El cambio de aceite en su vehículo es un elemento de mantenimiento fácil de realizar, cada tres meses o tres mil millas. Esa operación es relativamente simple y económica si la hace por su cuenta.

Preparación

1. Reúna los suministros necesarios: 4 ó 5 cuartos de aceite, un filtro nuevo (consulte con la refaccionaria o lea el manual para determinar el aceite y filtro adecuados), una llave ajustable para el filtro, gato hidráulico, soportes para la parte inferior del automóvil, embudo y recipiente para el aceite usado.

2. Encienda el auto por 10 minutos, pues es más fácil drenar el aceite caliente.

3. Estacione el vehículo sobre una superficie nivelada. Ponga el freno de mano y apague el motor. Si el auto es bajo, estaciónelo en una rampa o utilice el gato hidráulico y los soportes adecuados.

Nota: no trabaje debajo del vehículo levantado sólo con un gato. Los soportes son una precaución en caso de que el gato resbale y sólo cuestan $20.

4. Abra el cofre.

Drenaje

1. Localice el tapón de drenaje de aceite en la parte inferior del motor, usualmente cerca del centro frontal del vehículo o consulte el manual.

2. Coloque el recipiente para drenar bajo el tapón y aflójelo con una llave.

3. Extraiga el tapón y la junta con la mano. Retire rápidamente la mano.

4. Deje que el aceite usado fluya en el recipiente.

5. Una vez drenado, limpie el tapón y la abertura.

6. Coloque la junta del tapón y apriete sin exagerar con la mano y termine con la llave.

Cambie de filtro

1. Coloque el recipiente con el aceite usado bajo el filtro, en caso de acumulación.

2. Afloje el filtro con la llave ajustable.

3. Limpie la zona de montadura en el motor. Asegúrese que la junta de goma que sella el filtro no se haya pegado al motor.

4. Engrase ligeramente el sello de goma del nuevo filtro con el aceite sin usar.

5. Coloque manualmente el filtro nuevo o utilice la llave para apretar.

El aceite nuevo

1. Saque el recipiente con el aceite usado.

2. Desenrosque la tapa por la que verterá con el embudo de 4 a 5 cuartos de aceite nuevo. Consulte el manual para determinar la cantidad adecuada.

3. Coloque la tapa, encienda el motor unos minutos para que el aceite circule.

4. Apáguelo y verifique el nivel de aceite con la bayoneta. Añada si es necesario.

5. Revise bajo del auto que no haya derrames. Si hay alguno, apriete el tapón o el filtro.

6. Vierta el aceite usado y frío en un contenedor plástico, llévelo a un centro de reciclaje. No lo deseche en la coladera.

7. Anote fecha y millaje recorrido para determinar el próximo cambio.

ENGLISH VERSION:

Easy Steps For Changing Your Motor Oil

Changing the oil in your car is one of the easiest steps you can take to maintain your car's performance. It is recommended that you change the oil every 3 months or every 3,000 miles.

It's relatively easy and inexpensive to change your oil yourself.

PREPARATION

* Purchase or gather the necessary supplies to change your oil.

You'll need a case of motor oil and a new oil filter (consult with an autosupply shop or your owner's manual as to what grade of oil and type of filter is right for your vehicle); a socket set; adjustable oil filter wrench; jack and jack stands; funnel; and an oil drain pan.

* Run the car for about 10 minutes, as oil will drain easier when warm rather than cold.

* Park the car on a level surface. Make sure the parking (emergency) brake is engaged, and turn off the engine. If your car has a low clearance, raise it by driving it onto a ramp or by jacking it up and supporting it securely. Note: Never work under your car with it secured only on a jack. Two jack stands are a necessary safety precaution if one jack gives out. Purchase stands at an auto supply store for around $20.

* Open the hood and place the new filter and funnel on top of the engine. This act will remind you to add the new oil after you drain the old. Some do-it-yourselfers inadvertently forget to add new oil -- a costly mistake for the engine.

DRAINING THE OIL

1. Crawl under the car only if it is securely supported.

2. Locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the engine, usually near the front center of the car. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location.

3. Place the oil drain pan under the plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench. A few turns counter-clockwise should loosen the bolt.

4. Remove the plug and gasket by hand. Get ready to move your hand fast because hot oil is about to escape.

5. Let the oil drain into the pan. Hold onto the plug and gasket.

6. Wipe off the drain plug and the plug opening when the oil finishes draining.

7. Replace the drain plug gasket.

8. Reinstall the plug. Start tightening the bolt by hand and finish with a wrench or socket. Be careful not to overtighten or you may strip the plug.

CHANGING THE OIL FILTER

Your next step is to change the oil filter on your car.

1. Locate the existing oil filter. It is usually on the side of the engine (consult with the manual if you're not sure).

2. Position the oil drain pan under the oil filter to catch any oil that may have accumulated in the filter.

3. Loosen the oil filter with the adjustable oil filter wrench.

4. Use a rag to wipe the area where the filter mounts to the engine. Make sure the rubber seal of the old filter is not stuck to the engine.

5. Use some new oil to lightly coat the rubber seal of the new filter.

6. Screw the new filter into place by hand. It's usually unnecessary to tighten the oil filter with the oil filter wrench, but have it ready if your grip is not strong (or large) enough.

ADDING NEW OIL

Your final steps are done from atop the engine under the hood of your car. Therefore, you can remove the oil drip pan and slide out from under your car.

1. Locate the oil filler cap under the hood and remove it.

2. Place your funnel in the opening and add 4 to 5 quarts of new oil. Check your operator's manual for the correct amount.

3. Replace the cap.

4. Run your engine for a few minutes to get the oil circulating.

5. Shut off the engine and then check the oil dipstick, located near the oil fill cap, to see if the oil level is correct. Add more oil if necessary.

6. Once again, slide under your car and check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for oil leaks. Tighten the plug or oil filter if you find leakage.

7. Wipe away any excess oil from your car with a rag.

8. Pour the used oil from the oil drain pan into a plastic container after it has cooled and can be handled.

9. Bring the used oil to a recycling center or to an auto supply shop that does recycling. Never toss used oil down the sewer or a drain.

10. Record the date and mileage of the car on a sticker and secure it to your windshield or inside your owner's manual. That way, you'll know when it's time for another oil change.