits and allow new oil to flow freely. Just add it through the oil filler cap and run the engine on tick-over for 10 minutes.

Step 3 - Jack Up Car

Allow 5 minutes after engine switch-off, and in accordance with your vehicle's handbook - safely jack your car (if necessary). Place the waste oil container on flat ground directly beneath the sump plug.

Step 4 - Remove Oil From Sump

Using the appropriately sized spanner-ring, open ended or socket - remove the sump plug and allow all the oil to drain from the sump. Be careful not to come into contact with the used oil, especially if it is hot. When all the old oil has been drained, fit a new gasket to the sump plug and screw it securely back in place.

Step 5 - Replace Oil Filter

Place a proper oil filter removal tool around the filter and unscrew it anti-clockwise. With the filter removed, empty its excess oil into the waste oil container. After wiping a smear of new engine oil on its seal, screw in the new filter in a clockwise direction without over-tightening it.

Step 6 - Add Fresh Oil

Add the specified amount of the correct, fresh Comma oil to your engine. Allow a couple of minutes for it to settle in the sump before checking that the level is correct and you have not overfilled.

Step 7 - Check For Leaks

Make a visual check under the car for any oil leaks. Start and run the engine for a few minutes, and then check again for any leaks.

Step 8 - Dispose Oil Safely

Dispose of your waste oil at designated sites. To find your nearest oil bank call: UK OIL BANK LINE FREE PHONE 08708 506 506 or log on to: www.oilbankline.org.uk

Go!

Watch this video to find out what
can happen if your car runs out
of engine oil.

Courtesy of Fifth Gear.
http://fwd.five.tv/fifth-gear