Recently we changed the oil filter and engine oil for our Nissan Navara D40 RX 2014. By the end of this article we hope you feel confident enough to have a go changing the same on your own vehicle.
Feel free to get in touch for clarity on any steps or if you’ve made a mistake and not sure what to do.
Materials
- drain tub or oil pan
- oil filter
- engine oil
- torch
- spanner or socket
- wrench
- rubber grease
Pre-start tasks
- Research your car’s make and model for any important considerations before making any changes. As an example, a well-known company had a vehicle that required the new engine oil to be added very quickly after draining out the old engine oil, otherwise the vehicle could seize shortly after starting the engine.
- Triple check that you have the correct replacement oil filter and engine oil.
- Find and check that the oil filler cap, usually found on top of the engine, can be undone. You need to make sure that after you drain oil, you’re able to replace it. This is more important with diffs and gear boxes, as the plugs can be stiff and hard to remove. Nevertheless, it is a very good habit to get into.
- Run your engine for a couple of minutes to heat up the engine oil, making it easier to drain. Turn engine off. Chock the wheels.
Draining the engine oil
- Laying on the ground under the vehicle, locate the sump, the bottom part of the engine that holds oil. Check your car’s manual for exact location. If the sump is hot to touch it means the oil is hot which may burn when released, so be careful.
- Look for the sump plug and place a large drain tub or oil pan underneath.
- During this next step the hot oil will be released, so be mindful. Use a spanner or socket to remove the plug. We used a 14mm spanner.
- Allow about ten minutes for the oil to fully drain. While waiting, check over the condition of the plug and washer. If needed, replace with a new set.
- Once the oil stops draining replace the sump plug and tighten. Ensure you never hand tighten a plug and think you will tighten it later. You will probably forget, and that could be a costly mistake. Try to remember, “If a plug’s in, it’s tight”.
Removing the old oil filter
- Find the oil filter and reposition the drain tub underneath. Depending on the location, you may need to do the next step laying on the ground or standing above.
- Remove the old oil filter using a wrench, making sure to also check that the seal has come off as well. If not, there will be two seals when you install the new filter (the old and the new) which will leak oil as soon as you start the vehicle.
- Move the old oil filter and tub of oil out of the way where it will not get knocked over. Try to keep the filter upright as it will still contain hot oil. Keep the old filter clean and away from dirt etc – just in case the new filter doesn’t fit and you need to put the old filter back on.
Installing the new oil filter
- Read the instructions on the side of the new oil filter. It should tell you how tight it needs to be e.g., tighten until seal touches plus a turn or ¾ turn etc.
- Now prepare the new filter by removing it from the box and plastic wrapper, then rub the seal with a light smear of oil or rubber grease. Some vertical and correct-way-up filters may need to be pre-filled with oil, and this will depend on the model of vehicle and position of filter.
- Spin on the filter. Use a wrench to tighten, if necessary.
Adding new engine oil
- Remove the oil filler cap and fill with new oil. Periodically check the level using the dipstick. It is good practice to know the manufacturers recommended volume of engine oil.
Post-replacement tasks
- Turn on the ignition. Pay attention to the oil pressure gauge/light, which should turn off a few seconds after starting.
- Start the car and idle for a few minutes. Turn engine off and check all the areas you worked on for oil leaks.
- Re-check oil levels. You made need to add a little more as some oil will fill into the filter.
- Check with your local council regarding how to dispose of engine oil. Alternatively, consider reading this article about other uses for second hand engine oil.
Now that you’ve completed these (hopefully easy-to-understand) steps, you should have successfully changed the oil filter and engine oil. Feel free to comment below about your experience.