Regular truck engine oil changes are crucial for maintaining engine performance and longevity. This article guides you on how to properly change your truck’s oil at home, saving you both money and time.
Draining old engine oil from a truck
Should You Change Truck Engine Oil at Home?
Truck engine oil is essential for smooth and stable engine operation and longevity. Regular oil changes, as recommended by the manufacturer, are necessary. While service centers offer professional oil change services with warranties, changing truck engine oil yourself at home can be equally effective if done correctly. The most obvious benefits are saving money and time.
When to Change Truck Engine Oil?
The truck engine oil change interval depends on three main factors: mileage, usage time, and operating conditions.
1. Mileage:
Manufacturers recommend truck engine oil change intervals based on mileage. Each truck model has different oil change requirements, which are detailed in the warranty booklet or owner’s manual. New trucks usually require an initial oil change sooner, around the first 1,000 km, to remove accumulated debris.
2. Time:
In addition to mileage, manufacturers also recommend changing truck engine oil based on engine operating time (whichever limit comes first), usually measured in months. Even if the mileage hasn’t been reached, the quality of truck engine oil can degrade due to the depletion or oxidation of additives.
3. Operating Conditions:
Trucks operating in harsh conditions such as rough terrain, steep slopes, flooded roads, frequently overloaded, or making short trips require more frequent truck engine oil changes than the standard interval.
Beyond these three factors, you should change the oil if you notice unusual signs such as sluggish engine performance, significant power loss, loud noises, or excessive harmful emissions.
DIY Guide to Changing Truck Engine Oil at Home
Preparation:
- Consult the owner’s manual to determine and choose the correct truck engine oil type.
- Prepare tools and materials: new oil and oil filter, oil filter wrench, wrench for drain plug, oil funnel, jack stands, large cardboard sheet, oil drain pan, gloves, rags.
Oil Change Steps:
- Position and Lift the Truck: Choose a level surface and use jack stands to create space to work under the vehicle.
- Drain the Old Oil: Place the cardboard sheet and position the oil drain pan. Remove the drain plug and let the oil drain completely, then tighten the drain plug back.
- Remove and Replace the Oil Filter: Use the correct size oil filter wrench to remove the old filter. Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new filter with fresh oil before installation. Fill the new filter about ⅔ full with new oil and install it in the old position. Hand-tighten until snug, then use the wrench to tighten it to the specified torque.
- Add New Oil: Pour in slightly less new oil than the recommended amount because some old oil remains in the engine.
- Check and Clean the Oil Fill Cap: Check the oil level using the dipstick, add more if needed. Wait 5 minutes and check again. Clean the oil fill cap to prevent oil leaks from the engine.
Removing and replacing the truck engine oil filter
Conclusion
Changing truck engine oil at home is entirely feasible if you follow the correct procedure. Hopefully, this guide will help you maintain your truck effectively, saving you money and time.
