Oil Change...

I like being "handy". The definition of Handy here can be debated if any one is interested. I'm sure a few of you would like to do that. If your buying, I may listen ; )

Today was a gorgeous day in Lincoln. 1 Day sub zero wind chill....2 days later, 50 to 60 degree weather. Awesome day. Windows down, and the radio up...

I have been way over due for an oil change, and I had myself dead set up doing it myself for the first time. So a few weeks ago I bought all the fixins to do it myself. Oil, filter. That's all you need right? Luckily for me, I have some good friends, and one also got me an oil catch and a filter wrench.

It was so nice out today I just couldn't go inside to "chill", so I decided now was the time I would change my oil. The only thing I needed was a 17mm socket, which was nicely loaned to me by Gwen's neighbor Kent. Thanks Kent by the way.

As it turns out, changing oil is very easy. If you have the right tools, and you jack up your car. So for fun, here were my steps.

1. Take jack out of trunk, and jack up car. Level grounds help, and the driveway here was pretty close.
2. Undo the oil cap on top of the engine block. Keep in a safe place so you don't loose it.
   
3. Get some cardboard and place it under the filter and oil pan. This will catch the any oil that doesn't make it to the oil catch.
4. Undo oil plug using the 17mm socket and socket wrench (this may vary per car model). Tips, once the plug gets loose, use your hand. You will get oil on your hand, but will save yourself getting oil all over your tools.
5. Let the oil drain completely. Perhaps now would be a good time for a beverage, smoke, or in my case, throw the ball for your ball happy companion Annie*(see side note at bottom)
6. Remove old oil filter. Usually the oil filter is not tighten extremely tight, but if you need an oil filter wrench, you would use it now. I was able to use my hand. Warning, oil will drip, so make sure that the oil catch pan is under that area. Cardboard?. came in handy here.
7. You're almost done. Wipe down and replace the oil plug. This again keeps oil off your tools.
8. Put new oil filter on. First, lube gasket with a bit of oil. Then hand tighten the oil filter on to your car. I was running out of light, so a flashlight was also needed.
9. Use oil funnel to refill the oil in your car in the hole on top of your engine block.
10. Screw cap back on, lower car down to ground, and clean up!
11. You'll have to properly dispose of all toxic waste. This can be done at you local service station or recycling center!

So now, you too can change your oil just like me, and consider yourself "handy".

Does anyone know how to build a shoe rack?

*Annie started with brand new baseball...at end of oil change, there was barely any cork left. I used the baseball cause I didn't have any other form of fun for her, and she was good on the ride and I owed her a throw. Last night was funny because I was throwing the snow. She'd chase it to where it was, then pounce on it, only to disintegrates it. Then she'd dig through the snow in that spot until I got another piece of snow to draw her back in!