It goes without saying that regular oil and oil filter changes should be considered a crucial maintenance step for keeping your truck running smoothly. Your truck’s oil filter plays a vital role in removing dirt, debris, and contaminants from the engine oil. This simple but vital step helps to extend your engine’s life and maintain performance.
Sourcing the best quality oil filter is important, and you can fulfill that criteria by searching for a supplier of International truck parts so that you have all the best purchasing options at your disposal. When it comes to changing the oil filter, this is a straightforward process, as long as you have the correct part, the right tools, and appropriate fitting guidance to follow so that you can handle the task yourself.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing your truck’s oil filter.
Start by getting everything you need together
Your tools and materials should usually look like this – New oil filter (always consult your owner’s manual or speak to your supplier for the right filter model information)
Fresh engine oil (again, check your manual for the recommended oil type and quantity)
Oil filter wrench
Socket wrench
Drain pan
Funnel
Gloves and protective eyewear
Rag or paper towels
You will find that having everything prepared will make the whole process smoother and safer. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves and eyewear, as you’ll be working with oil and engine components.
Get your truck ready to work on
Start by making sure your truck is parked on a level surface. It should also ideally be in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. A level surface ensures proper drainage and prevents accidents.
Be sure to allow the engine to cool down before you start. If you’ve recently driven your truck, let the engine cool down for at least 15-30 minutes. Working with hot oil and parts can cause burns and other injuries.
Depending on the height of your truck and the location of the oil filter, you may need to lift the vehicle to work on it efficiently and safely. Use jack stands to securely support the truck if you’re raising it, and always follow proper safety guidelines when lifting a vehicle.
Locate the oil filter and oil drain plug
Consult your truck’s manual to find the exact location of the oil filter and drain plug, as they can vary based on the truck’s make and model.
In general, the oil drain plug is usually located on the bottom of the engine’s oil pan. In terms of locating the oil filter, this is usually cylindrical and can usually be found attached to the engine block.
Knowing these locations will help you quickly access each component, helping to speed up the oil change process.
Time to drain the old oil
Position the drain pan underneath the oil drain plug to catch the used oil as it drains out.
Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the oil drain plug. Be careful when removing it, as oil may start to flow out immediately. Allow all the old oil to drain completely, which will usually take a few minutes to complete.
Once the oil has drained, inspect the drain plug and its gasket. If the gasket is damaged, replace it to prevent a potential oil leak when reassembling.
After the oil has drained completely, securely tighten the drain plug back in place. Be sure to avoid overtightening, as this can damage the plug or the oil pan.
Remove the old oil filter
After changing the oil, it’s time to replace your filter. Start by placing the drain pan underneath the oil filter, as some oil may spill when you remove it.
Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. Once it’s loosened, you can finish removing it by hand. Be careful when doing this, as it may still contain some oil.
Once the old filter has been removed, check to ensure the rubber gasket is not stuck to the engine block. Sometimes, the gasket can stick to the surface, which may lead to leaks when the new filter is installed. If it’s stuck, carefully remove it.
Prepare and install the new oil filter
Prior to installing the new oil filter, dip your finger in new oil and apply a thin layer around the rubber gasket on the new filter. This helps create a better seal and makes it easier to remove during the next oil change.
Screw the new filter onto the engine by hand, turning it clockwise. Don’t use a wrench to tighten it, as hand-tightening is usually sufficient and prevents over-tightening, which can cause damage to the filter or gasket.
Adding fresh oil
First, locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine and remove it. Then, place a funnel in the filler hole and pour in the recommended amount of fresh oil, as specified in your truck’s manual. Don’t be tempted to overfill, as this can cause engine issues.
After adding oil, use the dipstick to check the oil level. Wipe the dipstick clean, insert it fully, and pull it out again to check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markers.
Once the oil is at the correct level, securely replace the oil cap.
Start the engine and check for leaks
Turn on the engine and let it run for a minute. This allows time for the new oil to permeate throughout the engine and fill the oil filter.
While the engine is running, inspect the area around the oil drain plug and oil filter for any signs of leaking.
Dispose of the old oil and filter properly
Used motor oil and filters must be disposed of properly, in an environmentally-friendly way. You will find that lots of auto parts stores and service stations offer recycling services for used oil and filters. Once you have found somewhere to take your oil, seal the used oil in a container and bring both the oil and old filter to the recycling facility.
As you can see, changing your truck’s oil filter is a manageable maintenance task that can save you money and keep your engine running smoothly at the same time. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can perform an oil and filter change confidently and ensure your truck’s performance remains at its optimum level.